Fighting a slew of injuries, LO gave perhaps his most inspiring performance of the season, but Los Angeles still lost Game 4 of the Western Conference playoffs, 113-100, to the Phoenix Suns.

Lamar finished with 19 points on eight of 19 shots to go with 13 rebounds.

His greatest moments came, however, in the third quarter of the game, when he scored 10 of his 17 second-half points.

His slam dunk with just under four minutes play in the period cut the Phoenix lead to eight.

Moments later, LO was waving the Staples Center crowd to its feet as Los Angeles tried to make a defensive stand.

It was not to be. After the game, Lamar spoke in soft tones as he voiced his frustration with the Lakers' inability to take advantage of their opportunities.

"We had our chance, and we just didn't take it. They just beat us. They just played better basketball."

EFFORT ACKNOWLEDGED

Bill Plaschke of the Los Angeles Times dedicated his Monday column to Lamar's effort this season.

He writes:

In one stretch, he scored six consecutive points on drives to the basket, keeping the Lakers close. Another time, he painfully raised his arms to lead the crowd in a chant of, "Dee-fense, dee-fense."

He had as many assists in the second half — three — as the three Laker ballhandling guards had in the entire game combined.

He had more second-half rebounds — 10 — than any other Laker had for the entire game.

"It's like his body doesn't matter, it's all about the team," said Ronny Turiaf. "He never says anything about the pain, but we all see it, every day, we see him being a leader."

RELATED STORIES

Lakers/Suns Game 4 (April 30, 2007, Associated Press)
Lakers Are Left Behind in Game 4 Loss (April 30, 2007, Los Angeles Times)
Lakers/Suns Game 4 (April 29, 2007, NBA.com)
Video: Game Highlights (April 29, 2007, NBA.com)
All Pain, No Gain (April 30, 2007, LA Daily News)

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