Lakers Vs. Bucks: L.A. Starts Midwest Road Swing Looking To Snap Two-Game Skid

(Sports Network) - The two-time defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers aim to snap a two-game skid as they kick off a Midwestern road trip at the Bradley Center against the Milwaukee Bucks.

After winning their first eight games of the season the Lakers have hit a bit of a speed bump, dropping their second straight, a 121-116 setback to the Phoenix Suns on Sunday at Staples Center. Jason Richardson had 35 points and eight rebounds in that one as Phoenix connected on a franchise-record 22 three-pointers.

Richardson made seven of the long-distance shots, while Channing Frye sank four and finished with 20 points.

Pau Gasol finished with 28 points and 17 boards for the Lakers, who also had never allowed 22 three-pointers in a game. Kobe Bryant had 25 points, 14 assists and nine rebounds, but turned the ball over eight times.

"I was happy with our comeback, but was not happy with our 18 turnovers," said Lakers head coach Phil Jackson. "Tonight they were successful at threes; they had remarkable shooting."

The Bucks, meanwhile, have righted the ship after a shaky start, winning their third straight, a 79-72 win over Golden State, on Saturday. John Salmons finished with a game-high 26 points and Brandon Jennings added 19 points and 11 rebounds in that one.

Drew Gooden added 16 points and 10 rebounds while Andrew Bogut had eight points and 17 boards for the Bucks, who have won four of their last five overall.

Monta Ellis led Golden State with 24 points and eight assists, but fellow guard Stephen Curry made just 3-of-14 shots and ended with seven points.

"Salmons and Luc Mbah a Moute both did a good job on [Ellis]," said Bucks head coach Scott Skiles. "They at least made it difficult for him to get open looks. We tried to make him play in a crowd and overall we did a good job of that."

Milwaukee forward Carlos Delfino is questionable for tonight's game with a strained neck, while Lakers guard Steve Blake (stomach virus) and center Theo Ratliff (left knee tendinitis) are iffy for LA.