Here come the Lakers, all unbeaten and popular and talked about. Apparently they’ve got the best defense since the Great Wall and their bench alone would beat the Spurs in a seven-game series. (Although with all those injuries in San An, I’m pretty sure James Posey could do the same solo.)

Game tips a few ticks past 7 Central. Get your measuring stick ready.

Linkage:

• Ryan’s game preview
• Player Evals: David West disappointing
• Peterson doubtful tonight; Butler may start
• Millions of story lines in our Lagniappe section