OVER 'DREW

By way of Bynum

BY TIM DAVID HARVEY



2007

Against the Memphis Grizzlies, Andrew Bynum collides with teammate Lamar Odom and injures his left kneecap, forcing him out for the remainder of the season.

2009

Against the Memphis Grizzlies once again, Andrew Bynum injures his right knee after team-mate Kobe Bryant landed on it, forcing him out for many vital months of the season.

2010

During the playoffs Andrew Bynum plays every single game even with a torn meniscus, teammate Pau Gasol recognises Bynum's great sacrifice. The Los Angeles Lakers and their centre win their second NBA Championship in as many a season.

2011

'Starting at Centre for the Los Angeles lakers, number 17, Andreeeeeeeeeeew Bynuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum'.

Picture the scene, imagine the game. The details? They don't matter, because he's here and back for good. Andrew Bynum is more then the Lakers centre, he's their centre of attention. The man in the post who delivers game after game like he was Karl Malone. Dobermans don't bark at this mailman however, they just bring him the ball, night after night as this 21st century, second generation Laker team guard their house like the champions they are.

Over the past few years the Lakers haven't lived or died by Andrew Bynum and his injuries, but their development and their stronghold on the the association of National Basketball has rested on those awkward knees of their number 17. With Pau in the post and tall enough to go centre, plus sixth man of the year candidate Lamar Odom being a true starter the Lakers can cope without 'Drew. Still however, with him their just a much stronger team. Take the last couple of games for example. The Lakers won without Bynum up front, but they can't go the long haul without him. That's why the Lakers always worried en route to the postseason that missing Andrew may be fatal elimination for the playoffs.



At least it was refreshing that Andrew missed the last two games due to suspension and not injury. After taking down Michael Beasley with a tough, flagrant foul, Bynum earned himself two games in a suit and tie but at least his jersey wasn't clothes lined this time. See-not to jinx things-but despite the time he's missed this year from his World Cup hangover Bynum seems his healthy and best ever. Even if he has worse knees then Brandon Roy, the tough, more-than-just-dependable centre is a trailblazer ready to help take down Portland, Dallas, Oklahoma, San Antonio and whatever city from the Eastern part of the United States dares to stand in him and his teams way.

As long as Bynum doesn't go down on one knee, his reigning champion Lakers look engaged with Larry O'Brien, resulting in a matrimony of contention and a three year anniversary of championship marriage. The Lakers obviously have more fire power then the 7 feet, 285 Bynum, but this former number 10 draft pick looks like the number one reason the Lakers could run towards a three-peat in a breeze. In around half a decade Bynum has turned potential into promise and promise into prominence. Plus at 23, this kid still has a decade-plus left to realise his prime...so long as his knees don't cap his time on the pine.

Right now the Lakers have a complete team of top-tier talent. From Kobe, to Pau, to Lamar, to Ron, to Derek, to the bench and of course Andrew. Inside and out, offence to defence the Lakers can keep up with anybody. They have all the elements and of course they need them with the fire of 'Bron and all his superfriends and the ice of 'Melo and his new pals. Not to mention rivals San Antonio and Boston, and former final foes Orlando. The NBA title is wide open this year as the top teams narrow themselves from the rest of the league by getting greater in talent. The Lakers may rest on Bryant, but just like they need Gasol's versatility, Odom's substitution, Ron's defence, Fisher's clutch and the benches spark they need Andrew Bynum's inside knowledge to boot.



With his ability to dish, dunk, post up and hook, 'Drew's got all the offence skills to draw more then a double-team and open up the floor. With his handles too, Andrew crashes the boards, helping the Lakers dominate possessions. This really is why the centre is the biggest player on the floor. Sure this team is still Kobe's and then Pau's, but a lot of the Lakers plays-on both ends of the floor-go through 'Drew. Bynum's averaged of 11.5 points and 9 rebounds don't do what he does on the floor justice. He can drop plenty of 20 and 10's on any given Sunday, Monday or Tuesday like his name was Kevin Love, making his games a double, like fans ordering beers in the stands. His career highs of 42 points and twice-over 18 rebounds more then make up the type of player he could become. Alos with an average of 5.8 defensive rebounds if he improves that 3.2 offensive line who knows what else he can draw out. While his box-score, statistical averages of 1 assist and 2 blocks really show the potential he has on affecting other areas of the game. Especially as his health improves and his 27.2 minute a game average is boosted to that of the numbers of a franchise player. A franchise player that he's about to become.

