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Final Score: LA Lakers 95 - Atlanta 98

Atlanta, GA (Sports Network) - Joe Johnson scored 28 points, including four free throws in the final 23 seconds, as the Atlanta Hawks beat the Los Angeles Lakers, 98-95, at Philips Arena

Josh Smith had 17 points, nine rebounds and nine assists for the Hawks, who have won three straight. Al Horford contributed 15 points and a career-high 20 boards for Atlanta.

Lamar Odom had 19 points and 11 rebounds and Derek Fisher added 17 points for the Lakers, who had a three-game winning streak snapped. Kobe Bryant had 10 assists but was limited to just 11 points on 4-of-16 shooting. Newly acquired center Pau Gasol also struggled, shooting 5-of-14 for 12 points in the loss.

"They made the hustle plays at the end of the ballgame," said Bryant. "They were able to get to the free throw line and get some easy ones and were able to capitalize. I feel like we kind of let our foot of the gas a little bit enabling them to get back in it."

Trailing 95-93, Bryant had a chance to win it or send it into overtime for the Lakers, but was called for a backcourt violation. Bryant lost control while being pressured by Johnson and whistled for the violation after retrieving the ball past the midcourt line with eight seconds remaining.

Smith then settled for one of two free throws with 7.1 seconds to go leaving the door open for Los Angeles.

After a timeout, Sasha Vujacic quickly scored a layup with 3.7 seconds left, pulling the Lakers within 96-95.

Johnson then made two free throws to again put the Hawks on top by three, 98-95.

The Lakers, out of timeouts, quickly inbounded to Fisher, who missed a desperation three from well beyond the three-point line.

"It's a big win for us and a big confidence booster, knowing they have a chance to win the west," said Atlanta guard Tyronn Lue. "For us to come out and compete the way we did, it was very big for this team."

Los Angeles led 29-27 after the opening 12 minutes and 53-45 at the half. After an evenly played third quarter, the Lakers held a 76-68 advantage heading into the fourth quarter.

Atlanta scored six straight points to take an 88-87 lead with 3:40 left.

Moments later, with the score knotted at 93 apiece, Johnson drilled two from the foul line to put Atlanta ahead 95-93 with 23.2 showing on the clock.