NO KOBE AND NO PAU

The playing field was similar, but on

the court we missed two very crucial

players. Sunday's game seemed to

fare quite well but in Phoenix? Not so.

Jamison and Dwight Howard really

were needed and stood their ground.

Sunday, the Lakers offense literally

included everyone, from a sharpshooting

Antawn Jamison (27 points on 8 of 14 

shooting), a surprisingly efficient Metta

World Peace (22 points on 10 of 13

shooting,) a balanced Steve Nash (19 

points, and 12 assists), a very aggressive

Steve Blake (16 points, with 8 assists),

along with a seemingly dominant Dwight

Howard (12 points, 17 rebounds, 5 blocks).

Our game plan worked and it put us in

the 8th playoff spot and over Utah in the

Western Conference. Score? Lakers:113 Kings:102.

Scenario altered for last nights' game against

Phoenix Suns. Weariness, certainly, entered

into our plays. Playoff attention now is not good.

Having three days between games, will not

hurt. Sore muscles and tired legs can get a rest.

Big loss in Arizona..Lakers 76, Suns 99.

Faster paced team and they did outplay us.

With our playoff hopes hinging on every single

game, the big picture does not erase the

short term pain.

Teammates gave Earl Clark the nickname of

"Easy"...both for his laid back attitude and how

he quickly assumed a reliable role during this

stretch when our Lakers have suffered injuries.

"I really don't care which position they have me

play" Clark remarked. "I just want to play".

It seems coach D'Antoni will still be planning

on featuring Clark heavily in his rotation

of players. Staples Center will find us playing

again on Friday when we host Washington Wizards. 
Injuries lessened, let's win this one!?!

Babs Wells