NEW YORK _ Nets all-time leading scorer Brook Lopez returned Friday night to Barclays Center for the first time since his nine-season run with the franchise ended when he was traded to the Lakers on June 22 as part of a deal that brought D'Angelo Russell to serve as a future cornerstone. Struggling while averaging career-low points and minutes, Lopez no doubt hoped to reprise his season-high 34-point effort in a November victory over the Nets in Los Angeles.
Lopez got the happy ending he was seeking, scoring 19 points and making a key basket with 1:29 left that helped push the Lakers to a 102-99 victory. The Nets had a chance to tie at the end, but Joe Harris missed a left-wing 3-pointer at the buzzer.
Early in the fourth quarter, the Lakers took off on an 11-0 run that included a pair of 3s by Jordan Clarkson that helped them build a 96-87 lead. The Nets responded with an 8-0 surge, including two baskets by rookie starting center Jarrett Allen to cut their deficit to one, but moments later, Lopez had his big moment with a short jumper for a 101-97 Lakers lead, and they held on from there.
Julius Randle also had 19 points and added 12 rebounds for the Lakers (20-31). The Nets (19-34) were led by Spencer Dinwiddie's 23 points and nine assists and got 20 points from Allen and 15 from Russell.
Lopez said his arrival as a visitor was "cool. Obviously so many great memories. It was weird walking in, even taking the bus. Coming from the hotel, we drove right by my place on Dean Street, and obviously coming down the elevator, it was very bizarre. But it was great seeing so many familiar faces, so many great friends. I had so many fantastic relationships and memories here; it's great to be back.
"It made up my career for nine whole years. It was everything to me. I relish being here, I relished being a Net, and there were so many positive moments being here. Being on the outside now, I want to see this franchise continue to grow as a basketball franchise and see it reach great heights."
In the Lakers' previous loss Wednesday in Orlando, Lopez played only 1:33 in the second half and was so upset that he refused to talk to the media after the game. He admitted the reduced role has been tough.
"It has been an adjustment," Lopez said. "It's not something I've experienced before, but again, I'm trying to do my job when I'm on the floor and help the team to the best of my ability. As long as I'm on the floor, I want to see the team be successful. I know they're going to be successful, anyway, but when I'm on the floor, I want them to be successful because of the things I'm doing out there."
Lopez had five first-half points and was treated to a video honoring him after the first quarter. In the third quarter, he got himself and the crowd going with 12 points, including a pair of 3-pointers in the middle of an 11-0 run that wiped out a nine-point deficit and gave the Lakers an 80-78 lead.
