The Los Angeles Lakers look for their seventh straight home win on Friday night as they host the Sacramento Kings at Staples Center in the second game of a three-game homestand. The Lakers also are looking for some revenge against a Kings squad that beat the Lakers 100-91 on December 26 in the second game of the season.
Kobe Bryant was free of symptoms of his concussion and cleared to play Wednesday night against Minnesota, and he did so with a mask on to protect his broken nose. The masked man went off for 31 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists in the 104-85 win, and continues to lead the league in scoring at 28.5 points per game.
Wednesday was the 43rd game in Bryant's storied career that he had at least 30 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists, and his first since March 22, 2011 against Phoenix.
The Kings are playing their second straight night, having lost at home 108-100 to the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night. This is the third game for Sacramento in their last four nights. Sacramento is just 4-17 on the road this season.
Friday night's 7:30 p.m. PST game will be televised by Fox Sports West. For more news and notes regarding Lakers basketball, be sure to read Silver Screen and Roll.