Jordan Farmar provides a fourth-quarter spark for Lakers

Kobe Bryant didn’t hesitate to answer what changed the momentum for the Lakers in the fourth quarter of Game 2 of the Western Conference finals Wednesday night at Staples Center.

“ Jordan Farmar,” Bryant said.

The Phoenix Suns had just gone to work on the Lakers in the third, scoring 34 points, shooting 63.6% from the field, 60% from three-point range, and tying the score at 90-90 entering the fourth.

Farmar stepped into a void for the Lakers in the fourth, scoring six points and pushing them to a 124-112 victory and a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Farmar had six of his 11 points in the fourth, and a key steal.

“He came in and made a big three for us and got a big deflection and a steal for us,” Bryant said. “That changed the momentum of the game.

“Up until that point, they had all the momentum. And he singlehandedly was responsible for changing that at the start of the fourth.”

Farmar opened the fourth with a three-pointer off a pass from Shannon Brown, giving the Lakers a 93-90 lead.

“I got a good look with my first shot in the fourth and knocked it down,” Farmar said.

Farmar then got a steal, which led to a Gasol layup and a 95-90 Lakers lead.

After a Steve Nash turnover, Farmar made a three-pointer to push the lead to 104-95.

“Steve Nash went under the screen-and-roll and I just got an open look,” Farmar said.

For the game, Farmar was four for five from the field, three for three from three-point range. Farmar has played well for the Lakers in both games against the Suns.

He has heard all the talk about how good the Suns’ bench is, about how Lamar Odom has been the most consistent Lakers reserve, how the rest of the bench players have to be productive.

“I felt like I’ve been playing good basketball all season and all throughout the playoffs,” Farmar said. “I got a lot less opportunity in Oklahoma, a lot less playing time in Utah. If I get my chance, I just try to play as hard as I can.”

Farmar got a chance to play 14 minutes, 19 seconds in Game 2.

He played 18:44 in the first game.

“I’m feeling good,” Farmar said. “I’m just trying to play ball, man. That’s all.”

broderick.turner@latimes.com

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