Lakers continue looking westward

The Lakers couldn't help but take a peek into the East after reclaiming the NBA's top record Sunday, but now they're getting one of the best teams in the West tonight at Staples Center.

The New Orleans Hornets (20-10) have righted themselves after a 5-5 start that included losses to Charlotte and Sacramento.

Then again, the Hornets have already lost twice at home to the Lakers by an average margin of 10 points, which makes one wonder if it's simply a bad matchup for the Hornets.

The Lakers (27-5) certainly won't be the ones to say it.

"They've been sitting here in town since Saturday night after playing in Denver. I'm sure they'll totally be ready," Lakers Coach Phil Jackson said. "They know what they've done the last couple times against us. . . ."

The Lakers (27-5) held the Hornets to 37 first-half points and cruised the rest of the way in a 100-87 victory Dec. 23. They also beat the Hornets in November, 93-86, recovering in time after a 21-point lead was sliced to three.

But the Lakers won't have the same personnel they did for those games.

Forward Luke Walton will miss at least two weeks because of a sore right foot, joining guard Jordan Farmar (torn meniscus in the left knee) on the sideline.

Dr. Ken Jung, a foot specialist, confirmed Monday that Walton was suffering from sesamoiditis, a condition in which there is irritation in the sesamoids, small bones that are bundled with tendons that run to the big toe. Walton will wear a protective boot on his right foot for one week and will undergo rehabilitation exercises in a pool.

"It's certainly unfortunate for him," Jackson said. "He just got kind of activated in playing a little bit and now he'll sit out a couple weeks."

Trevor Ariza struggled offensively Sunday against Portland in his first start in Walton's place, which might open the door for Vladimir Radmanovic to return to the starting lineup after losing his spot to Walton four weeks ago.

Radmanovic had a season-high 16 points while playing only 18 minutes in the victory over Portland, though Jackson declined to disclose who would get the start at small forward against New Orleans. (There's even a slight chance Lamar Odom gets the nod.)

The Lakers have had success against the Hornets, though not necessarily against All-Star point guard Chris Paul, who is averaging 23.5 points, 11.5 assists and four steals against them this season.