Right now Bynum and his tall-tandem with Gasol helps the Lakers keep up with the Duncan's, Griffin's and Perkins out West and the Bosh's, Stoudemire's and Garnett's of the rest of the contenders, but who knows just how much Andrew could dominate players like this in years time, on his own. Lakers fans will have to admit-that even though it won't be for awhile yet-Kobe will, one day retire and other stars production and prime will decline. Still, through all this Andrew Bynum won't get much older, but he will get significantly better. Sure he's not ready to put up Wilt numbers but even with the way he's playing right now Bynum could go down in history as one of the greatest Laker big men of all-time and there's been a lot of them. Kareem has even brought the Magic out this young centre tutoring 'Drew, helping this young mans potential scrape the sky like the rest of the bigs. Jabbar even gave 'Drew a nice baby-hook with Cap's playing mindset to match.



This youngest player ever in the NBA has overcame Jermaine and is the next big thing to O'Neal...Shaquille that is. He even withstood a Shaq attack, by coming back with his own elbow in his 'fro riding rookie season. You know the only man that eased the Lakers pains and worries of losing O'Neal was Andrew. Bynum isn't just a welcome relief for the Lakers from the years of Kwame Brown and Chris Mihm (no offence to their talents and services) he's one of the few, true centres left in a league where this position has become a dying breed since the late 90's. Still, even with the development of more centrally minded guys Bynum has freshened up his raw talent. Even if all of the 30 teams in the league had centre's who more resembled Greg Oden's (talking about knees) then Luc Longley's, Bynum would still be among the best, making more centres gravitate towards the power forward position then they do now. Bottom line this top big man could be one of the best in the league-if not all-time-when his career is done...period.

Since the All-Star break the Lakers have won all but one game and are on a streak that is making them look more like the deserved, reigning champions that they are and this has so much to do with a guy who should have been an easy vote for the All-Star this year. Still, it's easy for a quiet, well-mannered guy like Bynum to be lost in the galaxy of stars out in L.A. See it goes beyond the Kobe's, Spanish, reality and hip-hop stars and the players wives sitting courtside. There's also a throng of music, movie and other sports stars that lace the STAPLES Centre night after night, from Jack Nicholson to Justin Bieber. Still they all see Bynum and what they look at is more then just a star in the making. They look at the man that's going to take this Lake Shows legacy to new heights even when number 8 or number 24 is raised to the rafters with the greats.

Right now too Bynum is the difference maker between contention and condolence. Just think years ago the Lakers almost 'shipped him out' for a point guard. Trade him these days? You must be kidding! There will be no Jason for this Argonaut. Argonaut in the sense that he touches everything-from rebounds to points-like had had the arms of an Octopus, inking championships and tattooing his legend. As the Lakers get ready to clash with the titans they need their front-court God, their saviour. The man who's about to help engrave the latest chapter of Laker legacy in stone with yet another 'chip.

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LOS ANGELES LAKERS 112-104 LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS



The Lakers and the Clippers met yet again last night. So as you would expect there was more rivalry, passion, energy and jaw-dropping Blake Griffin dunks. I mean this time he really broke everybody's teeth when they hit the floor, but at least Shannon Brown and Ron Artest tried to match them with their baseline drives and muscle flexing jams. Still in yet another highly competitive game featuring the two L.A. teams the game was a close call, (even professionals Kaman and Fisher almost got into it). The Clippers side of Los Angeles had 105, while the Lakers had 112 like they where a onetime Bad Boy R&B band. Kobe scored 37 points, while Pau Gasol added 26 as the Lakers balanced attack tipped the Clippers. Ron Artest also had 15 points, while Andrew Bynum saw double from the clip with 11 points and 12 rebounds on his return from a two game suspension picked up against Minnesota. Mo Williams had 30 points while Griffin had 22, but still the Lakers who technically had home-court advantage over the Clippers at STAPLES held court and owned the floor and their rivals. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

STRAIGHT FROM THE FOX HOLE

In the latest of our 'LAKERS LEGACY' series we look at Rick Fox, who's defensive trap set off the three-peat.

By Tim David Harvey

Who says the only way you make a mark on a basketball game is on the box-score? Who says championship role players are just average guys catching a lucky break and the coat-tails of a superstar? To those, take a look at the basketball career of Rick Fox and say that again. Lost for words? That's because like the opponents he faced, one-on-one you got nothing on Rick.

