Los Angeles Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns

 

Kobe Bryant and the streaking L.A. Lakers will test out their newfound offensive unselfishness against the Phoenix Suns tonight.
The matchup will be the first between Lakers point guard Steve Nash and his former team, so expect a lengthy ovation from a grateful Phoenix crowd as the "Prodigal Sun" returns to the desert.
L.A. comes into tonight's game playing their best offensive basketball of the season, thanks to Bryant's sudden decision to operate as the offensive facilitator. Kobe has totaled 39 assists during the Lakers' three-game winning streak, and his play seems to have sparked the rest of his teammates.
Pau Gasol hasn't embraced his role as the Lakers' sixth man, but he has been playing his best ball in a while. His seven assists in L.A.'s game against the New Orleans Hornets last night were critical to the Lakers' attack.
Defense is, of course, still the issue for Mike D'Antoni's club. The Lakers rank 20th in points allowed per possession and the Hornets very nearly took advantage of a late L.A. lapse last night, cutting a 14-point cushion down to two with just a couple of minutes remaining in the game.
The Suns have lost their last two, and have dropped seven of 10 overall. Still, Phoenix does play decent basketball at home, as it has compiled a respectable 11-11 mark on its own floor.
Look for Goran Dragic, once Nash's understudy, to try to attack his former teammate off the dribble and in the pick-and-roll. If L.A. can't limit penetration from Dragic and Phoenix's other guards, it could be a long night for the Lakers.
It'll also be critical for the Lakers to build an early lead, as their aging roster may not have much left in the tank if this one stays tight down the stretch. The Suns definitely figure to be the fresher team, as they've been resting since Jan. 27. As we mentioned, the Lakers had to gut one out last night.