Suns to face Lakers for two straight games

slider phoenix_sunsIf this current stretch has not been difficult enough for the Phoenix Suns, having just finished playing three games on three consecutive nights, only one of which being at home, they get to finish the week with two consecutive games against the Los Angeles Lakers.

The first of the two is in Los Angeles on Friday where the Lakers are 12-2 at Staples Center this season. One of those 12 wins, was a 99-83 win over the Suns back on January 10, a game in which Kobe Bryant went for 48 points.

After the game Friday night, the Suns and Lakers both fly to Phoenix to play each other again on Sunday. As successful as the Lakers have been at home, they have been the opposite on the road where they are only 5-10 on the season. However the home floor hasn’t exactly been an advantage for the Suns, as they are only 5-8 at U.S. Airways Center this season.

“We are looking forward. I think we always play well vs. LA,” said Suns center Marcin Gortat. “I believe we are going to compete on the road first and then try to win at home. We have got to start getting some wins, otherwise we are going to be in big trouble.”

It has seemed like a long time since the Suns spent significant time in Phoenix, after Friday’s game in LA, the Suns play 12 of their next 14 games at home. Which will prove to be a make or break point in the season if the Suns want to make a push into the playoff picture.

“It’s going to be a tough weekend for us,” explained Suns point guard Steve Nash. “But it’s a great opportunity too. We have had a lot of disappointments lately but maybe if we can turn that around it can give us confidence to go on from here and get ourselves back in the hunt.”

Fore more on the Suns, follow Jared Cohen on Twitter at @JaredPros2Preps.