Clippers, Lakers renew rivalry

This is the third meeting of the season between the clubs. In the two previous contests, both teams won when they were the visitor. The Lakers are scheduled host the Clippers on April 9th in the fourth and final meeting of the campaign between the clubs.

These teams have split the last six meetings. The Lakers have won four of six and 14 of their last 17 as the visitor against the Clippers.

The Clippers have lost five straight games as they begin a three-game homestand this evening. On Wednesday, Yao Ming scored 29 points and hauled down 15 rebounds to lead the Houston Rockets past the Clippers, 106-102, at the Toyota Center.

Elton Brand finished with 32 points and 12 rebounds in the loss to Houston for the Clippers, who have lost six of their last seven games overall. Cuttino Mobley poured in 30 points, while Sam Cassell ended with 13 points and nine assists in defeat.

The Clippers are 17-9 as the host this season.

The Lakers go for their third straight victory. On Thursday, Kobe Bryant scored 36 points and dished out a season-high 10 assists, as the Lakers pulled away during the decisive fourth period for a 106-85 victory over the Sacramento Kings at the Staples Center.

Lamar Odom displayed his versatility with 19 points, six rebounds and nine assists, while Devean George contributed 15 points and nine boards for the Lakers, who have won three of their last four contests overall.

Bryant, who is averaging a league-best 34.9 points per game, has scored over 20 points in 34 straight outings.

The Lakers are 13-16 as the visitor this season. They are 3-7 in their last 10 games on the road.

The Clippers are in second place in the Pacific Division, six games behind the division-leading Phoenix Suns, while the Lakers sit in third place and are nine games off the pace.