The Rockets are just two losses shy of the longest losing streak in franchise history and battled the Lakers, who found rare sources of offense to extend Houston's skid.
Fisher, who has been hobbled by a foot injury, nailed three of his season-high seven 3-pointers in the third quarter to help the the two-time defending champions build an 82-68 lead heading into the final period.
"Fisher had a great night shooting," Los Angeles coach Phil Jackson said. "He helped us get that big lead and Kobe was there and we hung in."
 Kobe Bryant scored 18 of his game-high 27 points in the second half. Bill Baptist NBAE/Getty Images |
"I'm proud of the way we played and sometimes I wonder how we even do it," Houston coach Rudy Tomjanovich said. "We fought and fought and gave them a good game."
"They're playing like they have nothing to lose and that can be scary," Bryant said. "But we stopped them when they needed to and they (teammates) hit their shots at the right time."
Norris drained a jump shot to bring Houston within 90-89, but Devean George scored five points and Fisher added another 3-pointer during an 11-3 run as Los Angeles pulled away.
"Our focus was off and we didn't play our style of basketball," Jackson said. "But we settled down and we got it together."
Bryant sank a layup and a pair of free throws in the final 43 seconds to seal the victory.
Shaquille O'Neal had 16 points, 14 rebounds and four blocks and George finished with 11 points for the Lakers, who have won three in a row since losing consecutive games for the first time this season.
"Shaq was playing to get everyone else involved," Bryant said. "He was making the big plays when he had to. He might be a little tired but that's what the team is for."
Los Angeles shot just 44 percent (39-of-89) but made 12-of-20 3-pointers and 17-of-23 free throws.
Samaki Walker had nine points and 10 rebounds and Rick Fox chipped in nine and seven, helping the Lakers to a 53-42 rebounding edge.
Rookie Eddie Griffin posted season highs of 25 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks for the Rockets, who lost 17 in a row in the 1968-69 season, when the franchise was in San Diego.
"I got more minutes and more into the flow of the game," Griffin said. "I really felt comfortable out there. One thing I've noticed with Rudy is when he finds something that works, he sticks with it. I just try to do as much as I can."
Cuttino Mobley scored 18 points and Norris added 15 and 10 assists as the Rockets lost their fifth straight meeting with the Lakers.
Los Angeles jumped out to an 18-8 lead, but Houston responded with a 10-3 run, highlighted by a pair of 3-pointers from Griffin and two layups from Norris.
The Lakers built a 39-31 advantage less than five minutes into the second, but the Rockets scored 11 of the next 13 points and took the lead on a dunk by Kevin Willis with 4:09 to go.
Fisher nailed a 3-pointer with 2:21 remaining in the first half to give the Lakers a 49-47 lead and, after a jumper by Norris, O'Neal had consecutive baskets and Los Angeles went into halftime with a 53-51 advantage.
A dunk by Griffin gave the Rockets a 54-53 lead just 77 seconds into the second half, but Fisher drained a 3-pointer to give the Lakers the lead for good 42 seconds later.
Los Angeles outcsored Houston, 24-12, and took its largest lead at 82-66 on a follow dunk by Bryant with 43 seconds remaining before rookie Tierre Brown capped the quarter with a layup.