Spurs 85 - 99 Lakers
Final
  for this game

Lakers eyeing retribution against Spurs

Jan 25, 2009 - 7:13 AM San Antonio (29-13) at LA Lakers (34-8) 3:30 p.m. EST

LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- The San Antonio Spurs needed some late heroics and a favorable call from the referees to earn a win against the Los Angeles Lakers in their first meeting this season.

The Lakers certainly haven't forgotten about the heartbreaking loss.

Los Angeles goes for revenge and its fourth straight win on Sunday when it welcomes the Spurs to the Staples Center.

San Antonio took the first contest between the teams, 112-111, on January 14, but the win did not come without controversy.

After Kobe Bryant drilled a 3-pointer from the wing over Roger Mason that gave the Lakers a 111-109 lead with 12 seconds left, the Spurs called a timeout to set up a final play.

Matt Bonner had trouble inbounding the ball, but found Mason in the corner. He pump-faked, then hit a tough shot as Derek Fisher was called for a questionable foul after making contact with Mason from behind.

Mason made the ensuing free throw, giving the Spurs a one-point lead, but Los Angeles had one last chance.

With Bryant doubled out high, he passed to Trevor Ariza at the top of the key. Ariza made a move to split Bonner and Manu Ginobili, was bumped by Ginobili but was called for a travel with less than a second left on the clock, sealing the victory for San Antonio.

After dropping its next game to the Orlando Magic, the Lakers won three straight games, including a 117-97 victory over the Washington Wizards on Thursday.

The Spurs extended their current surge to four games with a 94-91 victory over the New Jersey Nets on Friday.






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