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Seeking their first six-game winning streak in the past two seasons, the Los Angeles Lakers play the Denver Nuggets on the second game of a back-to-back on Wednesday at the Pepsi Center.
The Lakers (14-14) are finally looking like they might be able to live up to the lofty expectations they entered the season with, thanks to the return of point guard Steve Nash. The two-time MVP returned in the past two games and has averaged 14 points and 10 assists per game, but he's gotten a bit of help from Kobe Bryant, who is averaged 33.8 points per game in 12 December contests.
Both helped Los Angeles to a 100-94 win on Christmas Day. Nash had 16 points and 11 assists on 7-of-12 shooting as the Lakers came away with a statement victory against the New York Knicks. Furthermore, Pau Gasol appears to have found his role as point-forward in coach Mike D'Antoni's offense. He posted 13 points, six assists and eight rebounds against the Knicks.
Although Los Angeles played on Christmas and headed to Denver soon after their game, the Nuggets won't have the benefit of rest, either. They played in the nightcap of NBA games on Tuesday against the Clippers in Staples Center, and fell, 112-100.