Lakers at Hornets
THE STORY: Kobe
Bryant’s value to the Los Angeles Lakers was never more evident than in
Saturday's loss at Phoenix. With the league's leading scorer sitting out
his first game of the season, the Lakers offered little resistance and
were waxed by the Suns 125-105. Los Angeles, which holds a half-game
lead over the Clippers atop the Pacific Division, may be without Bryant
again as it seeks to avoid a third straight loss when it visits the New
Orleans Hornets on Monday.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, KCAL (Los Angeles), CST (New Orleans)
ABOUT THE LAKERS (35-22): Bryant had played in 138 consecutive games
before a painful left shin injury forced him to the bench. He will be
re-evaluated Monday, but team trainer Gary Vitti said rest is the only
remedy. Pau Gasol scored a season-high 30 points and grabbed 13 rebounds
and Andrew Bynum added 23 and 18 boards against the Suns. It was the
fifth double-double in six games for Gasol, who had 21 points and 11
rebounds in a come-from-behind win over New Orleans on March 31.
ABOUT THE HORNETS (15-41):
New Orleans also leaned on its inside game in a 99-90 victory over
Minnesota on Saturday. Forward Jason Smith scored a career-high 26
points and snared 10 rebounds while center Chris Kaman went for 21
points and 10 boards. Kaman missed the last matchup with the Lakers, but
had 21 points and 12 rebounds in an overtime home loss to Los Angeles
on March 14. Eric Gordon, who just returned from injury, has averaged
15.9 points in his career against the Lakers.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1.
The Lakers have won four straight against the Hornets, but had to rally
from 17 and 10 points down in the two victories this season.
2. Hornets guard Jarrett Jack, averaging 15.6 points per game, has missed three straight games with a sprained foot.
3. The Lakers allowed a season-high point total against the Suns and their bench was outscored 58-10.