The Los Angeles Lakers look to stay undefeated as they host the Golden State Warriors tonight at Staples Center. Golden State, like the Lakers, is 2-0, but they will be without Stephen Curry, who re-injured his sprained right ankle in Friday night's win over the Clippers, also at Staples Center.
The Lakers have beaten the Warriors nine straight times, and have won 23 of the last 26 meetings between the two teams. The Lakers have not lost a season series to Golden State since 1994-1995. They are 20-2 against the Warriors at Staples Center.
Lakers' head coach Jackson, with Friday's win in Phoenix, became the fastest coach in NBA history to 1,100 wins, and is the only coach in history to win 70% of his games (70.5%). Under Jackson, the Lakers are 33-7 against the Warriors.
The Lakers' big men have flourished in their two opening wins. Lamar Odom is averaging 16.0 points and 13.5 rebounds per game, while Pau Gasol is averaging 25.0 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game. Gasol nearly had a triple-double Friday night in Phoenix, with 21 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists in the Lakers' 114-106 defeat of the Suns.
Luke Walton missed the first two games with a strained right hamstring, but was upgraded to doubtful for tonight's game. However, Walton is still expected to miss tonight's game, but will try to play Tuesday against Memphis.
Tonight's game is at 6:30 p.m. PDT, and will be televised on Fox Sports West.
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