The Los Angeles Lakers weathered the storm of their grueling early schedule to end the first half at 20-14, in fifth place in the Western Conference. The Lakers play 17 of their final 32 games at home, beginning with a week in Los Angeles to open the second half. Kobe Bryant and the Lakers conclude the week with a showdown Sunday afternoon against LeBron James and the Miami Heat.
Wednesday vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (7:30 p.m., Fox Sports West): One of the Lakers' six road wins came in Minnesota, 106-101 on January 29. That was one of just five games, out of 34, in which the Lakers have scored 100 points this season.
Friday vs. Sacramento Kings (7:30 p.m., Fox Sports West): The Lakers look to repay the Kings for their 100-91 loss in the second game of the season, on December 26 in Oakland.
Sunday vs. Miami Heat (12:30 p.m., ABC): Miami is playing like the best team in the NBA, as their record shows, winning eight straight games heading into the break. James is playing like the MVP this season, and played like it in the Heat's 98-87 win over the Lakers on January 19 in Miami.
For more coverage of Kobe and the Lakers, be sure to read Silver Screen and Roll.