Lakers’ lead in NBA West is narrowing

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There was a time when the Lakers appeared to be running away from the rest of the NBA’s Western Conference.

Now, the pack is catching up to the Lakers.

Two games into their ongoing road trip, the Lakers lead the New Orleans Hornets (16-7) and Houston Rockets (18-9) by 3 1/2 games in the West.

After playing the Memphis Grizzlies tonight, the Lakers travel to New Orleans to face the Hornets.

The Lakers have defeated the Hornets during their first meeting this season -- and in New Orleans, no less.

But the Lakers are struggling now, having lost two consecutive games on the road.

-- Broderick Turrner