9 p.m. [ESPN]
After an offseason when Kobe Bryant did everything imaginable to get himself out of Los Angeles short of keying Jerry Buss' car, the Lakers are having their best season since Shaquille O'Neal left for South Florida. Los Angeles has won 18 of its past 22 and is in second place in the Pacific Division. Defending champion San Antonio has been treading water lately, playing .500 ball since early December. But the Spurs are still 26-13 and in third place in the Southwest.