Mar 18, 2007, 16:40 GMT
- The Los Angeles Lakers will try to build off a big performance by star guard Kobe Bryant last time out as the club welcomes the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Staples Center.
Bryant scored a season-high 65 points on Friday to help the Lakers down Portland, 116-111, in overtime and halt a seven-game losing streak. Bryant hit 23-of-39 shots from the floor, including a three-pointer with 44 seconds left in overtime to give the Lakers the lead for good. He also hit a game-tying trey at the end of regulation.
Lamar Odom had 15 points and Maurice Evans scored 14 points as the Lakers improved to 21-11 at home this season. Los Angeles' recent losing skid caused it to drop into a tie with Denver for the sixth spot in the Western standings.
Minnesota was not so fortunate its last time out as the franchise was pounded by Golden State, 106-86, on Friday.
Kevin Garnett finished with 19 points and 13 rebounds as Minnesota lost for the third time in four games. Randy Foye added 20 points and seven assists for the Timberwolves, who have lost nine straight games on the road and are starting to fade in their chase for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.
Minnesota is even with three teams for 10th place in the West. That trio of clubs trail eighth-place Golden State by two games.
Minnesota's Trenton Hassell made his return to the lineup against the Warriors after a four-game absence due to a left ankle sprain. He finished scoreless in 11 minutes.
The loss against Golden State dropped Minnesota to 9-23 on the road this season and opened a five-game road swing. The Timberwolves will also visit Phoenix, Sacramento and Seattle on the trip.
Tonight will mark the fourth and final meeting between the teams this season. Minnesota snapped a three-game series losing streak in the last matchup, a 117-107 double-overtime win at the Target Center.
© 2007 The Sports Network
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