LAKERS LATEST

LOS ANGELES LAKERS 90-87 OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER



The new look Oklahoma City weren't exactly a breeze for the Lake Show today but the Lakers still took advantage of them on their own court with a 90-87 checkmate. This game came down to a last few seconds and chess moves as Kevin Durant and James Harden both failed to put winning 3-point checks on the board. Lamar Odom missed a pair of free throws with 10 seconds left but thanks to a cold final countdown of the game, the Lakers win and seed above the Thunder in the Western Conference was safe. The Lakers stand at third out west, 4 and a half games above Oklahoma. Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum coupled and doubled up for L.A. Pau had 18 points and 11 rebounds, while Bynum had 16 and 10. Kobe also added 17 as the Lakers overcame Russell Westbrook's 22 points and Kevin Durant's 21. The game was close throughout but when the Thunders last storm didn't turn to rain, the team of a thousand lakes whetted the competition. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

LAKERS LATEST

LOS ANGELES LAKERS 108-95 LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS



In the U.K they would call this a derby and in Los Angeles, California, USA the cities two teams met for the third and last time this regular season. Still with these improving, playoff contending Clippers who knows if they'll meet the reigning champion Lakers again this post-season. The first time these two met Fisher hit a buzzer beating lay-up to win the game for the Lakers, but in the last-game the Clippers bested the Lakers in a worse loss for the Lake Show. Still the Clippers may have won the battle but the Lakers won the war and the season series last night with a 108-95 win. Last night the floor was the Lakers in more ways then one. Bryant recorded a jersey number 24 points despite suffering a minor elbow injury. Bryant had hit his funny bone hard in the second quarter but came back in the third to show he was no joke with 18 points. "Kobe kind of faked them out with that dead-arm thing and then scored a lot of points," coach Jackson said of Kobe's second-half hustle. Bynum also doubled up for the Lakers with Bynum had 16 points and 11 rebounds, while Gasol added 22 of his own points. NBA man of the moment Blake Griffin put on a show with 22 points and 10 rebounds but still he couldn't stop the showtime and had to give it up to Kobe. "That's why he's one of the best," Blake said of Kobe's elbow to the Clippers. I guess that's adding compliment to injury. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

LAKERS LATEST

LOS ANGELES LAKERS 106-101 PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS



Brandon Roy was Back in black, white and red for the Blazers but the Lakers beat them in black and white with a 106-101 win last night. After winning at home on November 7th, Los Angeles beat Portland on their trail. Kobe continued his latest Kobe like form with 37 points as the Lakers came back from 10 down to close out the Oregon team in overtime by two three's from Q.B.'s Lamar Odom and Ron Artest, a hook from Gasol and a clutch Kobe J that ended Portland's chorus. Despite LaMarcus Aldridge's 29 points and 14 rebounds the Trailblazers couldn't extend their hot, six game winning streak. At least their sell-out crowd saw their star back, as Brandon Roy received a standing 'O'. His coming back party was ruined by the Lake Show. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

LAKERS LATEST

LOS ANGELES LAKERS 104-80 ATLANTA HAWKS



(Josh Powell, NBA Finals 2010)

104-80. Now that's more like it. Speaking of rebounding the Lakers needed to bounce back and make a statement that they where still the reigning champion and by routing contender Atlanta they did that. The Lake Show had the talons to law the Hawks by 24 ending a 3 game losing streak. Coming off an All-Star MVP at home in Los Angeles, Kobe scored 20 in the Lakers return to Staples. Fellow All-Star Gasol added 14 points and 10 rebounds, doubling up in strength in numbers. All-franchise Joe Johnson scored 14 for the ATL, but Shannon Brown had 14 off the bench as the Lakers matched everything Atlanta had. The only bright-spot for the Hawks came before the game when reserve and last year Laker, Josh Powell was presented with his championship ring. Coach Jackson praised the hard-worker for his practice intensity and contributions to the championship. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