Rick had it all, offence, defence and X and O's. Sure he was no superstar, but he embraced his role and that's what made him the star of all role players. He could score 20 on his night, but at the same still make an impact on the boards and opposite end of the court, even if registering a zero like he was a DNP-CD. This coaches favourite hero could steal, block, dish and score in all sort of ways. From dunks, lay-ups to treys Rick found his shot, all because he could find himself on the floor. Fox went to the Magic Johnson, Laker legend school of knowing the floor and Rick knew his like a team leader. No wonder he was such a positive influence. His hard work and hustle however was his bread and butter. His passion allowed him to be a potent force on the court.

Sure in the early 2000's, three-peat Lakers, Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant may have had the stardom and Derek Fisher and Robert Horry the big shot fame, but that didn't leave Fox out the limelight. Were not talking about this double-threats Hollywood career either because beyond 'He Got Game', 'Blue Chips' and 'One Tree Hill' this was no act, Rick could play. Even when Payton and Malone arrived Rick was no fifth Beatle. He was a significant other like Vanessa Williams or Eliza Dushku. Right before Bynum became 17, the original number 17 Laker was putting up numbers and other fundamentals that went beyond statistics but could be measured by the sweat in his jersey and the ice water in his veins.

Maybe it was this Canadians upbringing in the terrific city of Toronto that made him able to withstand anything or anyone, whatever the weather. This maple syrupy, smooth class act was all smiles off-court but not afraid to shed the 'Mr. Nice Guy' persona when it came to the crunch time of any game, big or small. Fox sent opponents due south, the Lakers had to thank him kindly. Maybe it was the tar he picked up on his heels as part of a legendary North Carolinian alumni that made him such a professional, or maybe it was his time at Boston that made him tougher and stronger then Irish whiskey. After being drafted by the Celtics in the early 90's Fox not only learnt from the best, he was next. The Lake Showtime of the 80's and the Lakers of now could have sure used and used the tough mettle of a guy like Rick.

Ask anybody, especially in Sacramento about how frustrated Rick's tough, no-b.s. play made them. Rick was willing to get his hands dirty, but he always did what it took to help his team and he was always fair as fair, by champion standards. You see Rick's harassing, restraining-order defence was the Lakers x-factor along with Phil Jackson's zen, Horry's clutch, Fishers streak, Shaq's strength and everything about Kob's game. Fox's input went beyond his impressive, balanced 6.1 points per game, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists playoff averages or his 8,966 career points. Rick proved best outside of the stat-sheet for all he did and all the statistics and box-score showings he prevented for other teams. Namely, points, rebounds, assists etc. The things that make up a basketball game. Fox was on them and his opponents like white on rice.

Just ask Doug Christie who fought him or any other player how agitating and frustrating this play was. Even Peja paid the cost as Rick Fox was like Rick Ross, the boss, or like Springsteen with the shaggy hair, tougher then the rest. Rick owned his competition. Pushing, shoving, boxing out anybody and anything to prevent his opponent the ball, whilst helping his teammate get it. Rick was the ultimate team player, just for his team that is.

Rick riled so many people up that this Canadian should have played Ice-Hockey. Rick had the right mindset though. He belonged in the company of 80's greats that played hard and sent everyone on their way home. Greats that displayed a toughness that is seldom seen today. Greats like his former Celtics or the Bad Boy Pistons. It wasn't until Motown had a renaissance that Fox and the Lakers met their match. Before that no one was close, as Fox got up, close and personnel with his man, wearing them down, on them like they where wearing Rick as a jacket. Taking another teams forward or off guard, off ball, off possession, off game and off the reservation.

He may 'Dance With The Stars' nowadays but a decade back he duelled with them. Shaq may have joked that Rick spent too long staring in the mirror but on reflection Rick was so dedicated to preening his game in a way that made the guy he was marking look bad. With his hairstyles and different looks, he may have appeared like the odd one out and his play may have been a little rough around the edges, but this Small forward was silky smooth like the Zohan. You didn't want to mess with him either. Fox left opponents and opposing crowds in fits with his triple threats like Jamie Foxx. From 2000 to 2003 he ensured the Lakers where winners. You want to attribute their success to someone other then the usual? Then blame it on Rick.

Fox hunting is illegal, but back in his day Rick stalked his prey and laid down the law (and not just in detective movie 'Resurrection'). He kept guard, stealing and reducing opponents numbers like their name was ENRON, reducing teams stock like it was Wall Street, all whilst remaining slick like Gordon Gekko and his Brylcreem hair. Fox made everything gel together perfectly, a true Small Forward. Along with Shaq and Kobe's dominance and Horry and Fisher's clutch, Rick tied everything together like a Lebowski rug. He ensured that his opponents aggression would not stand next to his true grit defence and he had a few bullets in his gun to boot as well. Just ask the Spurs, Indiana or anyone who was victim of his silent but violently deadly clutch threes.

