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With Bryant hurting, Gasol looks to step up for Lakers

Feb 8, 2008 - 1:54 PM LA Lakers (31-17) at Orlando (32-19) 7:00 pm EST

ORLANDO, Florida (Ticker) - The Los Angeles Lakers added Pau Gasol to their team at exactly the right time.

The Lakers look to bounce back form their first loss in four games on Friday when they visit the Orlando Magic.

Gasol, who was acquired from the Memphis Grizzlies last week, scored 12 points and grabbed seven rebounds, but it wasn't enough as Los Angeles had a three-game win streak snapped with a 98-95 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday.

Kobe Bryant, the Lakers leading scorer at 28 points per game, was held to just 11 points on 4-of-16 shooting from the field against the Hawks due to a dislocated right pinky finger.

However, Los Angeles should be able to rely on Gasol while Bryant continues to recover as the seven-footer is averaging 19.1 points and 8.9 rebounds this season.

The Magic picked up a 100-84 victory over the New Jersey Nets on Wednesday to record their fifth win in the last six games.

Dwight Howard scored 21 points and grabbed 13 rebounds against the Nets, notching his 45th double-double of the season.