The 32-8 Lakers are back in action as the road team against their cross-town rival the 9-31 Clippers.
The dislocated finger injury suffered by Kobe Bryant was a scare but Kobe and the Lakers really dodged a bullet because it could’ve been much worse.
Anyone who has ever had that injury, can attest to the fact that it is extremely painful and for Kobe to play through the pain is a testament to fact that the reigning MVP is a true professional, leading his team by example and one tough dude.
The Lakers are on a mission and Kobe intends to lead his team to accomplishing the season long goal of getting back to the finals and playing for a championship. As a fan you’ve got to love the “rub some dirt on it, tape it up and let’s play attitude.”
The Lakers are seeking their seventh straight win over the Clippers after sweeping the season series against them last year. The Clippers haven’t mailed it in this season, the team plays hard but they’ve been besieged by injuries.
Tonight’s game will be the third game against the Clippers this season. The Lakers opened the season on 10/29/08 by laying a 117-79 beat down on their cross-town rival, which was the worst home opening loss in Clippers history. The Lakers used a 22-0 run late to beat them on 11/5/08 with a 106-88 win; this was the closest game between the teams during the Lakers win streak.
The Lakers held the Clippers to 38.7 percent shooting and need a repeat performance.
The Lakers are coming off of a big win against the Cavaliers, but can’t sleep on the Clippers. A little known fact, the Clippers are the top shot blocking team in the association, leading the league with 263 blocks and averaging 6.58 rejections per game.
The Clippers reserves have outscored their opponents reserves the last two games & put up 29 points Monday.
Andrew Bynum & Pau Gasol are playing better together, both need to play like 7-footers and attack the rim and control the boards.
The Lakers have an advantage with their long front line and will win by controlling the tempo, glass, stopping dribble penetration and rotating out to three point shooters.
Tipoff: 7:30 PM PST
Television -
- Los Angeles: KCAL Channel 9 HD (Joel Myers & Stu Lantz)
- Los Angeles: FSN Prime Ticket HD (Ralph Lawler & Michael Smith )
Radio -
- Los Angeles: AM570 KLAC (Spero Dedes & Mychal Thompson)
- Los Angeles: 710 ESPN (Ralph Lawler & Brian Sieman)
Injuries -
Lakers:
- Jordan Farmar (Knee)
- Luke Walton (Foot)
- Kobe Bryant (Finger)
Clippers:
- Zach Randolph (Knee)
- Barron Davis (Tailbone)
- Marcus Camby (Ankle)
- Chris Kaman (Foot)
- Mike Taylor (Thumb)
- Jason Hart (Elbow)
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