Preview: Bobcats in Los Angeles

After stealing a victory from the Warriors in Oakland Monday night, the Lakers return to Los Angeles tonight for a meeting with the Charlotte Bobcats.

The Lakers defeated the Warriors, 123-119 behind 30 points from Kobe Bryant.

“It was a huge win, especially for us,” said Kobe Bryant after the game. “You have to remember we are still not playing with two starters, who are two key members of our ball club. We are undermanned, but we are still playing very well.”

Lamar Odom scored the go-ahead basket for the Lakers with less than 9 seconds remaining in the overtime period en route to his 2nd consecutive 20 rebound game.

“I just try to focus on rebounding because teams kill you when they control offensive rebounds,” said Odom. “If they are not hitting shots, it gets me involved in the game. That was really something I was trying to focus on to help us get the ball back.”

The Lakers defeated the Bobcats, in Charlotte earlier this season, 106-97 behind 26 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists from Pau Gasol.

I was a little more aggressive and a little more determined when I got the ball early in the game,” Gasol said on February 11th.

Unfortunately for the Lakers, Gasol’s services will be unavailable tonight as he’s still recovering from an ankle injury, which has put him on the shelf for past 7 games.

“Swelling creates soreness. I’m sure he’d like to be back and play against Memphis, but I don’t know if that’s a possibility or not. That’s a pretty short order,” said Lakers head coach Phil Jackson.

Bobcats Starting 5:

Injury Report:
Othella Harrington: Left Knee Discomfort - Out
Sean May: Right Knee Surgery - Out
Adam Morrison: Torn Left ACL - Out

Lakers Starting 5:

Injury Report:
Trevor Ariza: Broken Foot - Out
Andrew Bynum: Left Patella Subluxation - Out
Chris Mihm: Right Ankle Bursitis - Out
Pau Gasol: Strained Left Ankle - Out