Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers came out of the NBA All-Star break with guns blazing last week, and finished their difficult week 4-0, including two comeback wins on the road. This week, the terrain isn't quite as rough, but the week ends with a showdown that could end up being a playoff preview. The Lakers, who have been the top seed in the Western Conference in each of the last three seasons, end their week with a showdown in San Antonio against this year's top team, the juggernaut Spurs.
↵Here is a look at this week's schedule:
↵Tuesday - at Minnesota Timberwolves (14-46), 5 p.m. PST: Former UCLA Bruin Kevin Love has been great this season, but the fact remains that Minnesota has the worst record in the conference. The Lakers have beaten Minnesota 13 straight times.
↵Friday - vs. Charlotte Bobcats (26-33), 7:30 p.m. PST: The Lakers have lost eight of their last 10 games to the Bobcats, including losing three of their last four encounters at Staples Center. Charlotte handed the Lakers their worst loss of the season, a 20-point defeat two weeks ago, so look for the rested Lakers to seek revenge on Friday at home.
↵Sunday - at San Antonio Spurs (49-10), 12:30 p.m. PST: The Lakers have lost twice to the Spurs already this season and, while the Lakers will not catch San Antonio in the standings it would be nice to get a win over the Spurs in what might be a preview of the Western Conference Finals on ABC.
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