Shootaround Report: Lakers Look To Improve On Winning Streak

The Los Angeles Lakers are back home tonight after ending their successful three game road trip in a win against the Detroit Pistons. Without Kobe Bryant in the lineup the Lakers have been able to stay competitive and are now one game above .500. Bryant, who is close to returning, has been ruled out tonight with games on Friday against the Sacramento Kings and Sunday against the Toronto Raptors looking more realistic.

The Lakers will take on a Portland Trail Blazer team that has had one of the more surprising and impressive starts in the league with a 13-3 record. There was concern over the availability of Pau Gasol and Jordan Hill after both players suffered sprained ankles in the victory over the Pistons but they are expected to play tonight. With a win tonight the Lakers can improve to 7-3 at home and hand the Trail Blazers their 11th consecutive loss at Staples Center against the team.

What do the Lakers have to do to win tonight? When will Kobe Bryant make his return?

See more

Pau Gasol and Jordan Hill will play tonight vs. Portland despite ankle injuries. Pau also has a sprained hand.

— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) December 1, 2013

[For more on Pau Gasol and Jordan Hill’s availability tonight, click here.]

See more

Mike D’Antoni said Lakers should have a better idea where Kobe Bryant is after their three practices next week before Sacramento game.

— Ben Bolch (@latbbolch) November 30, 2013

[Read more about Kobe Bryant’s return by clicking here.] See more

Mike D’Antoni used an interesting phrase today to describe the 4th quarter of a close game: “nut-cutting time”

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) December 1, 2013

[For a preview of tonight’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers, click here.]

——————————————————————-
Kobe Bryant, Mitch Kupchak, Jim Buss Speak Out After Contract Extension