The Lakers cruised to their fifth straight pre-season win last night, defeating the Bobcats 88-77, in Anaheim. The play of the second unit, once again led by Jordan Farmar, has made all the difference in the wins. It reminds me of last year when the second unit would inherit a slight lead and push it to a significant lead that the starters could then pad down the stretch.
Kobe Bryant did not play because of swelling in his knee, but according to the LA Times, could still play tonight if the swelling subsides. Sasha Vujacic also sat out last night, he expects to play tonight, and Josh Powell is day-to-day with a strained left hamstring.
More on Kobe: A look back and a look ahead. One I don’t remember fondly and the other I’m not really looking forward to hearing about.
GM Mitch Kupchak talks to NBA.com about their recent survey of General Managers that had the Lakers has heavy favorites to take the title.
TODAY
The Lakers christen the new Citizens Business Bank Arena tonight against the Oklahoma City Thunder at 7:30pm on KCAL/9 HD and ESPN. The Inland Empire is fired up about seeing the Lakers (and their new arena) and the game is expected to be a sellout. This will be the team’s final pre-season game. They open the regular season against the Portland Trailblazers on Tuesday.
