5 things to watch: Spurs vs. Lakers
The San Antonio Spurs (6-1) will take on the new-look Los Angeles Lakers (3-4) in Los Angeles who haven't gotten off to good start. Aside from 
adding Steve Nash and Dwight Howard to the mix, the Lakers went through a coaching change firing former Spurs assistant coach Mike Brown and added Mike D'Antoni. Needless to say, this Lakers team will need a bit more time to get some chemistry on the court.
The Spurs are coming off a 112-109 win over Portland led by Gary Neal's career-high 27 points in the come back win. The Lakers are coming off a 103-90 win over the Kings and will be short-handed tonight. Nash will still be out due to injury (leg fracture) and Steve Blake will be out due to an abdominal strain. Chris Duhon will start in Blake's place.
And as these two Western Conference powers get set to meet tonight, here are five things to watch for during the game:
• The Lakers are 3-0 when leading or tied at halftime.
• Los Angeles is 0-3 when trailing after the first quarter.
• If the Lakers have five players scoring in double-figures, the team is 2-0 this season.
• Danny Green has connected on at least one three-pointer in 25 consecutive games in the regular season. This streak dates back to last season.
• When leading at halftime, San Antonio is 4-0.
I digress.There are wild rumors of trading for Gustavo Ayon and Redick of the Magic. The Spurs tried once to sign Ayon, instead he signed with the Hornets. But they could try again and give Blair, Bonner and Joseph or deColo. Or, they could try Sanders of the Bucks along with Drew Gooden for Blair, Bonner and one of the guards. Stop exploiting TD. He is overworked and will not last the gruelling 82 games. Wake up coach Pop, GM Buford, Mr. Holt
Lots of mismatches in the frontline. The Lakers can field at least 2 7-footers simultaneously. Well, the Spurs have more guards, 8, and Blair,Bonner and Splitter. TD will again be the workhorse. The Lakers may take the game despite having problems with their defense after all the Spurs suffer the same issue.
