The Lakers knew the challenges the Charlotte Bobcats have presented them in the past. The Lakers knew this was their last game at Staples Center in two weeks and that they wanted to leave on a positive note before hitting the road.
So much for knowing all that.
What the Lakers know is that the Bobcats are a big thorn for them, Charlotte's 117-110 double-overtime victory Tuesday night showing that yet again.
Lakers Coach Phil Jackson sat down after the game and had no statement to make.
He asked for questions.
So Jackson was asked why the Bobcats have defeated the Lakers five out of six, including the last three games the in Los Angeles.
"I don't know," Jackson began. "It's the way the roll of the dice goes some nights. This was one of those games. They outplayed us tonight."
The Lakers leave Thursday for a 10-day, six-game trip with the bitter taste of defeat that left them with a 35-9 record, the third best in the NBA, percentage points behind Cleveland and Boston, two teams L.A. will face on this trip
"We were fortunate to get back in the game. They had to miss foul shots for us to get back into the ballgame," Jackson said. "We really almost stole a ballgame that we should have lost. So I think sometimes justice prevails."
Andrew Bynum, the Western Conference player of the week, tried to carry the Lakers in the second overtime after Kobe Bryant fouled out in the first extra period.
Bynum produced his fourth consecutive double-double with 24 points and 14 rebounds, for all the good it did. He also had six blocked shots.
"That team always plays us tough," said Bynum, who had seven points and three blocked shots in the final overtime. "It must be a matchup thing or something like that."
Bryant, who scored eight of his 38 in the overtime, fouled out for the first time this season with 39.8 seconds left and the Lakers leading, 103-100.
"I don't know. Doesn't matter," Bryant said about his sixth foul.
Bryant stood on the sideline watching, waiting for his team to get a defensive stop.
But when Boris Diaw (23 points, nine rebounds, nine assists) made a three-pointer to tie the score at 103-103, Bryant dropped his head and pursed his lips.
The Bobcats then outscored the Lakers, 14-7, in the second overtime to pull out the victory.