LAKERS LATEST

Now we are into the second-half of the season the men will really be seperated from the boys, or the contenders from the lottery picks that is. The reigning top dog, the Los Angeles Lakers and their doberman Kobe Bryant look to bounce back after a disappointing first half to the season. After hosting the All-Star game in L.A., after his Staples MVP performance Kobe Bryant has a warning for the league, "You can’t beat me in June"! The whole purple and gold half of Los Angeles (Blake's really bringing out the blue and red) is behind their Lakers including, Snoop Dogg who has recorded a new song 'Purp & Yellow'. Following his 'Lakers Theme' of years past, the Doggfather hopes to bring L.A. more luck with his new track which features The Game. The video of the song features Laker players, Shannon Brown and Ron Artest. Two guys no stranger to music videos after vying for the beautiful, talented Toni Braxton in her clip last year. The video also features Matt Barnes who has returned to practice this Monday for the Lakers. The X-factor defensive back-up who can play the 2 or the 3 will be an assett for the Lakers to have back as they try and overcome their liabilities. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

LAKERS LATEST

We told you there was more thrills and spills to come. Now the All-Star events are 'so' last weekend, as a blockbuster has hit our NBA TV screens. Carmelo Anthony is finally no longer a Denver Nugget. So all the talk will stop now right? NO! Believe me it's only getting started. The Showtime is now over in L.A, as 'melo has made his way out East, and not to New Jersey. Carmelo has headed to the core of Manhatten to play for the New York Knicks, making this most-improved team stellar and giving them a real good chance of overcoming Florida rivals Miami Heat and their 'superfriends' or even reigning Eastern champs, Boston. Chauncey Billups is also donning, blue and orange giving the Knicks another Mecca talent for Madison Square Garden. This sleeper part of the trade gives the Knicks, their own group of 'superfriends' and who knos Chris Paul may still be on his way this Summer too. More talent is coming New York's way with top backups Anthony Carter and Shelden Williams, plus former Knickerbocker favourite Renaldo Balkman is back in MSG. N.Y. still lose a crop of popular talent that helped them go far in the form of Raymond Felton, Danilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler, and Timofey Mozgov, plus many draft picks to the Nuggets, but they also send Eddy Curry's expiring contract to Minnesota in exchange for the dunking, sparking talents of Corey Brewer. New York basketball is looking as bright and ignited as Times Square on New Year right now. It's another new day. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

LAKERS LATEST: ALL-STAR SPECIAL

Kobe Bryant isn't just the king of L.A. he's the king of the NBA. Bryant tied legend Bob Petit with four NBA All-Star MVP's (a record tie) on his home-court, the Staples Centre of the Los Angeles Lakers. The man who last shared the honors with former team-mate Shaq and also won in his hometown Philadelphia led the West to an epic 148-143 win over the Eastern All-Stars. Kobe tallied 37 points and 14 rebounds, going toe-to-toe with eastern rival LeBron James of favourite Miami who had 29 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists, matching Michael Jordan as one of the only players to record a triple-double in an All-Star game. The East could have taken it but last years All-Star MVP, Dwyane Wade left with an ankle injury after scoring 14. One thing was for certain though, it was another classic All-Star for the ages and in what will probably be the last All-Star game for Kobe in Los Angeles, a fitting chapter closure to one of the stories of his L.A. times. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

LAKERS LATEST

It's about time the logo's legend was cemented in stone in Los Angeles. The Lakers have given Jerry West the Magic Johnson and Chick Hearn treatment, immortalizing him in a bronze statue. The Lakers golden Hall Of Famer was enshrined in the Star Plaza along with Wayne Gretzky and Oscar De La Hoya. Jerry reiterated the fact that he was uncomfortable receiving the attention but thanked the Los Angeles Lakers and the Staples Centre for the honor. The statue depicts, Mr. Clutch dribbling. The ice to Jerry's fire, Elgin Baylor was on hand as was Laker legends Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Pat Riley and Shaquille O'Neal and Boston foe, but good friend Bill Russell. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

LAKERS LATEST

Usually blockbuster trades and the All-Star weekend go hand in hand but don't expect much noise out of Los Angeles on the transfer front. Ron Artest was rumored to be hitting the road, like a fouled out Jack at the Staples Centre and Carmelo Anthony was supposed to be the next Pau Gasol and make the Lakers list of stars look that much more elite. Still, you should expect the only blockbusters to come out of Hollywood to be Matt Damon films as Mitch Kupchak is telling us to not expect much by the February 24th deadline like kids who have forgot that homework. "I think it's unlikely," the former Laker Power Forward said about 'Melo turning yellow. "But there's eight days to go. All of the general managers are here in Los Angeles this weekend, and there will be a lot of yapping. There will be a lot of guys moving off to the side, and there will be a lot of phone calls. ... I stand by what I said, that it's unlikely, but I don't think any general manager can stand here and say there will be absolutely no changes in eight days, in particular at this time of year." the Lakers have lost more form, since the rumors first started as they've just come off three straight losses to end their road trip including one embarrassing loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. This would of been acceptable last year, but not now, times are a'changing, do the Lakers need to? As Kupchak quoted, "Sometimes you have to hit rock bottom before you can climb up." TIM DAVID HARVEY.

