
Late in the 2005-06 season, the Los Angeles Lakers were sputtering with a 34-34 record, and they badly needed to finish the schedule strongly in order to avoid missing the playoffs for the second straight year.

Late in the 2005-06 season, the Los Angeles Lakers were sputtering with a 34-34 record, and they badly needed to finish the schedule strongly in order to avoid missing the playoffs for the second straight year.