Lakers fall back to Earth with loss to Atlanta Hawks, 100-87

For the third time this season, the Lakers were unable to build a winning streak, falling on Friday to the Hawks in Atlanta, 100-87.

The Hawks dominated the first half, leading by as many as 19 points. The Lakers responded with a strong third quarter, outscoring Atlanta, 30-20. With exactly six minutes left in the game, former Hawks guard Lou Williams hit a three-pointer to get the Lakers within four points.

The final minutes, however, were a disaster for the Lakers. The Hawks hit shot after shot and forced turnovers, closing out with a 13-point win.

Kobe Bryant was cheered warmly by the Atlanta crowd, but the All-Star shot just four for 19 from the field, missing eight of 10 three-point attempts. His two long-range makes came during the Lakers’ run, but Bryant and his teammates couldn’t sustain the effort.

Bryant finished with 14 points in over 35 minutes with five assists and two turnovers. Williams was the Lakers’ leading scorer with 18 points.

D’Angelo Russell reached his first career double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds, but his four assists came with seven turnovers. Jordan Clarkson finished with 13 while Julius Randle had a tough night, with eight points and five rebounds.

The Hawks were led by Al Horford with 16 points. Paul Millsap and former Lakers guard/forward Kent Bazemore added 15, while Mike Scott added 14 and Jeff Teague 13.

Atlanta shot 50.0% from the field, 38.5% from three-point range (10-26) and 80.0% from the line (16-20). The Lakers hit 37.2%, 48.1% (13-27) and 76.9% (10-13), respectively. The Lakers stayed close by forcing turnovers (17 overall) and hitting three-pointers.

The Lakers turned the ball over 16 times, seven in the final period.

With just three wins on the season, including Wednesday in Washington over the Wizards, the Lakers (3-16) lost their eighth game in nine tries. They’ll travel to Detroit to play the Pistons (11-9) on Sunday. The Hawks (13-9) get a long rest, visiting the Dallas Mavericks (11-8) on Wednesday.

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