LAKERS LATEST

Keeping it Lakers and legendary it looks like good friends and great rivals Magic Johnson and Larry Bird are off to New York. The Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtic legends and Basketball pioneers are set to have a Broadway play written about them. Hey if the company ENRON and the rapper Jim Jones can have a play done about them then why not these two icons? The production will centre around the relationship between the two icons which started as their two colleges went head to head and lasted through their battles in the NBA and to this day. The writers who wrote the 2010 smash 'Lombardi' will pen tnis Earvin and Legend piece. Time to book that ticket to JFK, this is one show you won't mind taking your girlfriend to see. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

LAKERS LATEST

LOS ANGELES LAKERS 99-104 CLEVELAND CAVALIERS



Keeping it between Byron Scott and the Lakers. You know things are bad when you lose to the Cleveland Cavaliers. This is one weary road trip that the Los Angeles Lakers will want to forget quick. Putting a 25 plus losing streak behind them and avenging a 55 point drubbing by the Lake Show earlier in the season, the Cavs took care of the Lakers 104-99. Former Laker and Cleveland coach Byron Scott ended the showtime as he sent in guard Ramon Sessions, who had a season-high 32 points to go with 8 assists off the pine and into the prime time. All the zen mater had after the game was more stress as he told press, "I think (the Lakers) took their All-Star break before the game. They left before this game started. I'm not happy with the way this trip ended, that's for sure." Kobe Bryant had a season-high 12 rebounds but was taken out the game on D by some Cavalier players. Kobe committed 7 turnovers and 4 fouls and was an old jersey/new jersey number 8 for 24, en route to 17 points. Pau Gasol may have had a big 30 points to go with Derek Fisher's 19, but the Lakers ended their 7 game road-trip with their third straight loss to the worst team in the league. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

LAKERS LATEST

Former Los Angeles Laker, showtime legend and current Cleveland Cavalier coach Byron Scott will be honored this All-Star weekend, but outside Los Angeles and outside the NBA. His former college Arizona State will retire his jersey. Scott's number 11 will be retired, a number he wore in college in honor of his favourite player Bob McAdoo (also a former Laker). Byron later on got to play with his hero for the Lakers, but that meant he could no longer wear his number 11. Byron adopted the number 4, another number that deserves to be retired. It took two years for Byron to work up the courage to tell Bob he was his hero. Lets hope it doesn't take the Lakers too long to realise that some of their best role players deserve more recognition and status too. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

LAKERS LATEST

Bill Russell isn't the only member of the NBA family honored this week. Kobe Bryant will put his hands and feet in concrete outside Hollywood's famed Grauman's Chinese Theater, joining the likes of everyone from John Wayne to Adam Sandler. As Kobe just goes with it, during the Los Angeles held All-Star weekend, the Lakers duke will be honored by vearious celebrities. With the Celtics and the Lakers making honor roll news this week it looks like the two storied rivals are competing yet again. With all due respect however Obama beats George Lopez and Jimmy Kimmell, who will be speaking at Bryant's ceremony (no offence). Lopez a life long Laker fan will be a key-note speaker and Jimmy Kimmell's ABC late night show films across the road from the theatre on Hollywood Boulevard. Get this though, Kobe is the first non-Hollywood star to have his hands and feet in cement. Now he just needs to have a star on the Walk Of Fame. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

LAKERS LATEST

LOS ANGELES LAKERS 89-109 CHARLOTTE BOBCATS



The Lakers, engines are only purring on their road-trip at the moment as they couldn't claw a victory against the Charlotte Bobcats. Coach Phil Jackson was so upset after his former player, Michael Jordan's Charlotte franchise blew the Lakers lights out, 109-89. The second coming, Kobe had nothing to say to the press to go with 20 points in contest that was matched and bested by the fierce cat, Gerald Wallace. He also had 11 boards and Gerald Henderson pulled away with 18. This makes it 8 out of 10 in favour of the city that used to house the Hornets. They used to be a tough test for the Lake Show but these Bobcats appear to be a bogey side for L.A. in fact in 13 unlucky contests the Lakers have only picked away 5 wins to Charlotte's 8. The only other team the L.A. Lakers have a negative record with is the Boston Celtics...and we all know about the history of those two teams. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

ELGIN

The genuine article.

