Los Angeles, CA (Sports Network) - Despite one of the worst shooting nights of his career, Kobe Bryant hit the shot that mattered most with the game on the line.

Bryant rose up from the left wing and nailed a go-ahead three-pointer with 20.2 seconds remaining, lifting the Los Angeles Lakers past the New Orleans Hornets, 88-85, on Saturday.

Jason Smith had a chance to tie the game at the buzzer, but his three-point attempt was blocked by Pau Gasol.

Bryant, who missed his first 15 shots from the floor, didn't record his first point until there was 7:30 left in the fourth quarter. He finished with 11 points on 3-of-21 shooting from the floor.

Gasol netted 21 points to go with 11 rebounds and Andrew Bynum added 19 points and 10 boards for Los Angeles, which has won four of its last six games. Ramon Sessions had 10 points and 10 assists.

Smith paced the Hornets with 17 points and 10 rebounds. New Orleans has lost four of its past five contests.

The Sports Network