This Hollywood, Staples icon had a calm but clinically measured demeanour like actor Terrence Howard and his hard-work and hustle helped the Lakers flow to the championships. Rick was kind of like L.A's Ron Artest now (without the NBA stardom, but a more successful second career), acting up and stealing the ball and the show in all the Hollywood drama of the NBA playoffs. Fox was sly and cunning, sending opponents barking mad. He was more of a hound, cutting and drying the grey areas to make victory for the purple and gold black and white. Sure Fox's sneaker deal wasn't like say a LeBron's, but Rick's jersey was soaked in a type of champagne some never got to taste. Sure when Rick catches a game at STAPLES when he looks up he may not see his name in the rafters, but he still saw ticker tape and balloons fall down in a celebration he earned back in his day. Sure Kobe will always come before Fox, but true warriors are more then just the guy leading the charge, their the ones behind their leader 100%. That's what Rick Fox was going to battle in some of the NBA's greatest victories. This Canadian earned his stars and stripes, and the Lakers patriot's purple heart earned him championship gold. When the Lakers dynasty was written, Rick stuck to the script, his own one.

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LOS ANGELES LAKERS 139-137 PHOENIX SUNS



(Looks familiar? Only the jersey is different)

Just when people where writing Ron Artest off and initialling it he rose like a Phoenix to burn the Suns like it was last years playoffs, kisses and all. The Lakers beat the Suns 139-137 in four quarters and three thrilling overtimes like they where the Nets and Raptors duelling in London. Both temas wore the 'Los' jerseys that the Suns made a huge statement with last season. Still with all this 'Los', the Los Angeles Lakers won. At one point the Lakers where in party mode, looking like they where going to blowout the Suns by 21, but Phoenix soon burnt those candles. Still once the 51-20 Lakers prevailed they made it a lucky 13 wins out of the last 14 games. Kobe had 42 points, 12 rebounds and 9 assists and Lamar had 29 and 16 rebounds sinking Phoenix in a game that lasted longer then the 'Titanic' movie. Ronny however was huge in overtime and finished with 18 points on the clip. His huge overtime 3-pointer (you know he can shoot those in the clutch now Phil) was good unlike the last time he shot a crucial 3 against the Suns in a big game as he blew kisses to the crowd just like he did against Boston in Game 7 of last years finals. As the game went through two more overtimes however the Lake Show would need more players to act up and Pau Gasol was clutch from the free-throw line as he helped end the night of drama with the most nerve-wracking of shots. Speaking post-game Odom said of fellow New Yorker Ron Artest, "a basket in those situations are worth 20 points as far as what it does for the team. He made some big plays, especially sometimes when we get in that isolation with Kobe and (the other team) starts hanging off (us) and it's time for somebody to drive the ball and make a play. Ron is tough." Ron and the Lakers are clearly looking like champions again. TIM DAVID HARVEY

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LOS ANGELES LAKERS 84-80 PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS



Fisher is always blazing in the clutch and that's what helped his Lakers overcome Portland in a tough Western duel. With back to back A+ defence assignments Derek was key in the clutch on both ends of the floor. Then with 10 seconds to go he knitted a jumper that looked good and pulled off. With that the Lake Show won 84-80 while the Blazers trailed. “I do relish the opportunity to help us win from time to time, whether it’s the first quarter or the fourth,” the classic closer said, opening up to the press. “Experience does create a lot of situations where it allows you to think clearly under pressure in big-time situations. It’s like riding a bike.” Fisher had 8 points and some foul trouble while Kobe had 22 and some fourth trouble for Portland, hitting 10 in the final period. For the Trailblazers LaMarcus Aldridge had 18 points, while Marcus Camby grabbed 10 rebounds but he also caught an ankle injury leading to the insult of his Blazer team being burnt. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

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At least this time the Lakers lose Bynum it won't be to a knee injury. Andre will be suspended for two games following his flagrant, sack tackle, foul on Minnesota's Michael Beasley in their clash with his Lakers last week. The Lakers will face off against the two P's of the Western Conference, Portland and Phoenix without 'Drew. Bynum over the last 12 games has averaged 11.8 points, 13.0 rebounds and 2.6 blocked shots and this big Lakers player will be missed by the Lakers. Andrew on the other hand will miss around $250,000 from how wallet, with his no play, no pay suspension. "He made no play on the ball," Minneosta coach and former Laker Kurt Rambis said (a man no stranger to rough play). "It's unfortunate that things like that happen in basketball, but it was the right call. Michael is relatively lucky he didn't get more hurt than he did." TIM DAVID HARVEY.

