Lakers 91, Suns 85: Dwight Howard recorded 19 points and 18 rebounds to help Los Angeles overcome a rare quiet offensive night from Kobe Bryant.

Antawn Jamison finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds off the bench and Metta World Peace scored 17 for the Lakers, who opened their five-game homestand with a win. Bryant didn’t make his first field goal until 2:10 remained in the game as he finished with four points on 1-of-8 shooting.

Michael Beasley scored 18 points and Luis Scola had 15 and 11 rebounds for the Suns, who lost their fourth in a row despite holding the Lakers to nine third-quarter points.

The Suns took advantage of a nearly 9 1/2-minute field-goal drought by the Lakers, going on a 18-2 run to close out the third quarter for a 71-65 edge. But it didn't last, as Jodie Meeks’ layup early in the fourth quarter pushed the Lakers back in front, 75-73.

Beasley briefly knotted the game back up but the Lakers rattled off six straight points, going ahead 81-75 on Jamison’s layup with 5:41 remaining.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Bryant didn’t take his first shot of the game until 7:32 remained in the third quarter. The last time he didn’t attempt a shot in a half was Jan. 12, 2010, vs. the San Antonio Spurs. … Bryant finished with nine assists but also had eight turnovers. … Steve Nash had 10 points and eight assists against his former team.