Lakers Do A Number On Sonics Van Exel’s Career-High 40 Points Leads L.A. To Fourth Straight Victory Over Seattle, 108-105

The Los Angeles Lakers were led in rebounds by their point guard and in assists by their center.

Though unusual, the Lakers were effective Monday night as they beat Seattle 108-105 for their fourth straight victory over the SuperSonics.

“We’ve been fantastic against the Sonics, but we’ve also been fortunate,” Lakers coach Del Harris said. “Our rebounding was a big key. Give our big guys a lot of credit.”

Nick Van Exel scored a career-high 40 points and had a team-high seven rebounds, and Vlade Divac had 19 points and eight assists as the Lakers have almost completely avenged last season’s five-game Seattle sweep.

“They dogged us last year so it’s nice to turn it around,” said Van Exel, who also made seven 3-pointers.

The Lakers, who had a 41-36 rebounding edge, can sweep the SuperSonics for the first time since the 1989-90 season if they win April 18 in Los Angeles. The Lakers played without All-Star forward Cedric Ceballos and rookie forward Eddie Jones, who are both injured.

“I’m mystified,” Seattle coach George Karl said. “They read our defense well. For a team that has beaten us five straight (one exhibition game), we didn’t go after them.

SuperSonics co-captain Nate McMillan said the Lakers’ combination of strong inside and outside play is tough for Seattle to handle.

“They have low-post players who can pass and score and that causes us trouble,” he said. “They’ve had us spread out (defensively) all season and they’re knocking down their shots.”

The Lakers made 10 of 16 from 3-point range, led by Van Exel’s 7 of 9.

Van Exel said the Lakers hurt the Sonics inside during the previous three meetings, setting up his outside game.

“Our big guys from the first three games gave them a lot of trouble. It really opens it up for us (guards).”

The Lakers are the first team in two seasons to beat the SuperSonics four times. All the games have been close with the biggest margin of seven points.

Still, the Sonics may need to be concerned. The Denver Nuggets played them tough in last year’s regular season and then eliminated them in the first round of playoffs.

“You guys make a big deal out of the Lakers and Denver,” Detlef Schrempf said. “To us it’s just four losses.”

Van Exel made his first two 3-point attempts and that set the tone for the rest of the game.

“I felt good every time I released my shot starting with my first couple of 3s,” he said.

His 25-foot bank shot with 2 seconds left on the shot clock gave the Lakers a 91-85 lead with 5:10 left. Even the brash Van Exel was reluctant to talk about it.

“That was just luck,” he said.