Back-to-Back Successes Crucial Part of 14-Game Winning Streak

The key to the Lakers’ 14-game winning streak, the longest in the NBA this season (by five games) and the franchise’s longest since 1991?

The Lakers have faced games in back-to-back nights five times during the streak, including Saturday’s game at Seattle, and have won all of them.

Overall this season, the Lakers are 11-1 in the second game of back-to-backs, the one loss coming Dec. 8 at Sacramento, their only loss in their last 22 games.

“Winning is something that instills confidence in players and you believe in yourself that you can overcome certain odds,” said Coach Phil Jackson, who added that he does not worry about back-to-backs because every team faces them. “I think that’s part of it. I think that’s part of winning. I think it’s an attitude and it’s a way you go about your business.”

The key player in the back-to-back success?

Since his return from a broken hand, Kobe Bryant has played in six back-to-back scenarios, and has averaged 27.5 points, 6.3 rebounds and 41 minutes--all higher than his season averages.

Meanwhile, the Lakers are 18-1 since Bryant’s return.

He added to that Saturday against Seattle, most spectacularly by making a career-high five three-point baskets. Twice in his rookie season, Bryant made four three-pointers.

“I just had a feeling, because I knew they were going to look at the other game, ‘OK, let’s sag off Kobe,’ ” Bryant said, referring to his five-of-19 shooting performance Friday against Charlotte. Did Bryant say anything during the game to semirival Ruben Patterson, the former Laker who anointed himself “the Kobe stopper” on his signing with Seattle?

“For what?” Bryant said. “You know he can’t guard me.”

Tonight

vs. Denver, 7:30

Fox Sports Net

* Site--Staples Center.

* Radio--KLAC (570).

* Records--Lakers 29-5, Nuggets 17-15.

* Record vs. Nuggets--0-1.

* Update--Led by former Laker Nick Van Exel and power forward Antonio McDyess, Denver has carved out a decent playoff opportunity, but has done it almost solely at home, including a 93-82 victory over the Lakers in November.

* Tickets--(213) 480-3232.