The Brooklyn Nets ended the Philadelphia 76ers' five-game winning streak in style with a dominant 109-89 home victory.
Spencer Dinwiddie was the star for the Nets, finishing with a game-high 24 points to go along with his six assists.
Philadelphia shot just 19.2 per cent from outside the arc as their season away record fell to six wins and eight losses.
The Atlanta Hawks gave Los Angeles a tough challenge but it was not enough to overcome another strong performance from Lebron James as the Lakers held on for a narrow 101-96 triumph.
James posted 32 points and 13 rebounds to keep the Lakers equal with the Milwaukee Bucks as Western Conference leaders.
Denver held off a fast-finishing New York as the Nuggets defeated the Knicks 111-105 on the back of a late go-ahead three from Nikola Jokic.
A 29-point effort from Jrue Holiday was in vain as the New Orleans Pelicans lost 130-119 to the Orlando Magic.
The Indiana Pacers had no trouble disposing the in-form Charlotte Hornets, outscoring their opponents by 16 in the fourth quarter to claim a 107-85 victory.
Bogdan Bogdanovic and Buddy Hield combined for 44 points to help the Sacramento Kings down the Golden State Warriors 100-79 in Oakland.
