While the Mavericks pulled within single digits a time or two in the fourth quarter, the result was never much in doubt.
The Lakers were led primarily by Kobe Bryant, who grabbed a triple-double with 23 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists, four steals and two blocks in 47 minutes of action.
Even more impressive, though, was the bench production the Lakers got from Earl Clark. He got his 11th double-double of the season, with 17 points, 12 rebounds and an impressive five blocks.
Once the four-minute mark rolled around, the Mavericks decided to adopt the hack-a-Howard, even though the team was down 15 points.
Howard answered the call, hitting five straight free throws in the fourth and ultimately ending the night with 24 points and 12 rebounds.
It wasn't pretty at times for the Lake Show, but all that matters is that they got the win, putting them three games above .500 and half a game behind the Utah Jazz for the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference.
Begin Slideshow
...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
