Sonics attempt to halt losing streak versus Hornets

The Sonics open a five-game homestand today. On Thursday, Kobe Bryant scored 29 of his 34 points in the second half as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated Seattle, 108-96, at the Staples Center.

Rashard Lewis finished with 32 points in the loss to the Lakers for the Sonics, who have dropped two in a row after winning three straight. Ray Allen scored 19 points in defeat, while Vladimir Radmanovic had 13 points and nine boards for Seattle, which shot 41.8 percent from the field for the game.

Seattle is 3-2 at home this season. The SuperSonics are also scheduled to host Charlotte, Cleveland, Indiana and New York on the current stand. Including today’s game, the Sonics will play 11 of their next 14 games in front of their home crowd.

The Hornets begin a three-game road trip today and will try and win their second straight contest. On Wednesday, rookie phenom Chris Paul registered 21 points, nine rebounds and eight assists to rally New Orleans/Oklahoma City past the Minnesota Timberwolves, 84-80, at the Ford Center.

Forward David West scored a team-best 22 points and collected 13 rebounds in the victory over Minnesota for the Hornets, who have won three of their last four games overall. Veteran P.J. Brown also had a double-double with 13 points and 10 boards to help the Hornets erase a large first half deficit.

New Orleans/Oklahoma City is 2-3 on the road this season. The Hornets will visit the Golden State Warriors on Monday and the Denver Nuggets on November 30th in the finale of their road swing.

The Sonics have won five straight after losing the last two meetings in this series. The Hornets have lost three straight and five of their last six at Seattle.