The Lakers head into their matchup with the Kings in a must-win situation. After Utah’s win last night, the Lakers find themselves in the nine spot in the West. Tonight will also be a historical night for Kobe Bryant, as he is five behind Wilt Chamberlain on the career scoring list.
Let’s get to the highlights:
Nash is out for the rest of the game, per Lakers PR. Right hamstring strain.
— KEVIN DING (@KevinDing) March 31, 2013
Kobe certainly looking to distribute right now. He’s got two dimes, the latest to Gasol for a long jumper.
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) March 31, 2013
Lakers have given up 30 points and there’s still 3:27 left in the 1st. Solid defense, Lakers.
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) March 31, 2013
Lakers offense is actually strong in this game. They have a very good shot at winning if they can tighten up the defense.
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) March 31, 2013
John Salmons is now 5 for 5. Not really helping LAL’s cause, as they’ve all been on jumpers. He’s a 40% shooter this season.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) March 31, 2013
Kobe just passed Wilt with a 19-foot jumper. No. 4 all time.
— KEVIN DING (@KevinDing) March 31, 2013
Meeks’ dunks are the opposite of swag. But I’ll take ’em.
— Darius Soriano (@forumbluegold) March 31, 2013
Dwight Howard showing some good post moves tonight. Made five of six shots too.
— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) March 31, 2013
Kobe playing whole half so far. Coaching, too, yelling to Blake: “You got ball!” and talking strategy with Dwight/Pau. … LAL 48, SAC 48.
— KEVIN DING (@KevinDing) March 31, 2013
LAL, despite the Thomas buzzer beater, held SAC to 20 pts in the 2nd Q after 37 in the 1st. Only 1 2nd Q turnover.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) March 31, 2013
Lakers retake lead 60-59 with 10:02 left in 3rd. Lakers need this win or else they are 1 game behind Utah, who won tonight vs. Nets
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) March 31, 2013
KOBE WE HAVE LIFT-OFF. #VINO
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) March 31, 2013
Blake hits a huge triple in the corner and the Lakers are back within three, 74-71, w/ 4:13 left in the 3rd.
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) March 31, 2013
Antawn with the tip in finish as he falls to the floor after getting fouled. He’ll head to the line looking to add to the Lakers 81-75 lead.
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) March 31, 2013
DWIGHT WITH THE PASS?!?!! WUT?!
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) March 31, 2013
Jodie Meeks swished his third 3, off Kobe’s 12th assist, to give LAL a 91-85 lead. Bryant playing PG, doing it all tonight.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) March 31, 2013
Lakers have just 6 turnovers. For them, that’s a miracle.
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) March 31, 2013
Beautiful alley-oop from Pau to Dwight!
— Elizabeth Benson (@gobibs) March 31, 2013
GREAT defense by the Lakers. Rotating were on point.
— Darius Soriano (@forumbluegold) March 31, 2013
A baseline J from Gasol sinks home. He’s 6 for 10 for 12 points with his 10 assists. It was Kobe’s 14 dime.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) March 31, 2013
.@kobebryant‘s final stat line: 47:37 played, 19pts, 9rebs, 14asts. #vino
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) March 31, 2013