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Pregame conference helping Lakers build momentum

Dec 14, 2008 - 7:28 AM Minnesota (4-18) at LA Lakers (19-3) 9:30 p.m. EST

LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- An impromptu team meeting helped the Los Angeles Lakers clear up some of their deficiencies.

The Lakers hope to continue their momentum on Sunday when they host the lowly Minnesota Timberwolves.

After a surprising upset against the Sacramento Kings and an unspectacular win over the Phoenix Suns earlier this week, veteran Derek Fisher called a team meeting before Friday's rematch with the Kings.

"It was the right time to do it," Los Angeles center Pau Gasol said of the meeting. "The sooner the better, so we are all aware of what's going on. We talk, we share our feelings and we're all on the same page."

Kobe Bryant scored 32 points and came up large down the stretch as the Lakers earned retribution with a 112-103 victory over Sacramento.

The Lakers should have little trouble earning their third straight win against the Timberwolves, who have lost eight straight games, including a 98-86 setback against the Denver Nuggets on Friday.

Randy Foye and Al Jefferson each scored 26 points for Minnesota, but the team could not overcome Carmelo Anthony's NBA record-tying 33 points in the third quarter as it failed in its second chance to give Kevin McHale his first win since taking over as coach.