"I didn't think our starters came out with the right focus and they lost the lead right away in the third quarter," Lakers coach Phil Jackson said. "If they (the reserves) play minutes they are going to have some effect on the game."
A jumper by Carter got the Nets within five, but Evans hit a jumper, Bynum scored a layup and Bryant, who only took 13 shots in a game in which he was content to pass, added four more free throws.
"It's just the way they play," Bryant said of the Nets' defense. "It's one of those teams that is absolutely bent on me not scoring. They throw everything but the kitchen sink. The challenge I have is to make teams see that I can just be as big a threat passing the ball."
The Nets made their comeback on a three-point play by Mikki Moore, two baskets by Jefferson and a 3-pointer by Kidd with 31.6 seconds to go.
Bryant missed a shot on the Lakers' next possession, giving the Nets their last shot.
Los Angeles had a foul to give with 6.3 seconds to go. Carter took the inbounds pass and missed his chance to tie it.
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