Lakers can’t hold on to late lead in 89-87 loss to the Pacers

The Lakers lost their second straight game, falling on Monday to the Pacers in Indiana, 89-87.

After the Pacers pulled ahead by as many as 17 points in the third quarter, the Lakers battled back with a 12-0 run to close within five, heading into the final period.

Kobe Bryant, in his final career appearance in Indiana, exploded with a trio of three-pointers late in the fourth quarter to give the Lakers an 84-80 lead with 1:26 left on the clock.

Pacers All-Star starter Paul George, who grew up idolizing Bryant, responded with six straight points to push his team up by two with 38.3 seconds left.

Bryant wasn’t able to convert again. Forward Julius Randle hit a three-pointer at the buzzer to end the scoring for the night, finishing with 15 points and 19 rebounds.

Both teams struggled to score. The Pacers hit 39.7% from the field, 14.8% from three-point range (4-27) and 69.7% from the line (23-33). The Lakers hit 31.2%, 22.9% (8-35) and 80.8% (21-26), respectively.

Bryant led the Lakers with 19 points. D’Angelo Russell scored 16 points, Lou Williams 13 and Jordan Clarkson 10. Bryant missed 19 of 25 shots, Russell 12 of 18, Williams eight of 11 and Clarkson eight of 12.

George led all scorers with 21 points. George Hill added 15, Myles Turner had 14 points with 13 rebounds, and Ian Mahinmi scored 11 points.

1/11

Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) drives by Pacers forward Myles Turner (33) during the first half.

  (Michael Conroy / Associated Press)

2/11

Pacers forward Paul George looks on before a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

  (Joe Robbins / Getty Images)

3/11

Pacers forward Paul George defends against Lakers forward Kobe Bryant during the first half.

  (Joe Robbins / Getty Images)

4/11

Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) drives past Pacers forward Paul George (13) during the first half.

  (Michael Conroy / Associated Press)

5/11

Pacers center Ian Mahinmi lies bleeding on the floor after being hit in the forehead in the first half of the game.

  (Joe Robbins / Getty Images)

6/11

Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) drives to the basket against Pacers forward Paul George (13) during the first half.

  (Michael Conroy / Associated Press)

7/11

Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) waves to Indiana Pacers fans as he leaves the game in the final seconds of the second half.

  (Michael Conroy / Associated Press)

8/11

Paul George of the Indiana Pacers gets a hug from Kobe Bryant before the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on February 8, in Indianapolis.

  (Joe Robbins / Getty Images)

9/11

Indiana Pacers center Ian Mahinmi reacts after being hit in the face as he was guarded by Lakers guard Louis Williams (23) during the first half.

  (Michael Conroy / Associated Press)

10/11

Lakers guard Louis Williams (23) pulls up for a shot in front of Indiana Pacers guard Joe Young (1) during the first half.

  (Michael Conroy / Associated Press)

11/11

Lakers forward Julius Randle shoots over Indiana Pacers forward Myles Turner (33) during the first half.

  (Michael Conroy / Associated Press)

Former Pacers center Roy Hibbert sat out for the Lakers with an ankle sprain. Robert Sacre started in his place, but spent much of the first half in foul trouble -- as did fellow starter Clarkson. Both Brandon Bass and Clarkson fouled out in the final minute of the game.

The Lakers (11-43) play next on Wednesday, visiting the Cleveland Cavaliers (37-14). The Pacers (28-24) host the Charlotte Hornets (26-26), also on Wednesday.

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