The Bucks have not had the good fortune of catching the Lakers on one of their "down" periods this season. They visited Los Angeles earlier this season, when the Lakers were in the midst of their torrid start. On Nov. 27, Kobe Bryant poured in 33 points to lead the Lakers to a 104-85 victory that improved Los Angeles' record to 15-1.

Tonight, the Lakers enter play riding the crest of a three-game winning streak and looking to sweep a five-game trip that they view as the start of their push toward the playoffs.

"We are in the down side of the season," Jackson said. "Some separation is starting to happen, especially in our conference."

Said forward Robert Horry, "Once we get a streak of 10 or more, then we're probably getting our flow back."

The question everyone in the league will be seeking to answer as the regular season winds down is just how to beat the Lakers in the playoffs, especially when they are on top of their game as they were early this season and undoubtedly will be again by the time the post-season rolls around.