Mar 25, 2007, 15:15 GMT
- Kobe Bryant will try to light up the scoreboard again when he leads the Los Angeles Lakers this evening in the opener of a five-game homestand versus the Golden State Warriors at the Staples Center.
Bryant became the second player in NBA history to score at least 50 points in four straight games after posting 50 in Friday's 111-105 victory over the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets.
Bryant, who had scoring totals of 65, 50 and 60 in his previous three games, is the first player since Wilt Chamberlain to have four straight games with at least 50 points. Chamberlain reached the mark in seven consecutive games during the 1961-62 season.
Michael Jordan and Hall of Famer Elgin Baylor had done it three straight games.
Lamar Odom posted 15 points and 10 rebounds in Friday's win for Los Angeles, which has won four in a row and moved two games ahead of Denver for sixth overall in the Western Conference.
Los Angeles will also entertain Memphis, Houston, Sacramento and Denver on the homestand and is 22-11 as the host this season. In injury news for the Lakers, guard Smush Parker (leg) and forward Brian Cook (ankle) are questionable for Sunday's game against Golden State. Guard Maurice Evans (knee) is expected to miss today's game.
The Warriors have won four of their last five games, including Friday's 135-128 triumph over the Washington Wizards at ORACLE Arena.
Baron Davis had 34 points, 15 assists and nine rebounds to lead Golden State, while Andris Biedrins had 24 points and 12 boards. Monta Ellis added 24 points and eight boards for the Warriors, who are a game behind the Los Angeles Clippers for the eighth and final playoff spot in the West.
Golden State will now hit the road where it is 8-27 this season. If the Warriors lose tonight, the Utah Jazz will clinch a playoff berth.
Sunday's showdown between LA and Golden State is the fourth and final meeting of the regular season. The Lakers are 3-0 so far this season and have won seven straight and 12 of the last 13 meetings.
The Warriors have dropped seven in a row, 14 of 15 and 23 of their last 25 games at the Lakers.
© 2007 The Sports Network
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