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Kobe, Lakers go for eighth straight win

Dec 2, 2008 - 2:22 PM LA Lakers (14-1) at Indiana (6-10) 7:00 p.m. EST

INDIANAPOLIS (Ticker) -- Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers have simply been the best team in the NBA this season.

The Lakers will be gunning for a season-high eighth straight win when they visit the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday.

Los Angeles began the season with seven straight wins before falling at home to the Detroit Pistons, 106-95, on November 14. The Lakers have not lost since since, averaging 112.7 points per game during that span.

They took down the Toronto Raptors, 112-99, on Sunday as Kobe Bryant showed off his all-around game with 23 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Pau Gasol added 24 points and nine rebounds and Andrew Bynum chipped in 18 and 10.

Bryant will be well-rested for the playoffs if Los Angeles keeps up its current pace. He sat out the fourth quarter on Sunday and is averaging 33 minutes of playing time per game.

The Pacers are heading in the opposite direction, as they have dropped seven of their last nine games.

Defense has been the biggest issue for Indiana, which has allowed 109 points or more in each of its last four losses, including a 110-96 setback at Orlando on Saturday.

Danny Granger scored 27 points against the Magic and leads the team, averaging 24.2 points per contest.