BY TIM DAVID HARVEY

(Continuing Our 'Laker Legacy' Series)

"He was one of the most spectacular shooters the game has ever known"-Jerry West, HOOP Magazine, 1992.

This forthcoming All-Star weekend is big for all of the NBA, right down to the logo. The Los Angeles Lakers are hosting the game at the STAPLES Centre and are also using the weekend to unveil their latest statue. Joining Magic, Chick, Wayne and Oscar will be Mr. Clutch himself, Jerry West. Now with all due respect, where respect is due, (http://lakeshowview.blogspot.com/2010/12/how-west-has-won.html) the Lakers had someone East of West too. Standing right next to the fire of Jerry was the ice of Elgin Baylor, one of the coldest players to ever grace a basketball court. Elg's influence has been huge. R&B superstar Ginuwine was named after the megastar. The singer even drops his latest album entitled 'Elgin' this week. How fitting.

Before, new revolutionary forwards like Pau Gasol, before Shaq and Kobe, before 'Cap and Magic, before Wilt. Before even fans chanted West's first name like Springer audiences, before even purple and gold. Straight out of Minneapolis, right to to Los Angeles, Elg was there in blue and white, with stars around his Lakers shield. Los Angeles first officer was a force, making Laker fans feel better about Mikan's retirement. Taking them higher, right before the days of the 'stilt'. After 13 years, when Elgin called it a final game, Los Angeles Times reporter Mal Florence, put it even better then the legendary Jim Murray, eulogising his career by stating that, "no man has contributed more to the success and popularity of the Lakers since they moved to Los Angeles from Minneapolis in 1960 than Baylor".

Still for every Magic and Kobe, there's a Gail Goodrich and James Worthy. Los Angeles have had so many stars over the decades, and were not talking about Hollywood ones. With so much talent it's easy for some of these guys to avoid the limelight or the recognition that they truly deserve. Think about it, list your top five Laker players of all-time. Does Elgin make the cut? Well he should. Baylor isn't just the Lakers all-time rebounder (11,463). Out in California, he walked more than boards. This classic player ran the show a generation before Earvin learnt the tricks of his Magic trade.

Way before Kobe, Elgin was using his speed, wide offensive set and Basketball I.Q., to get past any defender in his way, en route back then to hanging more jump shots on opponents then anyone in the association not named Chamberlain or Robertson. Baylor took bites out of the Big Apple, making Madison Square Garden his Mecca way before Kobe's high scoring nights faded past performances away. Kobe may have dropped a cool, classic 61 points two years back, but Baylor once notched a tremendous, timeless 71 in New York. OK, so Kobe raised Baylor's all-time scoring performance silver by 10-hitting 81 against Toronto-to lie just behind Wilt Chamberlain's 100 (Baylor's still the highest scoring forward). Still the point is, both these legends have been just as important to Laker legacy.

"I hear people talking about forwards today and I haven't seen many that can compare with him." Jerry West, HOOP Magazine, 1992.

Before the STAPLES Centre let Shannon Brown dunk his 6, 4 heart out, the inch higher Baylor had as much vertical, dazzling the Los Angeles crowd and other forums league wide with his athletic, acrobatic, aerial assaults. Taking it out of L.A. this guy is one of the best all-time players in the whole history of the league. At 6, 5 and 225 pounds he was affording way more rebounds then his size could spend, way before Charles Barkley made the mound. Most teams would love to have a 20 and 10, double, double machine at the 4 or the 5, but sized like a 3, Elg averaged 27.4 points 13.5 rebounds for his career (24.9 and 15 as a Rookie playing like a veteran to boot as well). That's almost 30 and 15. In fact one season Baylor brought 34.8 points and 19.8 rebounds to the end of season box-score. That's Wilt numbers.

