The Lakers(46-18) are looking to right the ship as they host the Toronto Raptors(32-29).
L.A. is coming off their first three-game losing streak since the arrival of Pau Gasol in 2008.
Bryant scored 34 points on Sunday, including 18 in the fourth quarter, but missed a 20-foot shot to tie the game as they lost 96-94 to Orlando.
Now the Lakers are home after an unsuccessful 0-3 eastern road trip, looking to avoid a four-game losing streak. The Lakers haven’t lost four straight since April 8-13, 2007.
The last meeting between the Raptors took place in Toronto on Jan. 24th, where Kobe missed a three-pointer that would’ve given the Lakers a victory. They lost 106-105.
The Raptors, however, have lost seven straight road games in the series, and are starting off their own inter-conference road trip with the defending champs, who are a conference-best 29-5 at home.
The Lakers offense has been a bit stagnant recently, and it has shown late in games. Look for ball movement to be a major priority for the champs. Also, defense will be key as the Raptors are among the league leaders in points per game, averaging 104.2. But they don’t play much defense, allowing 105.4 a contest.
The Lakers will have to control the pace and make sure to contain their All-Star forward, Chris Bosh who averages 24.3 points and 11.4 rebounds.
The Raptors have more length to them than other opposing teams the Lakers face, as Bargnani is 7’0 and Bosh is 6’10. Both big men can spread the floor, as Bargnani likes to step behind the arc to knock down three-pointers.
Sasha Vujacic aka “The Machine” will be making his return after missing eight games due to a shoulder injury.
PROJECTED STARTERS:
Lakers:
(C) A. Bynum
(PF) P. Gasol
(SF) R. Artest
(SG) K. Bryant
(PG) D. Fisher
Injuries:
No significant injuries.
RAPTORS:
(C) A. Bargnani
(PF) C. Bosh
(SF) S. Weems
(SG) D. DeRozan
(PG) J. Jack
Injuries:
H. Turkoglu is day-to-day.
A. Johnson is day-to-day.
C. Bosh is day-to-day.
A. Bargnani is day-to-day.
NOTES:
The Lakers are 21-6 all-time against the Raptors.
Kobe Bryant’s most memorable game was Jan. 2006, where he scored 81 points against the Toronto Raptors.
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