(My Sportsbook) - The battle for Los Angeles continues this evening, when the Lakers act as the host against the Clippers at the Staples Center.

This is the third meeting of the campaign between the squads. The Lakers are 2-0 against the Clippers this season and have won five of the last seven contests in the series.

The Clippers, who will host the Lakers on April 10, have lost three of their last four as the visitor against their crosstown rivals.

The Lakers have won two in a row overall and will open a three-game homestand tonight. In their last outing, Kobe Bryant scored 34 points and pulled down 10 rebounds to lead the Lakers past the Sacramento Kings, 117-105, Tuesday at ARCO Arena.

Pau Gasol poured in 31 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for the Lakers, who have won 12 of their last 13 games overall. Lamar Odom ended with 19 points and 12 rebounds, while Derek Fisher posted 17 points and six assists.

The Lakers are 21-7 as the home team this season. They will host the Kings on Sunday and the Toronto Raptors Tuesday at the Staples Center.

The Clippers will be attempting to win back-to-back games. On Wednesday, rookie Al Thornton scored 27 points and Corey Maggette netted 25 as the club beat Sacramento, 116-109, in two overtimes at the Staples Center.

Dan Dickau scored a season-high 20 points and Chris Kaman had 17 points and 11 rebounds for the Clippers, who snapped a six-game losing streak. Josh Powell contributed 10 points and 11 rebounds for the Clippers, who rallied from 17 points down.

The Clippers are 8-18 as the visitor this season. They will host the Minnesota Timberwolves Saturday at the Staples Center.