The Los Angeles Lakers let a lead slip away in the fourth quarter, but the young trio of D'Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle took control in overtime in a 102-100 victory. Randle put the cherry on top, taking Luol Deng to the rim off the dribble to sink the game-winning shot before prancing back to the bench.
Clarkson, Russell and Randle accounted for all 15 of the Lakers' overtime points, throwing a wet blanket on theMiami Heat.
Kobe Bryant started the game, just like he said he would following their loss to the Washington Wizards, but it was only for a small stint. He played just under nine minutes before returning to the bench to have his knees and shoulder wrapped, then called it a wrap after halftime. Bryant's final game against Dwyane Wade amounted to two points on one-of-seven shooting.
Hassan Whiteside controlled everything inside. He ended the game with 18 points, 17 rebounds and seven blocks. Roy Hibbert's offense came alive as his jumping hook shots seemed to gravitate through the net. Hibbert finished with 12 points and nine rebounds. Russell's efficiency was down in this one (6-of-19, 16 points), but he came alive in overtime to lead the way with five key points. Dwyane Wade and Clarkson were matched for game-highs of 26 points.
The Lakers get a much-needed layoff until Sunday. The Boston Celtics are next up, and you can count on Kobe wanting to play more than nine minutes in his final game against the green.