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LOS ANGELES LAKERS 106-98 MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES



The Lakers met their former Showtime favourite, Kurt Rambis and his Minnesota Timberwolves again last night and just like Rambis' play in the 80's things got a little tough. A sprained ankle couldn't stop Kobe from playing (and he'll play in Portland too) and nothing except an ejection could stop Bynum from muscling his way through the game. Bynum was thrown out the game after hitting 'Wolve Michael Beasley hard. Beasley also heard it from Ron Artest who was talking some Gary Payton and the whole Minny team heard it from the great number of Laker fans in STAPLES. The Lakers are now second in the West with a 49-20 record. Bynum shoved Michael and the NBA will look in to whether a suspension should be deemed. "Andrew's looked bad and the kid fell hard," Phil Jackson told press postgame with his take on the situation. Bynum had 10 points and 14 rebounds before his tossing, while Gasol had 25 and Shannon Brown 14 off the bench. The Lakers balanced attack fortunately outweighed their unbalanced moods, red was the color for the purple last night, but thankfully the yellow mellowed out in the end. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

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LOS ANGELES LAKERS 97-84 ORLANDO MAGIC



The show really is going on for the Lakers,as they won their 10th game in 11 by casting a 97-84 spell on the Orlando Magic. Kobe had 16 on a sprained ankle, while Pau made up for this Achilles heel with 23 points. Andrew Bynum continued to stuff the box score with stats as he had a career high-tying 18 rebounds to go with 10 points to make his round two doubles. Showing that their staple of basketball really is at home the Lakers won their seventh-straight game at the STAPLES Centre since the All-Star game was held their mid-February. Howard had 22 points, 15 rebounds but 9 turnovers which was almost half more then the entire Lakers squad totals. The Lake Show limited their injured stars minutes but players like Lamar Odom (16 points) and Derek Fisher (15) recovered the scoring load. This well-balanced attack made sure Orlando tripped up on their road journey. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

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It will be a tough task for Orlando tonight against the Lake Show but their chances may be improved with the uncertainty surrounding the game time status of Kobe Bryant. "We hope he'll be able to play," Coach Jackson said of the Lakers leader who injured his ankle during Saturdays clash with Dallas and missed the Lakers Sunday practice while not talking to the press to end the weekend. Kobe's fall on his ankle against the Mavs was self-dubbed the 'scariest' of his career and if he misses tonight's game he can rest until the Lakers take on their next opponent-Minnesota-on Friday. "Yeah, it would be great for him to have three days off to get better," P-Jax added. "But if he's capable of playing, he'll play." You know Kobe wouldn't have it any other way. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

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LOS ANGELES LAKERS 96-91 DALLAS MAVERICKS



Kobe Bryant overcame some struggles last night, playing like a maverick as he led his Los Angeles Lakers to a 96-91 win over Dallas. "I thought I was done, like done. I was praying that when I stood up, my foot was lined up straight,'' Kobe said of his ankle. "I thought I dislocated it.'' Bean gave everyone in Lakerland a scare when he hobbled off the floor in the third quarter but he returned mid-way through the fourth. Kobe showed his die-hard competitive spirit saying "It was a little sore. But I had to stop being a chump, suck it up and go out and play," but still Phil Jackson is unsure whether his team captain will play Monday against the Orlando Magic. Kobe scored 16 but was instrumental in the run that kept the Lakers ahead for good. When Kobe was out reserve guard Steve Blake drummed up two three point baskets that helped the Lakers case. Against these Texas rangers Kobe and his Lake Show displayed true grit. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

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LOS ANGELES LAKERS 88-94 MIAMI HEAT



In Twitter's top trending topic and the fans favourite NBA Finals matchup for this year LeBron James and his super Miami Heat team met Kobe Bryant and his champion Lakers met last night in a rematch that has become the Ali/Fraizer of the NBA. Following their Christmas Day freeze-out in Los Angeles. The Lakers hosed the Heat again at Staples in an attempt to cool them down. Their futile attempt was resisted by Miami, 94-88 however. "We had everything riding on this game, really, to be honest with you," Chris Bosh told press as he shed his 'Bosh Spice' tag with 24 points. LeBron recorded 19 points, 9 assists and 8 rebounds and Wade also had 20 points with 8 coming in a big fourth quarter where he made a crucial steal on Kobe. Bryant had 24, Gasol 20 and Bynum had 13 points and 12 rebounds for the Lake Show. Things where close throughout but Miami managed to scorch the Lakers giving the champions the burn notice that the contention this year is wide-open. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

