With Kobe Bryant questionable because of a moderate ankle sprain, the Lakers meet the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets on Wednesday night at Staples Center. The Hornets have their own injury woes, with David West (forearm) and Peja Stojakovic (back) sidelined and Bobby Jackson (ribs) questionable.

Given that, the Lakers might be wise to rest Bryant, who was hurt early in the second half of their victory Monday night over Indiana. If Bryant doesn't play, Lakers forward Lamar Odom will become his team's main man.

In any case, Lakers guards Smush Parker and Jordan Farmar will have their hands full trying to slow Hornets point guard Chris Paul. The Lakers will likely be thoroughly prepared for what the Hornets like to run, because Lakers assistant coach Jim Cleamons was a Hornets assistant last season.

REPLAY
The Lakers built a huge early lead and held on for a 101-87 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Monday night at Staples Center. The Lakers' offensive roll was ended when Kobe Bryant suffered a moderately sprained right ankle 2:26 into the second half; Bryant is listed as day-to-day.

Bryant still had 21 points in 22 minutes to be the game's leading scorer over teammate Kwame Brown (who had a season-high 17 points). Brown played well down the stretch against Indiana All-Star Jermaine O'Neal (18 points) after the Pacers cut the Lakers' lead to seven points.

Lamar Odom fouled out with 15 points, 13 rebounds and five turnovers in what wasn't one of his best games. Luke Walton led the Lakers with seven assists, but he had three turnovers.

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