Decades before last years Boston/L.A. Finals and way before Magic and Bird helped re-vitalise the NBA and the Lakers/Celtics rivalry, Baylor and West where doing it with their own historic Boston match-ups, ensuring that arm-chair sports fans didn't adjust their sets. Amongst all these heated, historic rivalries, Baylor and West may have achieved circle digits in relation to championship rings, but they sure did win a lot of respect. Sure there was no love lost between these East and West Coast team but Elgin had his own personal Boston rivalry with all-time forward Bill Sharman. Sure they had their battles but amidst the war Shar' admired Elg. The pair played the game the way it was meant to be played and were friends, professionals, warriors, basketball purists and true sportsman.

OK, if your done with the history lesson then how about some maths? The stats speak for themselves, especially since this player recorded all these numbers in just 170 games over 13 seasons. Even injuries couldn't chill this legends place on the all-time lists. During his 14 years (all with the Lakers, now that's loyalty), he was an NBA All-Star 11 times. The Rookie Of The Year was so big from the outset in what was also the Lakers debut year in Los Angeles. He hit more than 50 points 17 times in his career and hit around 60 as much as most top players today hit 40. One of many highlights was his 1962, 61 point, 22 rebound Finals performance against Boston when Jerry West was out injured. The glass cleaner once polished off 30 rebounds against Cincinnati, just another crowning achievement for NBA royalty.

So sure Jerry West is getting his just deserves out in California this weekend, but the Lakers better make room and stone for many more Laker legends who's jerseys are already raised to the rafters. Especially Elg, as this man of the Hall needs to be monitored more by the eye of NBA history. Sure Jerry West is the logo, but Elgin Baylor is a symbol. A symbol of the birth of the Lakers out in Los Angeles and the real rise of African-American players in the NBA and the leagues popularity itself. Elgin scored big on many points, even beyond the stat-sheet. As for the respect for this loved game, just hear what the fans and the coaches alike at Elgin's rookie, 55 point performance against the Knickerbockers said and, 'Give it to Baylor'.

"Elgin Baylor should be there," Jerry West, 17th February, 2010.

LAKERS LATEST

LOS ANGELES LAKERS 75-89 ORLANDO MAGIC



The Los Angeles Lakers have been up to their old tricks recently winning games again, however they had no Magic up against Orlando last night. Dwight Howard pulled 31 points and 13 rebounds out of his hat as the Magic made the Lakers disappear with an 89-75 win. The Orlando Magic showed they where still a contender with a convicting win over the defending champions that beat them in the finals two seasons back. The Lakers where held to their lowest point total all season as Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum had 17 each, while Lamar had 15 and Pau 11. "Offensively we were really stagnant. Defensively we could have been a little better. But they had 89 points. It was a winnable game as far as points go. But we didn't put any up," Bynum told the press-post game. Time for the Lakers to step and freshen it up.
TIM DAVID HARVEY.

LAKERS LATEST

With an almost certain, lockout looming. Many NBA players have expressed an interest in pulling a Candace Parker or Brandon Jennings, by making up for lost playing time and wages by joining Allen Iverson in Europe. First, former Laker Shaquille O'Neal was linked with a move to Turkey and now the Lakers own star player Kobe Bryant could be going back to the place he grew up. The Lakers may lose Kobe to Italy if this lockout actually takes place. "You know how much I love Italy. I grew up there,"Kobe told press following his 33 point performance in a 116-96 drubbing of the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden last night. "I wouldn't be opposed to it," Bean told press about possibly playing where his father Joe 'Jellybean' Bryant played. It sure won't be good if the league is locked out next year, but this would make a nice vacation for Kobe. "I'm not locked into anywhere. I'm locked out. You've just got to play it by ear," Kobe added. It would also be the perfect chapter for a player who's basketball story started in Italy. Just as long as it's just for a year, Kobe out in Europe will be all 'buona'. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

