Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol.

Game Info

  • Tip Off: 7:30 PM PT
  • Television: CSN-BA+

Los Angeles Lakers Team Profile

  • Offensive Efficiency: 105.6 (8th in NBA)
  • Defensive Efficiency: 103.7 (tied for 18th in NBA)

Leaders

  • Points: Kobe Bryant, 27.3 PPG
  • Rebounds: Dwight Howard, 12.4 RPG
  • Assists: Steve Nash, 6.7 APG
  • Steals: Metta World Peace, 1.7 SPG
  • Blocks: Dwight Howard, 2.4 BPG
  • Field Goal Percentage: Dwight Howard, 57.8% FG
  • 3-Point Field Goal Percentage: Steve Nash, 43.8% 3PT FG

Scope the Opposition: Forum Blue and Gold.

Preview: The Los Angeles Lakers (42-37) are survivors. Injuries, internal strife, media scrutiny and a coaching change all could have served as excuses for the team to fall apart and miss the postseason.

But as the finish line approaches, they are running in their lane and have a one-second lead on the Utah Jazz (41-38) in the race for the final Western Conference playoff spot.

An argument could be made that Kobe Bryant has run this relay race alone, passing over the baton to himself. Let’s be clear, he hasn’t carried the team alone but boy has it looked like it as of late.

Between the ridiculous load of minutes and the heavy burden Mike D’Antoni has dropped on Bryant’s back, it’s obvious the team’s success hinges on the exploits of the former league MVP.

In his last five games, the two-time world champion is averaging 45.2 minutes, 31.6 points, 7.9 rebounds and 8.7 assists per game on 44.8 percent field goal shooting. In addition, his usage rate has taken a slight dip comparison to his regular season figures.

With Pau Gasol once again flashing his brilliant all-around skills as a big man, Bryant’s workload has been reduced ever so slightly. His regular season usage rate of 29.9 is down to 28.7 in the past five games per NBA.com’s advanced stats tool.

The Lakers have won four of their last five and look like a team headed for the postseason. The return of Metta World Peace certainly has given the team a much needed boost and the trio of Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and Dwight Howard looks good.

The chemistry between all three seems at its best right now when compared to the rest of the regular season. Guys are getting the job done and the Lakers are better for it.

But are they really?

D’Antoni and company needed a 23-point fourth eruption from the four-time All-Star Game MVP to close out the New Orleans Hornets (27-51) at home this week. The Lakers then followed up that effort the next night by surrendering 69 first half points to a Portland Trail Blazers team that started Victor Claver, Will Barton and Meyers Leonard alongside Damian Lillard and LaMarcus Aldridge.

In other words, the Lakers have been good, but not great. With Kobe Bryant enjoying one of his finest seasons ever coupled with the extended minutes he’s been playing, barely squeaking out games seems concerning.

Many will cite these last five contests as evidence they’ve turned the corner, but NBA.com’s advanced stats tool tells us they’ve surrendered 102.7 points per 100 possessions. If projected over the entire season, they would be a middle of the pack defense.

With three games left, the Lake Show needs to win out to guarantee a postseason berth. Their next three games will all be played at Staples Center.

Tonight they get the Golden State Warriors (45-34) who were just humbled at home last night by the Oklahoma City Thunder (58-21).  On April 14, they draw the San Antonio Spurs (57-21) and then close out the season against the Houston Rockets (44-34) on April 17.

Considering their recent success against the Warriors coupled with Andrew Bogut’s absence tonight (ankle sprain), the Lakers must love their chances against the Dubs tonight.

But prior to game’s end, the Warriors’ backcourt will be heard from.

Damian Lillard lit up the Lakers two nights ago but D’Antoni adjusted in the second half by sending a soft trap in his pick-and-roll coverage that slowed the young Blazer guard.

Stephen Curry has had issues with hard traps, but it’s doubtful the Lakers will execute it sharply against Steph given that their big men are somewhat slow-footed. Curry’s shooting will force the Lakers to allocate some attention his way, which should open the floor for his teammates.

His backcourt partner Klay Thompson will be running all over the court around screens and might force Bryant into exerting more energy than he’s ready for. If such is the case, Kobe’s jumper might be a little flat late in the game.

And make no mistake, Kobe will see a multitude of defenders tonight. Klay Thompson, Harrison Barnes and Draymond Green will all be featured in the Kobe System. And quite honestly, there’s a great chance Bryant will still be superb.

The playoffs have begun for the Lakers, let’s see if the Warriors can handle that.

Questions or comments? Feel free to leave them in the comments section or you can contact me by email at [email protected].