Lakers try to put brakes on losing streak in Seattle

The Lakers are the sixth seed in the Western Conference playoff race, and are just a half game ahead of the seventh-seeded Denver Nuggets.

On Wednesday, Corey Maggette scored 22 points to lead the hosting Clippers to a big 90-82 win over the cross-town rival Lakers at the Staples Center.

Superstar Kobe Bryant had 29 points and seven assists in the loss for the Lakers, who have dropped four of their last five games overall. Lamar Odom tallied 21 points and Luke Walton netted 13 in defeat.

The Lakers are just 15-22 as the visitor this season. They return home to host reigning MVP Steve Nash and the Phoenix Suns on Sunday at the Staples Center.

On the injury front for the Lakers, center Kwame Brown (sprained left ankle) is questionable. Brown, who is averaging 8.3 points and 6.1 rebounds in 39 games this season, did not play against the Clippers.

Seattle enters tonight’s contest on a three-game losing streak. Bobby Jackson scored seven of his 18 points in overtime to lift the playoff-hopeful New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets to a 101-92 victory over the SuperSonics at the Ford Center.

Rashard Lewis had 27 points and 10 rebounds in the loss for Seattle, which has lost 10 of its last 15 games overall. Reserve guard Earl Watson finished with 16 points and four assists in defeat.

The SuperSonics are 20-18 at home this season. Seattle will visit the Utah Jazz on Saturday at EnergySolutions Arena.

This is the third of four meetings between the clubs this season. The Lakers and SuperSonics split the two contests, as both clubs picked up a victory at home.

The SuperSonics and Lakers have split their last six meetings in Seattle.

The Lakers are scheduled to host the SuperSonics on April 15th at the Staples Center.