Lakers hold off Hornets to stay perfect

The 24-second clock was winding down and Kobe Bryant was being smothered on defense by James Posey, seemingly with no place to turn.

But there was for Bryant, who rose up and knocked down a three-point shot that sent the Lakers to a 93-86 victory over the New Orleans Hornets tonight.

Bryant curled his lips and shook his head at the crowd, knowing that his shot had given the Lakers an 86-80 lead and had put the game back in their hands.

It allowed the Lakers to improve to 7-0, the first time since 2001-02 they have started the season with that record.

Bryant finished with 20 points and six assists.

But he had plenty of help.

Derek Fisher had 20 points on seven-for-11 shooting. He made two late free throws after making a steal.

Pau Gasol had 14 points and Trevor Ariza had 10 points off the bench.

Chris Paul led the Hornets (4-3) with 30 points and 13 assists, the seventh consecutive game he has had at least 20 points and 10 assists in a game this season.

The Lakers led by 21 points at the half and apparently figured the game was over.

The Hornets didn't, striking back to within 11 points early in the third quarter.

While the Hornets went on a 12-2 run to open the third, Lakers Coach Phil Jackson just sat back in his seat, never calling a timeout, letting his team falter until it figured things out.

The Lakers did and it started with a running four-footer by Fisher, a steal by Fisher that led to an Andrew Bynum layup, a three-pointer by Fisher and an assist by Fisher on a Bryant jumper.

Turner is a Times staff writer

broderick.turner@latimes.com