Wizards finish with a flurry to defeat the Lakers, 111-95

Wizards 111, Lakers 95 (end of regulation)

The Lakers’ unbeaten streak against Eastern Conference teams came to an end on Wednesday as the team fell to the Wizards by 10 points in Washington.

Despite opening the season with a 1-13 record against Western Conference teams, the Lakers beat their first four East opponents before falling late to the Wizards.

The Lakers had overcome an 11-point fourth-quarter deficit to close to within four points with just more than two minutes on the clock.

The Wizards went on a 14-2 run to end the game.

Kobe Bryant led all scorers with 29 points, but he didn’t make a shot from the field in the second half, missing all seven of his attempts. The All-Star guard was able to get 11 points at the free-throw line in 14 tries.

Nick Young helped the Lakers get back in the game after the team struggled through the second and third quarters, finishing with 21 points and converting five three-pointers in 24 1/2 minutes. Carlos Boozer and Ronnie Price, who didn’t miss any of his four shots, both added 11 points. The Lakers shot only 38.8% from the field, with Jeremy Lin failing to score on 10 shots.

The Wizards got 27 points from Bradley Beal, a double-double from Marcin Gortat (21 points, 11 rebounds) and 20 rebounds from Kris Humphries, who had six points.

John Wall was the catalyst for the Wizards’ late run, finishing with 17 points and 15 assists. Rasual Butler and Paul Pierce both scored 14 for the Wizards, who shot 48.4% from the field.

The Lakers fall to 5-13 on the season. They visit the Boston Celtics (4-11) on Friday. The Wizards (12-5) host the Denver Nuggets (9-9), also on Friday.

Wizards 78, Lakers 69 (end of third quarter)

The Wizards clamped down on the Lakers for the second consecutive quarter, holding the visiting team to only 17 points after a 19-point second quarter.

Meanwhile, the Wizards scored 24 points to extend their lead to nine points. Bradley Beal leads Washington with 20 points while John Wall has a double-double with 11 points and 13 assists. Kris Humphries collected 18 rebounds in 25 minutes as the Wizards shot 44.4% from the field.

The Lakers just couldn’t figure out how to score, their field-goal percentage dropping to 36.9%. Kobe Bryant leads all scorers with 27 points. Although he missed all four of his shots in the third quarter, he drew enough fouls to make nine of 12 free throws.

Jeremy Lin is scoreless on 10 missed shots. Nick Young was the only other Laker in double figures with 11.

Wizards 54, Lakers 52 (halftime)

The Lakers gave up their 11-point lead to the Wizards, falling behind by two at the half.

Kobe Bryant suffered a scare, knocking knees with guard Bradley Beal. Initially, it looked like Bryant would need to come out of the game, but he played on and even hit a pair of jumpers to stop a 9-0 run by the Wizards.

Beal got hot for Washington, scoring 16 points in 17 minutes. Marcin Gortat and Paul Pierce each added nine points while Rasual Butler added eight off the bench. John Wall dished nine assists as the Wizards shot 44.7% from the field but only 28.6% (4 of 14) from three-point range.

Bryant gave the Lakers 20 points in 18 minutes, hitting eight of 15 shots. Nick Young converted all three of his long-range attempts for nine points.

As a team, the Lakers made 42.2% of their shots from the field and 53.3% (8 of 15) from deep. Both teams turned the ball over six times.

After scoring 33 in the first quarter, the Lakers managed only 19 in the second. The Wizards scored 27 in both quarters.

Lakers 33, Wizards 27 (end of first quarter)

The Lakers survived an early 9-0 run from the Wizards to finish the first quarter ahead by six points.

Kobe Bryant got hot, scoring 15 points in a little more than 11 minutes, hitting six of 11 shots, including back-to-back three-pointers. The Lakers made 48% of their shots from the field and 50% (4 of 8) from behind the arc.

Washington as led by Marcin Gortat and Bradley Beal with seven apiece. John Wall scored six and had five assists. Kris Humphries grabbed six rebounds in 8 1/2 minutes.

The Wizards shot 47.8% from the field and had four turnovers. The Lakers had two turnovers.

Jeremy Lin missed all five of his shots but had four assists.

Pregame

The Lakers (5-13) will look to stay unbeaten against the Eastern Conference (4-0), visiting the Washington Wizards (11-5) on Wednesday night.

Nene has been sidelined recently with foot issues for the Wizards. Teammate Martell Webster (back) is out.

The Lakers are still down Xavier Henry (Achilles’ tendon), Ryan Kelly (hamstring), Steve Nash (back) and Julius Randle (leg).

For an in-depth breakdown, check out Preview: Lakers at Washington Wizards.

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