Double Double for Number Two, Wizards Can't Climb Wall.

It was an energetic atmosphere at the Staples Centre last night, as the Los Angelas Lakers edged the Washington Wizards 115-108, in what wasn't a very competitive game, until the third quarter, in which Phil Jackson's squad was hustled, out rebounded and outscored, 28-18 and narrowed the defecit to just 3.

Rookie point guard John Wall took charge during the game, sparking the 11-4 run, finishing with 22 points and 14 assists in a valiant effort. Pau Gasol led the Lakers onset, two assists short of a triple double, with 21 points, 14 rebounds and 8 assists. Bryant added 32 for the home squad on 12-23 shooting, and Gilbert Arenas chipped in 23 points, while turning the ball over 7 times...

Rebounding was the difference in this contest, as the Wizards outgunned the Lakers 50%-44% off the floor, but were outhustled and lost the count 45-34 on the glass, especially 22-9 offensively.

The secdon consecutive win puts Los Angeles 4th in the West (15-6), 2.5 games behind the streaking Spurs; yet drops Washington, albeit in a rebuilding stage, 14th in the East (6-14).

Washington looks to rebound tonight against Sacremento (4-15) tip-off slated at 10 pm. The Lakers are in an intracity battle as they play host to the Clippers, timed to go at 10:30 Eastern.

Key note, Washington Forward Trevor Brook shot 7-9 from the field, in over 20 minutes of playing time.