Kobe, Lakers Look To Carry Momentum To New York’s MSG

NEW YORK (AP) — Jeremy Lin’s emergence from utter obscurity has the New York Knicks gaining confidence and victories. Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers are rarely lacking in either of those categories. A budding fan favorite among the faithful at Madison Square Garden, Lin faces possibly his toughest test yet Friday night as the Knicks attempt to defeat Bryant and the Lakers at home for the first time in more than five years. New York (11-15) was one of the NBA’s biggest disappointments during a woeful 2-11 stretch Jan. 12-Feb. 3, but Lin has provided a much-needed spark since then. The second-year point guard, who played only sparingly prior to the last three games, is averaging 25.3 points and 8.3 assists during the Knicks’three-game winning streak. Lin’s opportunity has come amid the absence of Knicks stars Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire. Anthony is out with a strained right groin, while Stoudemire isn’t expected back from gri...