Los Angeles Lakers Team Report - January 19

(Basketball News) - The Los Angeles Lakers host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday at Staples Center.

The Lakers won the first meeting between these 2004 Western Conference finalists, 105-96, in Minneapolis on January 10. The Lakers have won two straight in the series after a three-game losing streak.

Los Angeles hopes to rebound after having its own two-game run snapped in Monday’s 102-94 loss to Utah in the opener of a four-game home set.

Caron Butler poured in a game-high 26 points and Chucky Atkins scored 18 for the Lakers, who continued to play without Kobe Bryant. Lamar Odom had 10 points, 10 rebounds and six assists in the setback.

Earlier on Monday, it was announced that Bryant will be sidelined for at least two more weeks as he continues to recover from a severely sprained ankle. Bryant, who is already on the IL, was examined by team doctors and told he will need more time to heal the injury.

Butler has scored in double-digits in six straight games and has netted more than 20 points in three of those contests. He is averaging 14.1 points and 5.5 rebounds in his first season with the Lakers.

The Lakers will host the Golden State Warriors on Friday and will then have three full days off before hosting the Seattle SuperSonics on Tuesday. LA is 2-0 against the Warriors this season.