Lakers welcome back Al Horford

Tonight marked the final game played by the Lakers without Al Horford.  Horford was nursing a broken wrist that kept him out for the past month and a half.  During that stretch the Lakers went 13-9, and managed to stay only 2 games back from the Pacific Division lead.

"Al (Horford) is a big reason we've turned the corner this year, we are grateful to have him back, he's integral to our success going forward," Lakers GM "AK" said.

In 12 games Horford averaged 15.7 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 1.7 SPG and 1.5 BPG.  Horford and Pau Gasol create a very difficult tandem to defend in the post, especially when you surround him with a sharp shooter like Bradley Beal.  The Lakers will look to maintain a healthy roster and build upon their early season success to take a commanding lead in the Pacific Division.

The Lakers are getting Horford back at the right time as they begin a brutal month of games which includes matchups against the Heat, Clippers, Trailblazers, Warriors, Wizards, Jazz, Pistons, and the Bulls.

"This month is very crucial to our season man, you guys know that.  We have the big fella back and frankly it's time to go to war.  We've got some big games coming up, so it's time to focus and attack," Lakers point guard Russell Westbrook said.  "I can't even lie though, that January 10th game against the Clippers is circled in our locker room, no excuses from this organization, but everybody knows we are healthy this time around," Westbrook continued.

"Somebody asked me if we had another level to reach now that I am back, and you know what, yes we do and that's on me to take us there.. and you can bet we will reach it," Al Horford said.

The Lakers have two tough road games against the Blazers and Nuggets before returning home for round 2 of the Battle for Los Angeles.

Good to see you at full strength. Looking forward to our game tonight

Horford makes a world of difference man, gonna make the Lakers as dangerous as they were projected to be, also think it's gone unnoticed how well Beal has been playing this season due to Westbrook DOMINATING the LA press.

The West continues to get stronger and stronger. We have UTA, LAL, LAC, GSW, HOU, NOP and POR that are all legitimate title contenders. Man, the playoffs are going to be intense!

Yeah i don't believe that my utah win the west. A lot of contenders. Is dificult don't fail, in playoffs a minimun injury good bye.