Lakers guard Kobe Bryant spins on Rockets guard Kevin Martin during a shot attempt in a game earlier this season at Staples Center. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times / January 3, 2012)
By Mike BresnahanMarch 19, 2012, 9:30 p.m.
When: 5 PDT.Where: Toyota Center.
On the air: TV: Channel 9; Radio: 710, 1330.
Records: Lakers 28-17; Rockets 24-22.
Record vs. Rockets: 1-0.
Update: The Rockets have slumped lately, losing eight of their last 11. Point guard Kyle Lowry was a big part of the Rockets' surprisingly strong start but was expected to miss at least one more week because of a bacterial infection. He is averaging 15.9 points and 7.2 assists. Kobe Bryant had 37 points and six assists in the Lakers' 108-99 victory over Houston on Jan. 3.