Los Angeles Lakers Team Report - February 15

(Basketball News) - The Los Angeles Lakers try to halt a two-game losing streak on Tuesday, as they welcome the disappointing Utah Jazz to the Staples Center. This is the third meeting of the season between the clubs. In the two previous contests, the Jazz defeated the Lakers once on the road and once at the Delta Center. The teams will play once more this season, as the Jazz are scheduled to host the Lakers on March 22nd.

The home team has won 10 of the last 13 meetings in this series. Utah has won three of the last four contests. The Jazz have lost nine of their last 11 at the Lakers.

The Lakers enter Tuesday’s contest having lost five of their last six overall. On Sunday, Zydrunas Ilgauskas had 30 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers past Los Angeles, 103-89, at Gund Arena. Superstar LeBron James added 25 points, nine assists and eight boards for the Cavaliers.

All-Star Kobe Bryant started in his return from a 14-game stint on the injured list and had 26 points for the Lakers, who have dropped eight of their last 11 contests.

Bryant, playing in his first game since spraining his right ankle on January 13 against the Cavs, showed a little bit of rust late, as he connected on 7- of-22 shots from the floor in 41 minutes. However, after hitting 50-percent of his shots in the first half, Bryant made just 1-of-10 in the second half.

LA is 17-10 as the host this season. The Lakers will be playing their final game before the All-Star break on Tuesday.

Lakers forward Lamar Odom has scored 15 or more points in nine straight games and is averaging 20.4 points and 10.8 rebounds in that span. The Rhode Island product has also played 32 or more minutes in those contests.