The Los Angeles Lakers look for their third straight victory on Friday night as they return home to host the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center. Kobe Bryant will miss his fourth straight game with a left shin injury, and is doubtful for Sunday's game as well. Here are the relevant details of Friday night's NBA Western Conference battle:
Records: Lakers (37-22, third in West); Nuggets (32-26, tied for seventh in West)
Location: Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles
Time: 7:30 p.m. PDT
TV: Fox Sports West
Home vs. Road: The Lakers are 23-6 at home this season, though they are just 4-4 in their last eight home contests. The Nuggets are 14-14 on the road this season.
Series History: The Lakers have beaten the Nuggets in two of three games this season, including a 92-89 triumph on December 31 at Staples Center. The Lakers are 19-4 all-time against the Nuggets at Staples Center.
Playoff Positioning: The Lakers hold a one-game lead over the Clippers with seven games remaining, plus the Lakers have the tiebreaker over their crosstown rivals for what will likely be the third seed. The Nuggets are tied with Houston for seventh in the Western Conference, a half-game behind Dallas for sixth and a game and a half ahead of ninth-place Utah.
For more news and notes on Lakers basketball, be sure to read Silver Screen and Roll.