Lakers begin road trip in Big Apple

Jan 30, 2007, 16:05 GMT

(Sports Network) - The Los Angeles Lakers begin a season-long eight-game road trip without superstar Kobe Bryant, when they visit the New York Knicks tonight at Madison Square Garden.

Los Angeles starts its swing on a two-game losing streak. On Sunday, Michael Finley scored 17 points, including a three-pointer with 1.3 seconds left in overtime, as the San Antonio Spurs edged the Lakers, 96-94, at the Staples Center.

Bryant poured in 31 points and dished out seven assists in the loss to San Antonio for the Lakers, who have dropped four of their last five games overall. Lamar Odom scored 18 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, while Andrew Bynum ended with 14 points and 11 boards in defeat.

Earlier Tuesday, Bryant was suspended one game by the NBA for striking Spurs guard Manu Ginobili in the face during Sunday's loss.

The Lakers, who have lost two in a row as the visitor, are just 8-11 on the road this season. They will also visit Boston, Indiana, Washington, Atlanta, Detroit, Toronto and Cleveland on the current road trip.

New York also attempts to get back on the winning track this evening. Maurice Williams finished with 30 points, six rebounds and 10 assists to lead the Milwaukee Bucks to a 107-105 victory over the Knicks at the Bradley Center.

Jamal Crawford came off his 52-point performance on Friday against Miami and netted 26, while David Lee contributed 19 points and 14 boards in the loss to Milwaukee for the Knicks, who have lost three of their last four contests overall. Eddy Curry and Stephon Marbury both scored 15 in the setback.

The Knicks are 11-13 at MSG this season. They will visit the Charlotte Bobcats on Wednesday and the Orlando Magic on Saturday.

This is the first of two meetings this season between the squads. The Lakers are scheduled to host the Knicks on February 13th at the Staples Center.

The Lakers, who have won three in a row in the series, have won five of seven and six of their last nine at New York.

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