Lakers 104, Hornets 96: Kobe Bryant scored 23 of his game-high 30 points in the fourth quarter and Los Angeles withstood an inspired effort by visiting New Orleans to keep its playoff hopes alive.

Pau Gasol had 22 points and 11 rebounds and Dwight Howard added 19 points for the Lakers, who took over sole possession of the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference with four games to play. Los Angeles holds a half-game lead over Utah, which owns the tiebreaker with the Lakers.

Eric Gordon led New Orleans with 22 points and Anthony Davis contributed 18 and 14 boards. Greivis Vasquez added 11 points and 11 assists for the Hornets, who trailed 89-86 with 4:20 remaining before the Lakers scored five unanswered points to secure their 11th straight win over New Orleans.

Bryant scored seven straight points in the first 1:21 of the fourth quarter to put the Lakers ahead 77-70. The pesky Hornets refused to go away, and Gordon’s two free throws gave New Orleans an 82-80 lead with 7:31 left.

Bryant, who was held to four points in the first half, played 41 minutes and made nine of his 18 shots, including two 3-pointers. Gasol, Howard and Steve Blake each played at least 33 minutes for the Lakers, who play at Portland on Wednesday.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Lakers PG Steve Nash missed his fourth straight game with hip and hamstring soreness. … Lakers F Metta World Peace returned just 12 days after undergoing surgery to remove cartilage from his left knee. World Peace, who was expected to miss 4-6 weeks, had four points in 15 minutes off the bench. … Los Angeles led by 10 with 5:56 left in the second quarter before New Orleans closed the half on a 17-2 run.