(Sports Network) - A possible playoff matchup will be on tap tonight at New Orleans Arena, where the Hornets will host Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Lakers are the top team in the West and will open a four-game road trip against New Orleans, Houston, Dallas and Utah tonight. They are 22-11 away from the Staples Center this season and have won eight of nine and 11 of their last 13 contests as the visitor.

In Tuesday's 117-108 victory over the Toronto Raptors, Bryant registered a game-high 34 points and Lamar Odom added 20 and nine rebounds. Bryant also had seven rebounds and seven assists, while Derek Fisher scored 18 points and dished out five assists for the Lakers, who have ripped off 17 wins over their last 20 games.

Pau Gasol continued to shine with his new team, ending with 12 points, seven rebounds and five assists for the Lakers.

Los Angeles is 2 1/2 games ahead of Phoenix for the top spot in the Pacific Division.

New Orleans will close out a two-game homestand on Friday and is 23-10 at home this season. The Hornets have won five straight as the host, including Wednesday's 100-75 triumph over the San Antonio Spurs.

Chris Paul had 26 points and 17 assists to pull the Hornets within a half-game of first place in the Southwest Division. Houston and San Antonio are currently on top in the division standings.

David West returned from a three-game absence due to a sprained left ankle and had 29 points and 10 rebounds on 14-of-22 shooting for the Hornets, who dealt San Antonio its largest margin of defeat this season. West is probable to play again tonight.

The 2007-08 season series between LA and New Orleans is tied at a game apiece. Los Angeles has won two of three and 10 of its last 15 meetings with the Hornets.

The Lakers have also won two straight, three of four and nine of their last 12 contests as the guest in this series.