LAKERS LATEST

LOS ANGELES LAKERS 113-96 NEW YORK KNICKS

It was throwback night last night at Madison Square Garden as Kobe proved to be as classic and timeless as Mitchell & Ness. Two years after Kobe had a Jordan-esque 61 point performance at the Mecca he dropped, 33 as his Kareem-esque numbers capped a 113-96 win for the Lake Show. So far the Lakers are 4 and 0 an their 7 game road trip as they improve in all areas of basketball. G.M. Mitch Kupchak saw for himself that there may be no need for a trade as his team took apart the New York team that also want Carmelo Anthony. "I'm starting to see signs of resuscitation," Mitch said. Pau Gasol also had 20 points and Lamar Odom 16 as all the Lakers looked good again. Gasol told press, "The attitude is much better, The body language is better. We're more confident out there." Nobody looked stronger then Kobe who once again put in a legendary performance in the worlds most famous arena. "This is a guy that loves to play in the big sites, likes the audience, he likes the attention," Phil Jackson said of Kobe. "He rises to the occasion." As Kobe rises, the showtime reaches new highs. Next up, Magic. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

LAKERS LATEST

LOS ANGELES LAKERS 92-86 BOSTON CELTICS



The talk was all about their problems, their need for improvements. The idea that they are no longer champions. The success of LeBron and his Miami side and the rest of the East. The potential Carmelo trade. The possible departure of crucial players like Andrew Bynum and Ron Artest and most of all their lack of form and ability to close out games, big or small. Still the Los Angeles Lakers put that all to the courtside as they left it all on the floor against Boston...including their blood for a hard fought, 92-86 win. Granted the blood came from forwards Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol banging heads, but there was nothing akward or weak about these guys tough play. One time labelled as 'soft', this frontcourt tandem and the rest of the Lakers proved that they are still amongst the best, capable of beating the Celtics on their tough, home-court, fortress of the TD Garden. The Lake Show were so tough they out-muscled and out-rebounded the C's 47-36. The Lakers had a 27-15 scoring advantage in the third, which was crucial. Still, congratulations are in order for top three point talent, Ray Allen who passed Reggie Miller as the all-time leader in three-point field goals made. After last nights game in Downtown Boston, both teams have drawn blood on each others home-court this season. Forget Miami, the stage is set for another Celtic/Laker Finals rematch and another chapter in the storied franchises history together. This is a real page-turner. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

LAKERS LATEST

All these Carmelo Anthony trade speculations may be fascinating for fans but the Lakers aren't entertaining the news. Bynum is remaining focused, telling press, "I'm going to keep playing basketball. That's all I can do. It's not really in my power. I can't control it." Carmelo himself has said, "Every day is something different. I guess now is the Lakers. Until I hear something from the people that I'm supposed to hear something from, then I don't pay no attention to it." The latest buzz sees 'Melo and teammate Al Harrington coming over for Bynum and Artest. A move that would gain L.A. another franchise player for their future star, but one that would see them lose a league leading defender for a great player, albeit one that is similar to Lamar Odom. Sure Anthony would be great for the Lakers, but as Kobe says, Bynum is "extremely important" to L.A. While Jackson joked, "I told Derrick Caracter that if Denver gave us Anthony straight up, then we would trade Derrick Caracter for Anthony. That's the only trade I want on this basketball club if that's one that works out." What do you think the Lake Show should do? Sound off in our comments section below. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

LAKERS LATEST

The Carmelo circus just added another act, a Hollywood act. With New York still in the mix, America's big market on the other coast, Los Angeles have thrown their hat in to the ring, in their pursuit of their third. Rumour has it that the Lakers may try and swap Andrew Bynum for 'Melo, still speculation says they'd rather offer up Ron Artest. The defensive maestro, is out of some of the offensive rotation and somewhat out of favour of sorts. Obviously Kobe's untouchable, but Denver may demand Gasol or Odom, who ideally the Lakers would also not want going anywhere. If the Lakers do swing this deal then they will lose a developing franchise player in Bynum, leaving a whole in the middle, which still however Gasol can fill. Bynum has also had a history of injury problems, while if Carmelo and Kobe could co-exist it would be a duo for the ages. Along with Gasol, L.A would have a big-three that would more then match Miami, especially with what else they have, a great sixth man and defensive presence. Denver's franchise man could become a purple and gold nugget. Still however could the Lakers really net this trade? Or is this just merely hoop dreams? TIM DAVID HARVEY.

