After center Andrew Bynum suffered a major knee injury in January, the Los Angeles Lakers made a blockbuster trade for Pau Gasol to help them stay competitive in the crowded Western Conference playoff race.

When Gasol went down with an ankle injury, the team didn’t have to look as far to find its newest replacement.

Lamar Odom looks to continue his strong play in the absence of Bynum and Gasol as the Lakers try to reclaim first place in the West on Wednesday when they host the Charlotte Bobcats.

Los Angeles beat Pacific Division rival Golden State 123-119 in overtime on Monday, bouncing back from a 115-111 loss to the Warriors the previous night. The victory put the Lakers (49-22) in first place in the West, although they’re now trailing New Orleans by percentage points. - Yahoo Sports

• Los Angeles (42-18) at Sacramento (27-32)
• Los Angeles (48-22) at Golden State (43-26)
• Preview: Los Angeles (37-17) at Los Angeles (19-33)
• Memphis (18-53) at Los Angeles (49-23)
• Sacramento (27-35) at Los Angeles (44-18)