Sloppy Third Dooms Wizards

Written by Jeremy Batka @EastCoastAssn

Kobe Bryant dropped 30 points for a Lakers team that desperately needed a win. Los Angeles got that win tonight at the Verizon center beating the Wizards 102-96.

The Lakers came in to D.C. riding a four game losing streak knowing they had to beat the Wizards to avoid crisis mode in L.A. It wasn't a perfect game by the Lakers but they did enough to rise above a Washington club that is now 3-17.

The Wizards held a nine point lead in the second quarter thanks to stingy defense combined with Cartier Martin's long range shot. Martin had 21 on the night but his shot did cool off significantly in the second half when Washington needed him most.

Martin has been seeing more playing time as of late and it seems his confidence is growing. He started the night 5-5 from the field and while he had a down second half, it's clear the Wizards offense needs a consistent shooter from beyond the arc and it's possible Martin could be that shooter.

Dwight Howard found himself in foul trouble early and Washington took advantage with that nine point lead. A lead the Lakers were able to erase by half time. The Wizards didn't lead after half.

The Wizards were only able to put 14 points up in the third quarter and dug themselves in a hole that they never came out of. Despite pulling within six late, Kobe and company were just too much for Randy Wittman's club.

Martell Webster and Nene both had 17 points on the night and Kevin Seraphin added 16. Jordan Crawford had a tough shooting night going 5-17 from the field scoring only 11 points. But as a unit, the Wizard's offense is still too careless with the ball and having trouble finding the man with the open shot.

The Wizards will be in Miami tomorrow night facing a Heat club eager for revenge. The last thing Lebron James and Dwayne Wade want to do is lose to the Wizards...again. How embarassing would that be?