Pre-Game Ramble: Lakers Vs. Spurs

The Lakers lost last season's series with San Antonio 1-3, their third series loss to the Spurs in the last four seasons. The Lakers snapped a series record seven game losing streak to the Spurs with a 100-92 victory at the AT&T Center on March 10, 2006, but they are 2-8 against San Antonio in last 10 games. Under head coach Phil Jackson, the Lakers are 10-14 against San Antonio. In the postseason, Jackson is 14-7 against the Spurs, advancing to the next round in three of the four series meetings.

Starting for the Lakers: Lamar Odom, Luke Walton, Andrew Bynum, Smush Parker and Kobe Bryant.

Starting for the Spurs: Tim Duncan, Bruce Bowen, Fabricio Oberto, Manu Ginobili & Tony Parker (although I have not seen him out on the court practicing before the game, unsure about his possible starting status) UPDATE (6:37): Parker plays; Ginobili does not-he is replaced by Michael Finley...