ANAHEIM, California -- The Los Angeles Lakers squandered a late fourth quarter lead and lost to the Phoenix Suns in overtime, 112-108, Tuesday night at the Honda Center here in Anaheim. Up 94-92 with 9.5 seconds left in regulation, Lakers forward Wesley Johnson missed two free throws that could have iced the game. The Suns then capitalized by pushing the ball up the court where Isaiah Thomas hit a baseline jumper that forged overtime. In the extra session, the Suns went back to their strength by driving the lane, making clutch shots, drawing the fouls and making the free throws when it counted. It was more than enough to repel the Lakers. The Suns' guard trio attacked the Lakers defense with penetrations that left wide open shots, including several field goals for Gerald Green, who finished with 21. Thomas led all scorers with 26 while Goran Dragic added 15 and three assists. Eric Bledsoe pitched in 11. Kobe Bryant, who was showered with "M-V-P! M-V-P!" chants from an adoring crowd, made 10 of 20 shots for 27 points to pace the Lakers. Johnson and Jeremy Lin registered 15 points apiece and Jordan Hill accounted for 14 points and seven rebounds. The 2-4 Lakers have two more preseason games left -- October 22 versus the Portland Trail Blazers and October 24 versus the Sacramento Kings -- before opening their regular season against Houston Rockets at the Staples Center on October 28. (KB)
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