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Lakers aim to contiune hot streak vs. Clippers

Feb 23, 2008 - 2:38 PM LA Lakers (37-17) at LA Clippers (19-33) 10:30 pm EST

LOS ANGELES (Ticker) - Many feel that the Los Angeles Lakers are now the team to beat, and they are playing like that.

All-Star Kobe Bryant and the surging Lakers go for their seventh straight win on Saturday when they visit the Los Angeles Clippers.

Last time out, Bryant poured in 41 points, Pau Gasol added 29 and Lamar Odom chipped in 22 and 10 rebounds in Thursday's 130-124 thrilling victory over the new-look Phoenix Suns.

Since acquiring the services of Gasol from Memphis on February 1, Los Angeles has played with the focus of a true championship contender, scoring 100 points in nine of 10 games this month.

Odom has clearly benefited the most from having Gasol in the post as the versatile forward has recorded seven double-doubles over his last 10 games.

Corey Maggette and rookie Al Thornton each scored 27 to help the Clippers post a 114-104 triumph over the Utah Jazz here on Friday.

The 6-8 Thornton, who was snubbed from the Rookie-Sophomore game during All-Star weekend, is making a late-season push for Rookie of the Year honors. Taken 14th overall, Thornton has managed to reach double figures 10 times in his last 11 games.

In the first meeting on December 13, Bryant buried the lowly Clippers with 32 points as the Lakers coasted to a 113-92 victory at home.