Lakers barely ahead of injury-ravaged Hornets, 43-39, at halftime

The New Orleans Hornets are down to eight players because of injuries and personal reasons, but it didn’t stop them from giving the Lakers a rough first half.

The Lakers lead the Hornets at halftime, 43-39, after losing most of a 14-point lead.

Kobe Bryant was scoreless in the first half, missing all seven of his shots. Pau Gasol had 14 points and six rebounds.

The Hornets (13-38) have the worst record in the Western Conference. The Lakers (31-20) are coming off a 102-93 home loss to Oklahoma City.

Jason Smith has seven points for New Orleans.

The Hornets are playing without Trevor Ariza, Chris Kaman, Carl Landry, Emeka Okafor, Gustavo Ayon and Eric Gordon.

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Lakers barely ahead of injury-ravaged Hornets, 43-39