The Lakers have finally gotten center Andrew Bynum back in the line-up and are seeking revenge against the Indiana Pacers. The Pacers shocked the Lakers and their fans in their last meeting at Staples Center, beating L.A. on November 28th. As for tonight, the starting line-ups for both teams should look something like this.
Lakers – Pacers
Derek Fisher – Darren Collison
Kobe Bryant – Brandon Rush
Ron Artest – Danny Granger
Lamar Odom – Josh McRoberts
Pau Gasol – Roy Hibbert
Roy Hibbert arguably had one of his best games in his career the last time these two teams met. The 7 foot 2 candidate for Most Improved Player of the Year put up 24 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists. He will only get better as the year goes along.
Danny Granger sat out the last game against the Bulls in which the Pacers simply got destroyed. They lost 93-72 in Chicago. It looks like he’ll be back tonight.
Darren Collison has been mentioned in articles lately in not so much of a positive note. Collison has been benched in 4th quarters and crunch time situations to A.J. Price and T.J. Ford. Darren cannot figure out totally why he isn’t in the game when the team really needs him.
This should be an exciting game between the Lakers and the Pacers. With Bynum back in the mix the Lakers are looking to start competing at a much higher level than they’ve been at so far this season. Tonight will be a good test for the Lakers now that they’re fully healthy.