=== Los Angeles Lakers Team Report - January 3 ===

(My Sportsbook) - The Los Angeles Lakers dropped a 111-109 decision to the Seattle SuperSonics Friday at Key Arena.

Kobe Bryant scored 32 points for the Lakers, who suffered their third straight road loss and their third loss in their last four overall. Center Shaquille O'Neal posted six points before leaving the game in the second quarter with a strained right calf.

Gary Payton delivered 24 points in his return to Seattle for the Lakers, who rallied from a 98-89 deficit down the stretch.

Bryant sparked the comeback with eight points to highlight an 11-2 run, including two foul shots with 4:13 to go, to forge a 100-100 tie.

A jumper by Allen with 1:48 to go opened a 106-102 edge for Seattle. However, Bryant hit a three-pointer and Payton hit a foul shot to pull the Lakers even at 106-106 with 1:11 to go.

Ray Allen and Bryant traded three-pointers to force a 109-109 tie with 22.9 seconds to play.

Then Allen won the game, converting a driving layup through two defenders with 5.8 seconds remaining.

The Lakers return to action on Sunday against the Clippers.