Lakers need a win against Seattle

The Lakers are the seventh seed in the Western Conference playoff race, just a half game ahead of the Clippers and Golden State.

Los Angeles enters tonight’s game on a four-game losing streak. On Friday, reigning MVP Steve Nash finished with 26 points and 14 assists as the Pacific Division-champion Phoenix Suns downed the struggling Lakers, 93-85, at US Airways Center.

Luke Walton posted 19 points and eight rebounds for the Lakers, who have dropped eight of their last 10 games overall. Superstar Kobe Bryant scored just 17 points, while Lamar Odom added 16 points and 13 boards in defeat.

The Lakers are 24-16 as the host this season. They will finish their regular- season schedule against the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday at ARCO Arena.

On the injury front for the Lakers, forward Vladimir Radmanovic (sore right shoulder) is probable, while center Kwame Brown (bone bruise in left ankle) is questionable for tonight’s contest.

The SuperSonics conclude a three-game road trip this evening. On Saturday, Jarrett Jack scored 25 points and Travis Outlaw tied a career-high with 22 points to lead the Portland Trail Blazers over Seattle, 108-102, at the Rose Garden.

Rashard Lewis had 29 points and Chris Wilcox tallied 20 points and 11 boards for the SuperSonics, who have dropped three straight and seven of their last eight games overall. Mike Wilks tallied 17 points and a career-high 11 assists for Seattle.

Seattle is 11-29 on the road this season. The SuperSonics end their season on Wednesday versus the Dallas Mavericks at KeyArena.

The Lakers are 2-1 against Seattle this season. The SuperSonics have dropped two of their last three at the Lakers.