Lakers Host 76ers At Staples Center To End 2010

The Los Angeles Lakers look to end 2010 on a high note, as they host the Philadelphia 76ers in a New Years Eve contest tonight at Staples Center. The Lakers moved Andrew Bynum into the starting lineup at center in their last game, a win in New Orleans, and look to build on their new identity going forward. Even though they lost three straight games before Wednesday's win, the Lakers have a favorable schedule coming up, such that they can make a run back to the top of the Western Conference.

The Lakers have only two games away from Staples Center in the next 18 days. But let's not look too far ahead. Tonight, they have to face the 76ers, whom they have beaten nine of their last 11 meetings in Los Angeles. Andre Iguodala, who led Philadelphia in scoring in each of the last four seasons, is second on this year's squad, averaging 14.2 points per game, behind Elton Brand's 15.1 points per contest. Iguodala has missed the last two games with tendinitis in his right achilles, and is a game-time decision tonight.

Bynum scored 18 points and grabbed six rebounds in his first start of the season on Wednesday, and it set a tone for the rest of the team. The Lakers were able to get easy shots all night against New Orleans, and shot 58.6% from the field. Lamar Odom slid to the bench, but still played 30 minutes and led the team with 24 points. The Laker bench scored 39 points in the game.

Kobe Bryant, who leads all players in votes for the All-Star game, to be held in Los Angeles on February 20, is inching up the NBA all-time scoring list. He is currently in 11th place with 26,593 points, and is 75 points from tying Dominique Wilkins for 10th place on the all-time list.

For more Lakers news and information, be sure to read the SB Nation blog Silver Screen and Roll.