wolves gameday

Preview: The Lakers have won 10 of 11 games since the All-Star break. If they beat the Wolves and Phoenix loses Friday, the Lakers will clinch their 22nd Pacific Division title. ... Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant's ankle remains swollen and he didn't practice Thursday, but he is expected to start against the Wolves. ... The Lakers won the season's first three meetings.

Player to watch: Let's go with Lakers center Andrew Bynum and not Kobe for once. Finally healthy, the guy the Lakers offered as the main piece in Kevin Garnett trade talks with the Wolves four years ago has come into his own: He is averaging 12.6 points, 14.6 rebounds, 2.7 blocks and is shooting 64.2 percent from the field in March. He had 10 points, 18 rebounds and four blocks in Monday's 97-84 victory over Orlando.

Did you know? Lakers coach Phil Jackson won his 600th regular-season game last weekend and is the fifth coach in NBA history to win that many with one franchise. Jerry Sloan (Utah), Red Auerbach (Boston), Gregg Popovich (San Antonio) and Red Holzman (New York) are the others.

Injuries: Bryant (sprained ankle) is probable, Theo Ratliff (knee) and Devin Ebanks (leg) are out for the Lakers.