Preview: Lakers Prepare for Wizards

Coming off two dissapointing losses, the Lakers meet the Washington Wizards, looking to gain ground in the Western Conference playoff race.

Despite Kobe Bryant putting in a season high 53 points, the Lakers lost to the last-place Memphis Grizzlies, taking a huge blow to their playoff positioning.

“We lost to two teams that thankfully we won’t be seeing in the playoffs,” Bryant said after the game. “I don’t think it’s dire straits by any stretch of the imagination, but still we got to buck up here.”

The Lakers attempted a franchise record 45 three-point attempts, only making a third of those shots.

“I don’t think it was bad shot selection,” Lakers coach Phil Jackson said. “Sasha is a good 3-point shooter, Kobe shot over 50 percent, but it’s just too many opportunities to run. Even if you shoot 40 percent, which is a high percentage for 3-point shots, you end up giving them six out of 10 opportunities to run with long rebounds.”

Derek Fisher, battling a foot injury, scored 4 points for the Lakers.

“I thought Fish wasn’t getting a good lift off his shot,” coach Phil Jackson said. “He looked like he’s hesitant out there.”

The Lakers defeated the Wizards, 103-91, earlier this season. Kobe Bryant scored 30 points, 19 coming in the opening period.

“We’ve grown a lot together. And we understand how to play with one another,” Bryant said on February 3rd after the win. “That’s the big thing—the chemistry. Knowing where guys are.”

Pau Gasol is not expected to play for the Lakers.

Washington Wizards Starting 5:

Washington Wizards Injury Report:
Gilbert Arenas: Knee Surgery - Out
Etan Thomas: Heart Surgery - Out

L.A. Lakers Starting 5:

L.A. Lakers 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