Key test arrives for Ross

As the Clippers’ top perimeter defender, Quinton Ross is accustomed to difficult defensive assignments.

Defending Lakers guard Kobe Bryant is high on the list, Ross said, and he faces that challenge again tonight at Staples Center.

“He just makes so many plays and so many tough shots,” Ross said. “You can try to cut off angles, but he finds a way. He’s just a great player.”

Although Bryant is shooting 21.1% from three-point range this season while recovering from off-season knee surgery, the perennial All-Star is the Clippers’ biggest concern.

“He might not be shooting the three well now, but he could make eight or nine” tonight, Ross said. “You take him lightly, you could look up and he’s got 60 on you before you know it.”

Bryant leads the Lakers in scoring at 22 points a game. He averaged 40.8 points in four games against the Clippers last season -- while making 41% of his shots from beyond the arc -- and scored 50 points Jan. 7 in the Lakers’ 112-109 victory.

The Clippers are expected to provide Ross with as much help as possible in their defensive schemes, but doing so could open opportunities for the Lakers’ other productive scorers.

Lamar Odom is second on the team in scoring at 19 points. Luke Walton averages 12.7, and impressive second-year center Andrew Bynum is at 10.3.

“The way Odom, Walton and Bynum have been playing ... they’ve been good,” Elton Brand said. “Those guys have been getting it done.”

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The Clippers recently rewarded center Chris Kaman with a $52.5-million contract extension, but Bynum, 19, has been more productive to this point.

Their matchup could play a key role tonight.

“He’s going to do what he has to do,” Coach Mike Dunleavy said of Kaman. “I’m really not worried about him.”

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Tim Thomas averaged 15.6 points and 7.9 rebounds in the Phoenix Suns’ playoff series victory over the Lakers last season. He also shot 47.1% from three-point range and made a clutch three-pointer late in Game 6 at Staples Center. The Suns won in overtime, and Lakers fans haven’t forgotten.

“Yeah, they’ll probably get a little loud, but that’s the way it’s supposed to be,” Thomas said. “That’s what makes it fun.”

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More than 300 toys and 100 teddy bears were donated by guests Saturday at a charity event hosted by Sam Cassell and Corey Maggette.

“Sam and Corey did this to help kids,” said Eric Smith, Cassell’s associate who organized the event. “They’re really happy with how it turned out.”

Maggette plans to distribute the teddy bears on visits to hospitals during the season, and Cassell is scheduled to donate toys to underprivileged children during the holidays, Smith said.

jason.reid@latimes.com