Clarkson’s last-second shot gives Lakers, 113-111, win over 76ers

Jordan Clarkson hit the game-winning layup with less than a second left in overtime, to give the Lakers a 113-111 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.

Wayne Ellington found Clarkson right at the basket for the assist, just 12 seconds after Philadelphia rookie Nerlens Noel hit a jumper to tie the score at 111.

In a game that likely kills the Lakers’ chances at catching the “third-place” 76ers in the draft lottery standings, the fourth-place Lakers saw Clarkson give one of the best performances of his rookie season, scoring 26 points with 11 assists, six rebounds and three steals.

He also hit four clutch free throws in the final 22.3 seconds of regulation to help force overtime. His Missouri teammate, fellow rookie Jabari Brown, scored a career-high 22 points on the final day of his second 10-day contract.

The Lakers have to decide on either signing Brown for the rest of the season or letting him go to free agency. His performance over 20 days would suggest he’s well-worthy of a return.

The Lakers also got 20 points from Ellington, 16 from Ryan Kelly (along with a career-best four blocks) and 12 from Wesley Johnson. Johnson led the Lakers with 11 rebounds. Jordan Hill scored five points with 10 rebounds before fouling out.

Tarik Black also fouled out early in the fourth quarter after 14 minutes, scoring six points with five rebounds. Philadelphia’s Furkan Aldemir picked up his sixth foul late in the fourth after scoring eight points with five rebounds.

Noel scored 19 points with 14 rebounds to lead the 76ers. Isaiah Canaan added 18 points, Ish Smith 17 points, Thomas Robinson 13 points and Robert Covington 12 points.

The Lakers shot 48.8% from the field and 47.6% from three-point range (10-21). Philadelphia hit 40.6% and 33.3% (10-30), respectively. The Sixers missed 15 free throws in the loss (23-38). Both teams turned the ball over 17 times.

With the win, the Lakers improve to 20-53. They’ll return home to host the New Orleans Pelicans (39-34) on Wednesday. The 76ers (18-57) visit the Washington Wizards (41-33), also on Wednesday.

If the Lakers don’t finish with a top-five pick, they’ll send their selection to the Sixers, via the Phoenix Suns. With just nine to play, the Lakers are closer to falling to fifth in the draft lottery with the Orlando Magic (22-52) on their heels.

Lakers 102 - Philadelphia 76ers 102 (end of regulation)

Two teams fighting for draft position put on a show in the fourth quarter in Philadelphia.

The 76ers climbed ahead late by five on a Robert Covington three-pointer. The Lakers, who will send the 76ers their 2015 first-round pick if it’s not a top-five selection, answered with a Ryan Kelly three-pointer and a Jordan Clarkson running bank shot.

Ish Smith put the Sixers up by two with 31.9 seconds, but Clarkson hit a pair of free throws. Instead of milking the clock for the final 22.3 seconds, Philadelphia attacked quickly setting up a pair of free-throw makes by Nerlens Noel with 17.6 on the clock.

Clarkson responded with a drive, that resulted in another pair of clutch free throws to tie at 102 with 11.1 seconds left.

Smith missed the potential game-winner for the Sixers, forcing overtime.

Clarkson led all scorers with 24 points. His Missouri teammate, rookie Jabari Brown added a career-high 20 points as the Lakers shot 46.1% from the field.

The 76ers were led by Isaiah Canaan with 18 points. Smith contributed 17. The Sixers shot 41.7% from the field.

Lakers 76 - 76ers 71 (end of third quarter)

The Lakers extended their lead in the third quarter, out-scoring the 76ers, 25-21, to finish ahead by five points.

Jordan Clarkson led all scorers with 15 points, along with six assists, four rebounds and three steals. His former Missouri teammate Jabari Brown added 14 on three-of-four shooting from behind the arc.

Ryan Kelly also scored 13 points with three blocks while Wesley Johnson added 10 points. The Lakers shot 45.9% from the field.

The Sixers were led by Ish Smith with 12 points. Nerlens Noel hit a double-double in 25 minutes with 11 points and 12 rebounds.

Philadelphia shot 39.7% from the field.

Tarik Black and Furkan Aldemir both picked up their fifth foul in the third period, after 13 and 16 minutes, respectively.

Lakers 51 - 76ers 50 (halftime)

The Lakers stormed back in the second period against the 76ers, scoring 34 points to head into halftime with a one-point lead.

Ryan Kelly and Jordan Clarkson led all scorers with 11 points apiece. The team shot 46.3% from the field and 40.0% from three-point range (4-10).

Both Jordan Hill and Tarik Black collected three early fouls, but Robert Sacre (six points) and Kelly helped the Lakers catch and overtake the Sixers.

Nerlens Noel scored nine points to lead Philadelphia. Furkan Aldemir added eight points, as the 76ers shot 44.2% from the field and 38.5% from behind the arc.

Philadelphia turned the ball over nine times. The Lakers had six miscues.

76ers 28 - Lakers 17 (end of first quarter)

The Lakers struggled to score against the 76ers through the first quarter of play. Wayne Ellington led the Lakers with five points as the team shot just 38.9% from the field.

JaKarr Sampson scored six points, while Furkan Aldemir added five. Philadelphia hit 45.8% from the field and 60.0% (3-5) from three-point range. The Sixers dished out nine assists on 11 field goals.

Both Carlos Boozer and Jeremy Lin sat out with upper respiratory infections. Jason Richardson missed the game with a knee issue.

Pregame

The Lakers (19-53) finish a five-game road trip on Monday, visiting 76ers (18-56) in Philadelphia.

With a loss, the Lakers can “catch” the Sixers in the win column, which could have significant implications on the Lakers’ draft position in June.

Nick Young is out with a knee injury for the Lakers, while Ronnie Price (elbow), Kobe Bryant (shoulder) and Julius Randle (knee) are all done for the season.

Jeremy Lin sat out Sunday’s loss to the Brooklyn Nets with an upper respiratory infection.

Philadelphia will play without Joel Embiid (back) and Tony Wroten (knee), both out for the year.

For an in-depth breakdown, check out check out check out Preview: Lakers at Philadelphia 76ers.

Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.