KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) _ Juwan Howard scored 17 points and the Washington Wizards overcame a 17-point deficit in the fourth quarter Wednesday night to spoil Phil Jackson's exhibition season debut in an 88-84 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.

Washington held Los Angeles to seven points in the fourth quarter, including three on a shot by Devean George at the horn.

Shaquille O'Neal scored 22 points and Kobe Bryant had 18 to lead the Lakers. All of those points came in the first three quarters as the Lakers built a 77-60 lead.

In the fourth quarter, Lakers substitutes had trouble getting the ball past half court and had 14 turnovers in the period.

Laron Profit led the Washington comeback with nine points, and Chris Whitney scored seven of his 12 points in the fourth quarter. James Collins scored the basket that gave the Wizards the lead for good, 83-81.

O'Neal led all rebounders with 14. Bryant finished with five assists, four steals and no turnovers in 30 minutes.

Jahidi White grabbed 12 rebounds for Washington.