Preview: Battle of Los Angeles

After a Sacramento win, the Lakers find themselves back home taking on a familiar face - their LA rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers.

The Lakers defeated the Kings on Tuesday night, improving to 43-18 on the season. Kobe Bryant scored 34 points, 17 coming in the 4th quarter to help the Lakers overcome 3 quarters of sub-par play.

Kobe Bryant, LAL SG

“He really stepped it up, really took it to the hole, really took it personally,” said Pau Gasol, who tallied 31 points, his highest mark as a Lakers, and 10 rebounds. “We know what he’s capable of doing. I know he can take over games. He’s so gifted athletically and skill-wise. He’s got a tremendous passion inside him. The way he attacked tonight, it was the kind of effort we need every night.”

The Lakers trailed throughout the entire game, only to outscore the Kings, 36-18 in the final period. “Kobe is a great player down the stretch, and that’s why he’s on that level,” Kings coach Reggie Theus said. “Tough loss. We outplayed them for 40, 42 minutes.”

The Lakers defeated the Clippers, 113-95 in their previous meeting behind 23 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists from Pau Gasol. Kobe Bryant added 17 points and 7 assists.

Clippers Starting 5:

Injury Report:

Elton Brand: Left Achilles Tendon - Out
Paul Davis: Torn Right ACL - Out
Shaun Livingston: Dislocated Left Knee - Out

Lakers Starting 5:

Injury Report:
Trevor Ariza: Broken Foot - Out
Andrew Bynum: Left Patella Subluxation - Out
Chris Mihm: Right Ankle Bursitis - Out
Vladimir Radmanovic: Strained Right Calf - Probable