Looking back, looking ahead

It remains to be seen if the Lakers are out of their post-Thanksgiving funk. They thumped the Sacramento Kings by 33 points on Friday to end their four-game losing streak, but they have some work to do before putting their slump in their rear view mirror.

Here's what Lakers coach Phil Jackson said the other day: "It's very important we play good games Tuesday and Wednesday. Whether we win or not, it's important we play well. We have a six-game road trip (coming up) that's really important for us. These are important times for us. Things are starting to matter."

The Lakers (14-6) face the Washington Wizards on Tuesday, the Clippers on Wednesday and then hit the road for their first extended trip starting Friday at Chicago. They also play New Jersey, Washington, Indiana, Philadelphia and Toronto. Of their next eight opponents only Chicago had a winning record as of Sunday morning.