LAKERS LATEST

LOS ANGELES LAKERS 93-84 MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES



Nobody can knock or keep Ron Artest down, even if you bloody his nose. He'll just come back and shoot all the critics down and that's exactly what happened last night in Memphis. Again Ron Artest hit a 3, which is no longer unlike him or unusual late in the fourth. This spearheaded a run that led the Lakers to a 93-84 win. Ron traded departure talk for once again lifting up and saving his team. Need anymore proof that Ron, Ron is for the Lakers. It was Pau's brother, Marc Gasol who was the Grizzlies player that knocked Ron's nose. Despite drawing blood the younger brother denies it was a foul, I wonder what Pau thinks however. Ron on the other hand doesn't remember being hit, saying, "Once I got my head cleared, (I) toughened up a little bit and got out there and played basketball. You do what it takes to win.'' Artest had a great game with 13 points and 4 steals as he hounded Memphis star, Rudy Gay all night. The Lakers had a balanced attack as Kobe scored 19, Pau had 17 and Odom 15 and 11 boards. This ensured that the Lakers stood on steady ground to start their road trip. Will it be steady as they go for their upcoming journey. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

LAKERS LATEST

LOS ANGELES LAKERS 101-95 NEW ORLEANS HORNETS



The Lake Show starred their seven-game, 13-day road trip with a lucky break against the New Orleans Hornets. Out in Louisiana the Lakers won 101-95 behind Pau Gasol's season best 34. The Spaniard was a bull in all statistical categories, doubling up with 10 boards, while also dropping three dimes and swatting one shot. Pau was so powerful, he was damn near perfect going for 13 for 17 from the field, only missing one out of nine charity buckets. Bryant-who had spurred Gasol's power game on-also clicked with an electric, 32 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists. The Lakers two stars where just too much for the talent of New Orleans who where without Okafor and former champion Laker, Trevor Ariza. They did have top point guard, Chris Paul however, as the quarterback, bowled out a super 21 points and 15 assists as he tried to guard his home from the Lakers extermination. The Hornets may have a hive of activity however, but the Lakers are king. They hope to continue buzzing through the weeks worth of games spread over a fortnight. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

LAKERS LATEST

Keeping it Lakers like our sister site, 'Lake Show View', many news outlets and blogs (including this one, we're sorry) reported on the rumor that the Los Angeles Lakers, Ron Artest wanted a trade. Well today Ron, Ron (who had 13 last night against the Spurs) rubbished those rumors by insisting that he's happy with his part in the Lake Show. Los Angeles Times, Lakers editor and specialist, Mike Bresnahan reported that Artest denied all the rumors. Ron told press that he was "definitly not" interested in a trade, adding, I feel good every day. We've got a chance to win multiple championships here ... trying to work towards another banner." The Lakers have had mounting losses and problems recentely but their defensive dynamo reassured the press that, "We're (the Lakers) sticking together," also saying "We're moving forward. That's all that matters." You know what he's right. The more together this defending champion unit is the more likely they'll repeat their success of last year and not their mistakes of recentely. You can always trust on Ron making things feel better. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

LAKERS LATEST

LOS ANGELES LAKERS 88-89 SAN ANTONIO SPURS



Every team has a tipping point and the Lakers came by the hands of the San Antonio Spurs at STAPLES last night. The Lakers may have rallied back from an eight point deficit in the fourth but a buzzer-beating tip-in by Antonio McDyess crushed the home side 89-88. Thanks to the last roll of the 'dyce' once again the Lakers couldn't roll with the big opponents., just when it looked like Odoms three-pointer and Gasol's free throws where enough. Still this is basketball and of course a lot can happen in 4.6 seconds. Kobe had 16 points to go with 10 assists and 9 rebounds as he almost clinched a triple-double. Andrew Bynum recorded a double two however with 10 and 10, plus a career-high six assists. For the Spurs Parker was clicking with 21 points while All-Star Ginobili had 14 points and 8 assists. The game was tight but the Lakers where let down behind the arc. With 14.3% the Lakers only made 2 of 14 shots which is another reason why they where beaten in downtown L.A. by San Antonio. Time for the Lakers to make good away from home as the Grammy's force them to hit the road against the Sacramento Kings. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

