By Eric Pincus Los Angeles Times

9:07 p.m. CST, February 5, 2013

Kobe Bryant head into the half with nine points, seven rebounds and four assists.

Nets 24 - Lakers 18 (end of first quarter)

The Lakers struggled in the first quarter against the Brooklyn Nets, playing without Dwight Howard (shoulder) and Metta World Peace (suspension). 

Pau Gasol started for Howard, scoring six points on 3-6 shooting to lead the Lakers. Antawn Jamison got the call at small forward, scoring three with a team-high four rebounds.

Defensively, the Lakers had a hard time against Deron Williams, who scored 11 points in 12 minutes. The Nets shot just 40.9% from the field.

The Lakers shot 38.1%, letting the Nets go on a 7-0 run after an even start.

Pregame

The Lakers (22-26) visit the Brooklyn Nets (28-19) on Tuesday night, looking to win their third-straight road game. 

They’ll need to get it done without Dwight Howard (shoulder) and Metta World Peace (suspension) against a Nets team that is playing well for Coach P.J. Carlesimo after a mediocre start. Currently Brooklyn is fifth in the Eastern Conference but just a hair behind the third place Indiana Pacers.

Coach Mike D'Antoni made his Lakers debut at Staples Center against the Nets, getting his tenure started with a win. Getting it done in Brooklyn will be difficult.

For a more in-depth breakdown, check out Preview: Lakers at Nets.

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Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.