The injuries have added up, one medical chart after another being pushed across the desks in the Lakers' front office. Andrew Bynum: 47 games lost to injury. Trevor Ariza: 44 games. Chris Mihm: 43 games. Pau Gasol: 10 games.

"It's been kind of a roller-coaster season," Kobe Bryant said. "We've had to adjust and change our style of play seemingly every two weeks."

It has put an added strain on the Lakers' reserves, many of whom have been shuttled in and out of the starting lineup despite the long-term goal of a steady, capable second unit. But the reserves have responded, time after time. Sasha Vujacic turned into a legitimate three-point threat. Ronny Turiaf is averaging career highs in points and rebounds. Jordan Farmar pushes the pace