While the basketball world on Monday turns its eyes on Kobe Bryant Night, the Warriors will try to lock in on a Lakers team that tends to put up a real challenge against them in Los Angeles.
Despite being beset with multiple injuries -- three starters that have missed most of the games this month will be out once again -- the Warriors (23-6) behind Kevin Durant have held it together well enough to achieve an eight-game win streak.
After a four-game road trip during which they went 2-2 against Eastern Conference foes, the Lakers (10-17) return to Staples Center to host the retirement of the two jersey numbers, 8 and 24, worn by Bryant during his legendary 20-year career.