Kobe Bryant has played 115 consecutive games for the Lakers and insists he will be on the floor for No. 116 Wednesday night when the Western Conference semifinal series against Utah hangs in the balance.

Bryant didn't practice today, beat writer Broderick Turner reports from the team's El Segundo practice facility, but the NBA's MVP says he will play Wednesday at Staples Center.

Bryant is suffering from back spasms that limited him in Sunday's Game 4 overtime loss at Salt Lake City. He hasn't missed a game since March 7, 2007 when he was suspended for a game at Milwaukee.

Wednesday's game is crucial for the Lakers, who won the first two games in the series at home but lost twice at Salt Lake City's Energy Solutions Arena, where the Jazz built the NBA's best home record during the regular season.

Game 6 in this best-of-seven series is Friday night back in Utah.

http://www.beloblog.com/Pe_Blogs/news/digest/#a272112

If the Lakers don't win at home? It will be almost impossible to win in Utah. They would be in a frenzy down there.
If you thought the noise level was bad last game, just imagine what it will be in game six.