Nets close in but Kobe Bryant breaks free

New Jersey Nets gave Kobe Bryant's LA Lakers a fright last night before the London-bound NBA side slipped to their seventh successive defeat.

The Lakers - who were today meeting President Barack Obama in recognition of their NBA title last season - trailed with just over five minutes remaining at the Prudential Center in New Jersey before Bryant snuffed out the threat of a shock and guided the Lakers to a 99-92 victory.

The shooting guard finished leading scorer on 32 points and Nets coach Avery Johnson admitted: "Kobe Bryant, that's the difference between the two teams."

Johnson, with only six wins from 24 games in his first season at the Nets, refused to be downcast as he attempts to rebuild the team on their way to the first-ever regular season NBA matches in Europe, a double-header against the Toronto Raptors at the O2 Arena in March.

"I don't like coming second but I like maximum effort," he said.

For tickets to the New Jersey Nets v Toronto Raptors at the London O2 arena on 4 and 5 March 2011, go to www.theo2.co.uk