Bryant Ramping Up Intensity for Playoff Drive

With four regular-season games remaining, Kobe Bryant said he’s ready to lead his team into the postseason after missing the cut last year.

“I’m already there,” said Bryant, who has been on a scoring tear, putting up at least 38 points in each of his last five games. “When the postseason comes around, obviously the intensity level rises tremendously and it’s going to be exciting to see how guys respond.”

The Lakers (41-37) will play Golden State tonight at Staples Center, followed by another home game against Portland on Friday.

On Monday, Coach Phil Jackson returned to basics and had the Lakers work on principles of the triangle offense with the help of assistant Tex Winter.

“Phil made it a point to go back to the very beginning,” assistant Brian Shaw said. “We’ve been getting kind of sloppy and he wanted to tighten things up as we head down the stretch.”

Although Bryant -- four games away from this season’s scoring title -- has been taking a lot of shots, he’s been shooting better than 50% (82 for 162) over the last five games.

“We have to win these games and I’m trying to lead by example,” Bryant said. “My role on this team is to put the ball in the basket. So I go out there and try and do what I do best. Try and make it infectious for everybody else. Like for Kwame Brown to go out to be aggressive and effective defensively, and Lamar [Odom] to be the facilitator of our offense and playing with that type of intensity.

“We have a lot of guys who have never been in the playoffs. I’m looking forward to the challenge. The playoffs are a different game where you have an opportunity to break down an opponent. I’m excited.”

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Since the NBA trade deadline in late February, Odom has grown into a more consistent force within the Lakers’ offense.

“Just learning the triangle and being a lot more confident in the way I’m going to get my shots,” said Odom, who has averaged nearly 18 points, 10 rebounds and four assists over his last four games. “It took me some time to really learn the offense.”

Another factor for Odom has been his conditioning.

“Being in shape has also helped me,” he said. “Although I’m tired, I’m at the point where I can push through anything right now.”

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Shaw on Jackson’s coaching this season: “When he first arrived here, he had a team full of veteran players. He had guys who had played against the triangle for years and as a group, we picked it up a lot quicker. This year, it’s been a constant teaching session with the guys, which has shown me as a young coach how much patience you have to have with your team. Everybody’s learning curve is a little different.”

TONIGHT

vs. Golden State, FSN West, 7:30

Site -- Staples Center.

Radio -- 570, 1330.

Records -- Lakers 41-37, Warriors 30-46.

Record vs. Warriors -- 3-0.

Update -- Golden State has lost eight games in a row and has won only four of its last 23 on the road. The Warriors, who have lost five straight against the Lakers at Staples Center, have struggled with injuries. Point guard Baron Davis is out for the rest of the season with an ankle injury and shooting guard Jason Richardson, who also has an ankle injury, might not play tonight.