Lakers vs. Houston Preview: Kobe and Dwight face off one last time

Kobe Bryant and Dwight Howard have some history. The two were on opposite sides in the 2009 NBA Finals, which the Lakers won in five games. Howard would eventually join the Lakers in 2012, but his relationship with Bryant was tumultuous. Howard left LA after that season and that move is just one in a series that have the Lakers facing their worst season ever. Now the pair will meet for the final time when the Los Angeles Lakers face the Houston Rockets in Houston.

Bryant will play and his interactions with Howard and James Harden should be interesting to watch. Much of the focus for the Lakers will be on the young trio of D'Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle. Russell and Clarkson combined for 58 points on 19-31 shooting in the team's most recent game against the New Orleans Pelicans. Randle had a tough shooting night, but finished with seven points, six assists and four rebounds.

The Rockets are fighting for a playoff spot and will probably beat up on the Lakers after giving Kobe some special video tribute at the beginning of the game. Harden has become one of the league's top offensive players and should have an easy time getting buckets, especially with LA's abysmal defense. If Los Angeles' core has another solid performance, it'll be considered a successful game.

Time: 12:30 p.m. PST

How to Watch: TWCSN