SoCal NBA Preview

New York (14-29) at LA Lakers (27-15), 7:30 pm, FSN

LOS ANGELES (Ticker) - A visit from the New York Knicks may have come at the perfect time for the Los Angeles Lakers. Kobe Bryant will hope to help the Lakers snap a three-game losing streak when they host the lowly Knicks on Tuesday night.

Bryant scored 33 points, grabbed 12 rebounds and dished out six assists Sunday, but Los Angeles still suffered a 98-95 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The 29-year-old guard is averaging 27.9 points this season. The Lakers lost four of their previous five contests over a brutal part of their schedule, which included losses to the Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs.

New York has won five of its last eight games, but has not beaten a Western Conference opponent since November 26. The Knicks are coming off a 106-104 setback to the Golden State Warriors on Sunday. They allowed Andris Biedrins to grab an NBA season-high 26 rebounds in that one. Reserve guard Nate Robinson scored 22 points and handed out eight assists Sunday. He is averaging 11.9 points in 40 games - one start - this season.