Lakers Avoid a Low Five

It started with a morning shoot-around that bordered on two hours, a rarity in these times where premiums are placed on game performance, not practice length.

It continued with the return of a Laker offense that looked systematic and sensible, and extended from there to a final few minutes that were actually kind to the Lakers, for the first time in a week.

With that, the Lakers halted a four-game losing streak by beating the Dallas Mavericks, 108-103, in front of 18,997 Friday at Staples Center.

Bryant, who was held scoreless in the fourth quarter of Wednesday’s loss to the Boston Celtics, had 40 points, 14 in the fourth quarter. Caron Butler had 20 points and Lamar Odom had 18.

The Lakers reclaimed eighth place in the Western Conference, moving a half-game ahead of the Denver Nuggets. They also managed to stay ahead of the Minnesota Timberwolves, who are suddenly a game under .500 despite team unity issues that run deep.

“We needed this one,” Odom said. “It was our longest losing streak of the season. It was time for it to end.”

The Lakers had problems at the end of their previous three games, losing in the waning minutes to the Toronto Raptors, New York Knicks and the Celtics on the road.

Friday’s game had a different ending.

Bryant made a finger roll while falling down with 2:14 left in the fourth quarter. He then made a 14-foot fadeaway with 1:44 left to give the Lakers a 99-94 lead.

There was even a display of defense.

Maverick forward Josh Howard missed a layup after Odom blocked it. Bryant saved the ball from going out of bounds. The Lakers retained possession.

There were still issues to hammer out -- Jumaine Jones fouled Darrell Armstrong while the Maverick guard was taking a three-pointer with 20.7 seconds left -- but the Lakers won’t complain.

“The box score shows we’re 29-24,” Coach Frank Hamblen said. “It must have been a great game.”

The Lakers are only 29-28, but after working on their offense during the lengthy shoot-around, they looked a little more in control of the triangle.

They also held the Mavericks to 33-of-85 shooting, making 103 points a little easier to accept.

“Communication and help on defense, that was the key,” guard Chucky Atkins said. “Everybody was effective.”

The Mavericks, who had been on a roll before losing to both the Clippers and Lakers in a three-day span, were shorthanded from the start.

Michael Finley, their second-leading scorer, sat out because of a bruised calf and center Erick Dampier was out because of a stress fracture in his right foot, taking a combined average of 27.1 points from their starting lineup.

To compensate, the Mavericks had to juggle. Shawn Bradley received his first start this season. Bradley, who never fared well in the past against the Lakers, had six points and four fouls. Dirk Nowitzki led the Mavericks with 23 points.

There were moments to remember for the Lakers.

Bryant dunked over Nowitzki early in the third quarter, providing an early boost after a 52-52 halftime tie. Early in the fourth quarter, Brian Cook stole the ball near midcourt, spun away from Keith Van Horn and drove the rest of the way for a layup.

Odom made eight of 10 shots. Bryant made 13 of 27 field goals and 14 of 16 free throws.

On the negative side for the Lakers, they made one of 18 three-point attempts.

“It was quite the three-point shooting exhibition,” Hamblen deadpanned.

The Lakers went with a small lineup from just inside the eight-minute mark of the fourth quarter, going with Bryant, Odom, Butler, Luke Walton and Jones. Atkins then substituted for Walton.

The Lakers have home games Sunday against the Indiana Pacers and Tuesday against the Clippers before leaving for a six-game trip.