The Los Angeles Lakers open their longest homestand of the season tonight against the Orlando Magic, and the only question is whether or not Kobe Bryant will play. Bryant has a sprained left ankle and is a game-time decision tonight, technically listed as "questionable" by the team. Tonight is the first of seven straight home games for the Lakers, who don't have another road game until April 1.
The Lakers played 14 of their previous 17 games on the road, but now have a favorable home schedule the rest of the way. The team did win 10 of those 14 road games, and have the third-best road record in the NBA at 25-12. Their 25 road wins are the most in the league. Eleven of their final 15 games are at Staples Center.
Orlando destroyed the Suns in Phoenix on Sunday, 111-88, behind 26 points, 15 rebounds, and five blocked shots from Dwight Howard. The Magic had lost three of their last four games before that win. Tonight is the fourth game of a five-game road trip for Orlando. The Magic are 9-7 in the second night of back-to-back games.
For more news and information on tonight's game, be sure to read Silver Screen and Roll.