The Los Angeles Lakers continue to build their case about being a possible playoff contender in the Western Conference as they've picked up steam during the best time of the season as the playoffs approach.

The Lakers are currently without guard Kobe Bryant, who's out indefinitely with an ankle injury, but they've managed to still earn victories in the win column, despite the team battling for their playoff lives on a nightly basis.

The Lakers will return to the court Monday night against the Phoenix Suns, and at this point Bryant is considered to be a game time decision. After the Sunday night win over the Kings, Lakers coach Mike D'Antoni spoke to Dave McMenamin and he said that the decision to play on Monday will ultimately be left up to Bryant.

The Lakers have shown that they can win games with Bryant resting on the bench and they have enough fire power without their star to beat the Suns.

Still, Los Angeles needs a healthy Kobe Bryant down the stretch of the season and they should remain cautious about playing him earlier than he should be.

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