LAKERS LATEST

The reserves for this years NBA All-Star game in Los Angeles have been announced. Out in the west wing joining Kobe will be Laker teammate Pau Gasol and fellow STAPLES home talent, Blake Griffin. The great rookie has dunked his way into households and youtube reels alike this season. Also suiting up in West red will be Oklahoma's most deserving, Russell Westbrook, the Dallas Mavericks' Dirk Nowitzki, Utah's Deron Williams and the league best San Antonio Spurs' Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili, who are having resurgent years. The Boston Celtics dominate the Eastern bench like their banners dominate rafters. Under the tutelgage of coach Doc Rivers, Boston's big four of Kevin Garnett, Rajon Rondo, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen will don Eastern blue, as will the Heat's Chris Bosh who completes Miami's big-three All-Star offering. Not to be left out Atlanta have a pair of Hawks flying to L.A in the form of Al Horford and Joe Johnson. These guys round out two, incredible and deserving squads. Still out in STAPLES there seems to be no love for the Minnesota's Kevin, while hometown heros Eric Gordon and Andrew Bynum haven't made the cut. Neither has much-deserving Laker, Lamar Odom. Well, at least we tried. There is always next year guys. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

LAKERS LATEST

More news coming out of La, La, Lakerland. It seems that after Mitch Kupchack's trade talk, someone in L.A. is listening. It has been reported that Ron Artest would like a trade...and it was all good just a year ago. Artest has played for a lot of teams and seemed to have found the one with these Hollywood stars, but there appears to be smoke..and fire with these rumors. ESPN's Marc Stein has reported that a source has told him Ron hopes he is the guy involved in the trade. It's a shame because Artest was one of the pivotal reasons the Lakers repeated last year as champions and will be if they catch that elusive three-peat. Sure Ron has suffered some ill-form this season and the Lakers are sick of losing and playing sporadic, but the answer isn't always to shake things up, especially as this former instigator has calmed down and let his game outburst. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

LAKERS LATEST

LOS ANGELES LAKERS 114-106 HOUSTON ROCKETS



Houston had a lot of problems on Tuesday, namely their players who were in suits and ties rather than suited up, still the Lakers recently have been problematic two. So both teams overdrew it out into overtime as they struggled to overcome each other. The Lakers prevailed however to their advantage at home with a 114-106 win at STAPLES. Kobe was magic with 32, still it was Gasol who was cinematic with a clutch lay-up with just above a minute to go before the end of the game. Bryant went with pop culture and popular consensus, stating, "He's very white swan. I need him to be more Black Swan." I'm glad enthusiastic fan, Larry David didn't bring his golf clubs to this one. Pau was powerful in overtime with six of his 26 to go along with a machine-powered 16 boards. Lamar Odom, had the best vision however, as his stat's where a clear 20, 20. This guy really is an all-stats, All-Star. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

LAKERS LATEST

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!!!!

Kobe Bryant is about to be made in China. Kobe wants to further Eastern and Western relations with a range of philanthropic efforts. "They welcomed me with open arms and have been very positive about wanting to learn the game of basketball," told press. CBS Sportsline reports that Bryant's initiative 'After-School All-Stars' focuses on Mandarin language lessons, Chinese cooking courses and martial arts classes. Now that's one interesting syllabus. Bryant hopes that these initiatives can expand across campuses throughout Los Angeles County. Time for Kobe to take everyone to school. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

LAKERS LATEST

The Lakers are suffering a few leaks in their championship machine right now. So G.M. Mich Kupchak wants to make some moves to steady the ship. "Regarding a trade, I may have to," the Lake Show's one-time power forward told NBA.com. "I'm not saying that I've made calls today or I'll make them tomorrow. But I just don't think that we're playing as well as our talent level should allow us," he added, hinting that if the Lakers put down more games he'll be picking up the phone. After a big loss to Boston and inconsistencies by the bus load, Kupchak believes that owner Jerry Buss feels the same. It's time for L.A. To stop being so disconnected. The showtime must go on. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

LAKERS LATEST

LOS ANGELES LAKERS 96-109 BOSTON CELTICS



The Lakers donned the throwbacks Sunday night and also took it back to the old days of being dominated by Boston as they lost 109-96 to the Celtics. The C's where just too much for L.A. in their revenge game. This was the first time these two storied, related franchises have played at STAPLES, since the hard-fought Game 7 that the Lakers won along with the NBA Championship. Kobe passed the 27,000 point milestone with a season-high matching 41, but this Glen Rice number couldn't shoot down Boston's lead. Pierce had 32 for the Celtics, while Ray Allen kept up pace with 21. Garnett also added 18 while Rajon Rondo set the table with 16 dishes. With all this firepower the Lakers just couldn't clear the table. Now these big losses are becoming food for thought for the defending champs. TIM DAVID HARVEY.