Washington, D.C--

If the Wizards were looking for a way to get back on top with a convincing victory, tonight certainly would have been the night to do it against the Lakers, but Kobe and friends had other thoughts on their minds as they took care of an easy victory tonight at Verizon Center with a 115-103 victory.

Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol each scored 26 points   for the Lakers, who had lost six of their previous eight road games and pulled to a 2-2 record midway through their current eight-game swing.

The Wizards kept this game within reach in the second half, mostly keeping the deficit between 10 and 15 points but as the fourth quarter rolled around, their gas tank had run a bit empty.

Antawn Jamison cut the lead to nine points, 91-82, by making a free throw with 8:58 left in the game, but the Lakers responded with a 12-2 run that included four points from Gasol, a 3-pointer from Shannon Brown and a 3-pointer and another jumper from Jordan Farmar.

The one shining light for the Wizards tonight was Mike Miller. He scored 15 points to surpass 9,000 for his career, something to feel good about and something this team could use more of.

“It is a great feeling to score that many points in this league.   I just hope that I can continue to contribute to this team wherever I can,” said Miller.

Today was another whirlwind day outside of the clubhouse as they had to deal with another day of drama from the Arenas and Crittenton saga. Yesterday he was charged with misdemendor gun possession and these things continue to weigh on the team and the absence of two players has left the team thin and searching for answers.

Arenas, who has pleaded guilty to a felony gun charge and will be sentenced in March, is expected this week to learn the definitive length of his punishment after receiving an indefinite suspension Jan. 6. Crittenton has yet to receive a league punishment, although he hasn't played all season anyway because of a foot injury.