LAKERS vs NETS (PRE-GAME REPORT)

Going on their fourth game of the road trip. The Lakers face the New Jersey, Nets in tonight's game. Last meeting between the two in late November, the Lakers took the win by 27 points at their home floor. But since then, there's been some changes in this Los Angeles team.

On November 25th, the Lakers took an easy one at home against the Nets. Kobe only scored 12pts in a final score of 120, and it was all thanks to the Lakers bench who scored 56 of the total points. But since then the bench has changed a bit. With Bynum out, Lamar made the transition from the 6th man to the 3rd scoring option in the starting line-up. A trade sent Vlad to Bobcats for Brown and Morrison. Taking Luke off the bench and having him start for Vlad, and then eventually a switch between him and Ariza for the 3 spot. And now the bench don't look so good. Evident in the second quarter of the previous game against the Pistons. What happened to that bench that extended leads?

Last time Lakers were able to hold Vince Carter to only 14pts, but allowed young guard Devin Harris to score 21pts. Harris, who has been sidelined with a shoulder injury, looks to make his comeback against the Lakers tonight. I'm hoping since he's fresh back in the game, that he'll take it easy. The other Lopez, Brook has been the starting Center and has done pretty well 12.9pts, and 7.9rebs a game. Yi Jianlian, has not been so great and has been struggling with his shooting the past couple games. Their bench is a bit inconsistent. Except probably Jarvis Hayes who gives them plenty of production.

I'd say that the Lakers have this game in the bag. But if the inconsistent play of the bench continues, I'm no sure what the outcome might be. But who knows, maybe Kobe will score more than 12 points tonight.