Luka Doncic had 31 points in 23 minutes before suffering a heel injury that ended his night.
Wilkinson was back after injury and illness for his first England appearance since scoring the drop goal that had secured the 2003 World Cup.
The duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis willed the Lakers back from a late deficit, while Nikola Jokic had a 16-assist triple-double.
A new-look England team, under the guidance of former captain Steve Borthwick, face Scotland on the opening weekend of the Six Nations Championship.