Preview: Lakers Back at STAPLES

The Lakers are back home tonight after a 9 game road trip in which they went 7-2. One of the 2 losses coming at the hands of the Atlanta Hawks, whom the Lakers face tonight.

In spite of all the attention the Western Conference has been getting due to blockbuster trades, the Atlanta Hawks quietly dealt for Sacramento PG Mike Bibby - a familiar face to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Despite winning 7 of 9 heading into the All-Star break, the Lakers still recieved bad news as Kobe Bryant was diagnosed with a torn ligament in his right pinky finger. Bryant has chosen to bypass surgery, which would potentially put him on the shelf up to 6 weeks.

“My current thinking is to give my finger some treatment and rest for a few days, and hope I can still continue to compete at a high level after that rest,” Bryant said.

“I would prefer to delay any surgical procedure until after our Lakers season, and this summer’s Olympic Games. But this is an injury that myself and the Lakers medical staff will just have to continue to monitor on a day-to-day basis.”

The newly acquired Pau Gasol is averaging roughly 21 points and 8 rebounds per game for the Lakers. “We have an amazing team, great players here and a great coaching staff,” said Gasol.”It’s just another level, a level I haven’t had a chance to experience in my career.”

The previous time the Lakers & Hawks squared off, Atlanta walked away with a 98-95 home victory. Kobe Bryant finished with 11 points, but shot 4-16 from the field.

Hawks Starting 5:

Injury Report:
Speedy Claxton: Left Knee - Out

Josh Childress: Hyper Extended Right Knee - Day-To-Day

Lakers Starting 5:

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