National Basketball Association

Lakers start second half with win over Hawks

Published Feb. 18, 2009 7:27 a.m. ET

foxsports

With the All-Star break history and two months remaining in the regular season, the Los Angeles Lakers are entering what coach Phil Jackson refers to as "countdown time."

Having owned the Western Conference's top spot through the first half, the Lakers got started on maintaining their status with a 96-83 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night.