Lakers’ late rally falls short against the Nets, 114-105

After falling behind by as many as 22 points, the Lakers rallied late to close the gap to seven, ultimately falling short against the Brooklyn Nets, 114-105, on Friday night at Staples Center.

Nets guard Joe Johnson led all scorers with 23 points, making five of seven three-point shots. Brook Lopez added 22 off the bench, while starters Bojan Bogdanovic had 18, Alan Anderson 14 and Deron Williams 12.

Coach Byron Scott experimented with his rotation, playing guards Jeremy Lin and Ronnie Price off the bench, along with center Jordan Hill, who returned to action after a hip injury. Forwards Carlos Boozer and Wesley Johnson did not play, a coach’s decision.

Lin led the Lakers with 18 points. Reserve forward Ed Davis put up big numbers with 16 points and 14 rebounds. Hill also gave the Lakers a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds.

Center Robert Sacre also scored 13, while point guard Jordan Clarkson and forward Ryan Kelly eath scored 12.

The Lakers shot 46.1% from the field but only 17.4% (4 of 23) from three-point range (4-23). The Nets shot 47.2% and 47.6% (10 of 21), respectively.

With the loss, the Lakers fall to 13-41. They’ll next host the Boston Celtics (20-32) on Sunday at Staples Center. The Nets (22-31) are off until Monday, when they the Denver Nuggets (20-34).

Nets 96, Lakers 77 (end of third quarter)

Brooklyn pulled away in the third, finishing the quarter with a 19-point lead after outscoring the Lakers, 40-20.

Joe Johnson leads all scorers with 20 points, making five of seven from long range. Brook Lopez has added 19 off the bench. Three other players -- Bojan Bogdanovic (14), Alan Anderson (13) and Deron Williams (10) are in double figures for the Nets, who are shooting 52.9% from the field and 55.6% (10 of 18) from three-point range.

Robert Sacre was high man for the Lakers with 13 points. Ryan Kelly and Jordan Clarkson have each added 12 apiece. Ed Davis has scored 10 off the bench for the Lakers, who are shooting 47.1% from the field and 20% (3 of 15) from behind the arc.

Forwards Carlos Boozer and Wesley Johnson did not play a single minute through three quarters -- coach’s decision.

Lakers 57, Nets 56 (halftime)

Both Ryan Kelly and Bojan Bogdanovic led their teams with 12 points at the half, but the Lakers hold a one-point lead after 24 minutes.

Kelly made four of seven shots from the field, while Bogdanovic converted five of eight, including a dunk and a pair of three-pointers.

Robert Sacre added nine for the Lakers while Jordan Clarkson and Ed Davis eath scored eight.

Brook Lopez contributed 11 points off the bench for the Nets, who shot 44.9% from the field and committed seven turnovers.

The Lakers shot 51.1%, from the field and had six miscues. Both teams had just one turnover in the first quarter, so the second was far sloppier.

Nets 34, Lakers 32 (end of first quarter)

The Lakers led the Brooklyn Nets by as many as six points, behind hot starts from Jordan Clarkson and Ryan Kelly, but finished down by two on a buzzer-beating shot by former Lakers guard Darius Morris.

Clarkson scored eight points to the lead the Lakers, Kelly added seven. The team shot 52% from the field and hand only one turnover.

The Nets were even more efficient, converting 58.3% of their shots from the field, led by Bojan Bogdanovic with nine points. Joe Johnson scored eight while Brook Lopez contributed seven off the bench.

Brooklyn also had just one turnover in the first 12 minutes.

Pregame

The Lakers (13-40) host the Brooklyn Nets (21-31) on Friday night at Staples Center.

Both teams have struggled recently, the Nets having lost three in a row and the Lakers dropping six conseuctive.

The Lakers will play without Kobe Bryant (shoulder), Julius Randle (knee) and Steve Nash (back), who are all done for the season.

Jarrett Jack (leg) isn’t expected to play while Mirza Teletovic (chest) is out for the year. Recently acquired forward Thaddeus Young could make his debut with the Nets.

For an in-depth breakdown, check out check out check out Preview: Lakers vs. Brooklyn Nets.

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