Kobe Bryant, Lakers rally to down Bobcats

Los Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant, right, shoots over Charlotte Bobcats’ Kemba Walker, left, during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Friday, Feb. 8, 2013. The Lakers won 100-93. AP Photo/Chuck Burton

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina – Kobe Bryant scored all 20 of his points in the second half – 14 in the fourth quarter – to lead the Los Angeles Lakers’ comeback to a 100-93 NBA win over the Charlotte Bobcats on Friday.

The Lakers, coming off a demoralizing 116-95 loss at Boston on Thursday, looked headed to another road defeat when they trailed NBA stragglers Charlotte by 20 points in the third quarter.

Bryant attempted just two shots in the first half, but he came alive after the break.

His 14 fourth-quarter points included a slashing layup with 40 seconds to play that gave the Lakers a 98-93 lead.

Steve Nash and Earl Clark added 17 points apiece and Dwight Howard – who returned from a nagging shoulder injury against Boston on Thursday – had 12 points and 11 rebounds.

Bryant also posted eight assists with seven rebounds for the Lakers, who are battling to get into playoff contention in the Western Conference.

The Lakers, who had six players score in double figures, continue their marathon road trip against reigning NBA champions Miami on Sunday.

The Bobcats dropped their sixth straight game despite double-doubles for Byron Mullens and Gerald Henderson. Both scored 20 points, and Mullens added 12 rebounds and Henderson grabbed 10.

The Bobcats also welcomed back rookie forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist after a two-game absence with a concussion.

Kidd-Gilchrist was hurt in a scary collision with teammate Jeff Taylor in a game at Houston last Saturday.