Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Lakers 1/6/13: Video Highlights and Recap

Kobe Bryant did just about all he could down the stretch, but it wasn't enough as the Denver Nuggets escaped with a 112-105 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night.

Bryant, who scored 18 of L.A.'s 22 fourth-quarter points, finished with 29 and a couple of clutch threes, but the Lake Show still dropped to 15-18 and 10-8 at home.

Dwight Howard chipped in 14 points, an astounding 26 rebounds, four blocks and one untimely assist to the other team.

With the Lakers trailing by three and needing a stop late, Howard blocked an Andre Miller shot right into the hands of Danilo Gallinari in the corner, who knocked down the three as the shot clock expired to seal the game for Denver.

With the win, the Nuggets improved to 20-16 and 9-14 on the road.

For a complete look at the full box score, check out NBA.com.

Player of the Game: Ty Lawson

It's difficult to pick a player of the game when Denver has six players in double-figures and five with at least 14 points.

But Lawson deserves the game ball.

The dynamic point guard scored 21 points on 50 percent shooting (9-of-18) to go with 10 assists and three steals. He also forced Steve Nash into a season-high five turnovers. 

Honorable mention goes to Andre Iguodala, who had a typical all-around performance with 15 points, six rebounds, seven assists, one block and terrific defense. 

Up Next for Denver

The Nuggets get a couple of days off before hosting the Orlando Magic on Wednesday.

Up Next for Los Angeles

The Lakers, who have now lost three in a row and four of their last five after seemingly righting the ship, must head to Texas to take on the Houston Rockets on Tuesday and San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday. 

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