Lakers edge out Bobcats

NBA Western Conference pace-setters Los Angeles Lakers were made to battle all the way before sealing a two-point victory over Charlotte Bobcats, 99-97.

The Lakers led by five going into the final quarter but the visitors, led by Stephen Jackson's 30-point haul, remained in touch right until the final seconds.

The Lakers' nearest challengers in the conference standings, Denver Nuggets, were humbled 109-97 by Phoenix Suns.

Amar'e Stoudemire and Jason Richardson racked up 20 points apiece for the Suns - the former adding 17 rebounds in a superb double-double.

Utah Jazz boosted their own challenge by beating North-West division rivals Portland Trail Blazers 118-105 thanks to 28 points from Mehmet Okur, 22 from Andrei Kirilenko and a fine performance from guard Deron Williams, who contributed 13 points and 13 assists.

Australian centre Patty Mills scored two points for the Trail Blazers in just under a minute of court time.

Monta Ellis' career-high 46-point haul was in vain as Dallas Mavericks held off Golden State Warriors 110-101, while Ray Allen (23) and Rajon Rondo (22) saw Boston Celtics to a 107-102 win over Miami Heat despite Dwyane Wade's 30 points.

Sacramento Kings' Tyreke Evans netted 32 points but George Hill (23) saw San Antonio Stars over the line for 115-113 win with a late pair of free throws.

Kevin Durant scored 30 points as Oklahoma City Thunder beat New Orleans Hornets 103-99, while Chicago Bulls went down 106-103 in overtime to Philadelphia 76ers as Andre Iguodala's lay-up and Willie Green's free throws eventually proved decisive.

Atlanta Hawks beat Los Angeles Clippers 103-97, New York Knicks cruised past Washington Wizards 107-85 and Toronto Raptors beat the hapless New Jersey Nets 108-99.