Lakers Rumors & News Recap: When a Mascot Beats a Big Man

Yesterday, both Steve Nash and Steve Blake were ruled out of tonight’s home game against the Indiana Pacers. Neither Nash nor Blake participated in the team session of this morning’s shoot-around. Tonight will be the eighth consecutive game with Blake being absent due to an abdominal strain, which was not expected to be this serious of an injury.

Even worse, Dwight Howard let it slip that he had his worst day at shootaround today. How bad? He challenged the L.A. Kings mascot Bailey to a free throw shooting contest, and lost. Dwight Howard’s struggle at the free-throw line is something the organization and fans know well. He remains below the 50 percent mark this season. But to add insult to injury, Howard asked Bailey to play on the main court, and lost that contest too. Frustrated, Howard demanded a three-point competition. Bailey still made five three-pointers before Howard did, in a lion costume. Hopefully he does better tonight.

The Lakers will play the Indiana Pacers tonight, who have gotten off to a very poor start this season (6-8). Star forward and leading scorer from last season, Danny Granger has missed every game this season with a left knee injury and is expected to miss at least two more months. However, the Pacers were contenders last year in the playoff race and many of their players have returned. The Lakers come off their best performance of the year, earning their first road win of the season on Saturday against the Dallas Mavericks.

Kobe is a game time decision tonight, as he has been suffering from flu-like symptoms all day. Kobe currently leads the league in scoring with 26.9 points per game. Kobe also leads the team in assists with 5.1 per game. Not having him on the court tonight will be a struggle, especially with Nash and Blake still out. If Kobe sits out, head coach Mike D’Antoni will likely go with backup shooting guard Jodie Meeks to replace Kobe in the starting lineup.

For more on the pre-game report, click here.

Indiana Pacers (6-8) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (7-7)
7:30 PM PST, November 27, 2012
Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA
CA TV: TWC Sports Network

Pacers Projected Starting Line-up

PG: George Hill  SG: Lance Stephenson  SF: Paul George  PF: David West  C: Roy Hibbert

Key Reserves: G Gerald Green, F Tyler Hansbrough, G D.J. Augustin

In honor of Chick Hearn’s birthday today, Lakers Nation has decided to offer a special bargain on our Chick Hearn t-shirt. To receive a discount on the Chick Hearn t-shirt, all you have to do is use the promo code “ChicksFridge” at checkout.

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