Bobcats at Lakers
THE STORY: Charlotte has the worst record in the league (3-18), the worst road record (1-10) and has lost an NBA-worst eight consecutive games. So why should the Bobcats be optimistic when they visit the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday? They have beaten the Lakers in eight of their last 11 meetings. The Bobcats are only one of two teams (Boston) to have an overall winning record against the Lakers. Kemba Walker had 20 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds to become the first rookie with a triple-double this season in Charlotte’s 102-99 loss to Washington on Saturday. The Lakers surpassed the century mark for the first time in 13 games with a 106-101 victory at Minnesota on Sunday for only their second road win of the season. Kobe Bryant was at his best with 35 points (5 of 9 on 3-pointers) and a season-high 14 rebounds. “We couldn’t stop him, no matter what we did,” Minnesota rookie guard Ricky Rubio said. “He was a scoring machine in the fourth quarter.”
TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, SportSouth (Charlotte), FS West (Los Angeles)
ABOUT THE BOBCATS (3-18): Charlotte got some good news on the injury front. Gerald Henderson (lower back), D.J. White (ankle and knee) and Reggie Williams (knee surgery) are all expected to play Tuesday. Henderson missed two games but is eager to play the Lakers. White will back up Boris Diaw at power forward. Williams has yet to play after being acquired as a free agent last month but is about five days ahead of schedule. “He really understands the game. He’ll really help our offense,” coach Paul Silas said.
ABOUT THE LAKERS (12-9): The Lakers seemed determine to end their road woes as coach Mike Brown kept Bryant and Pau Gasol in the entire second half at Minnesota. Bryant also played 42 minutes the night before in Milwaukee. “We wanted to win it and I just felt that’s what needed to happen,” Brown said. “We’ll rest later.” Brown also started Metta World Peace for Matt Barnes at small forward, but the change produced little offense. World Peace was 0 for 4 and had two points.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. Bryant is averaging 29.6 points against Charlotte, his highest career average against any team in the league.
2. Byron Mullens scored a career-high 23 points on 10-for-17 shooting against the Wizards.
3. The Lakers, fourth in the league in rebounding, were outrebounded 52-41 by the Timberwolves, including 24-7 on offense.