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LOS ANGELES LAKERS 101-87 ATLANTA HAWKS



Kobe Bryant's 27 points passed Moses Malone for sixth place on the NBA All-Time Scorers list, still it was Andrew Bynum's 16 points, 16 rebounds and 3 blocks that helped the Lakers fly away from the Hawks by a scoreline of 101-87 in the ATL. "I'm just very fortunate, that's all," a humbled Kobe said about yet another milestone this season and he was fortunate for his frontcourt forces who took it straight to Atlanta's baskets. Pau Gasol also made his case with 14 points and 11 rebounds as the Lakers won their eight wonder in a row since the All-Star break. Still as much as this game will go down in history for Kobe Bryant, it was 'Drew's night. "He wasn't the leading scorer but he still impacted the game," Lamar Odom told press as he got dressed, "that shows you how important he is to us." NBA legend Julius Erving watched from the courtside in Atlanta as chants of "MVP, MVP" rang out from the Atlanta home crowd towards Kobe. Now that type of respect is only due for the legends as Kobe furthers his storied legacy. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

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LOS ANGELES LAKERS 99-83 SAN ANTONIO SPURS



Now this is exactly the statement the Lakers needed. Adding to the the good news of Barnes and Fisher returning from injury the Lake Show gave the San Antonio Spurs a bad day at the office beating them 99-83 at the SBC centre. Showing the caliber that has made them defending champions the Lakers kept it under a century, keeping it 100 with an offence onslaught just one point shy of triple digits. The Spurs shot 36% as Tony Parker had 14 points but not much else, just like Tim Duncan and the rest of the Spurs. "We caught them by surprise at the start of the game," Coach Jackson said as the Showtime excited the so-called 'boring' team to death. Kobe had a trademark 26 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists while Pau Gasol had 21 points, 6rebounds and 5 assists of his own as this duo got real dynamic. Ron Artest also had an incredible game, hustling hard as he ended up jumping into the crowd and being sprayed with a beverage, but don't worry it was only for the ball and it was coffee. Through all this however the big numbers came from frontcourt presence of Andrew Bynum that took a jersey numbered 17 rebounds from Duncan and the Spurs and for his second-consecutive game. Now the Lakers are the ones focussing on the 'board'. Don't call it a comeback, call it a rebound. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

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LOS ANGELES LAKERS 92-84 CHARLOTTE BOBCATS



Down goes Fisher! Down go the Bobcats! Last night the Lakers finally overcame the cat calling to beat their bogey team Charlotte 92-84 at STAPLES. The 44-19 Lake Show won their sixth straight behind Kobe's 27 in three quarters, Pau's 20 and 9 points, 17 rebounds and 6 blocks from frontcourt machine Andrew Bynum. Still, what got most of the Lakers fans out their seats was the injury to top, Point Guard and postseason owner, Derek Fisher. Just when the Lakers really need him the star went down with an elbow injury. Former Laker Kwame Brown yanked hard on Fish's elbow battling for a rebound and the Charlotte centre heard about it from the crowd. Just like old times huh? Fisher is listed as day-to-day but L.A. are confident he will be ready to go. "He's strong as an ox. He's got enough strength to probably hold it together," Phil Jackson testified to the warriors strength. Los Angeles are in the injury wars right now, swinging bench player Matt Barnes who recently returned from injury has aggravated his knee, while real rookie Devin Ebanks is expected to miss three weeks with a stress fracture in his left tibia. Even though the Lakers said they wouldn't do like Miami (Mike Bibby) and Boston (Troy Murphy) in signing another player maybe it's time they gave Carlos Arroyo a call. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

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LOS ANGELES LAKERS 90-79 MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES



With the New Jersey Nets taking on the Toronto Raptors twice this weekend in London, let's take a look back at the last NBA game played in England's capital. Last October the Minnesota Timberwolves shocked the Los Angeles Lakers and everyone in England and the world, putting on an exhibition with a preseason win. Even in other meetings this season the Wolves have howled down the Lakers neck, but not last night. The Lake Show are still in All-Star mode extending their win streak to 5 games post East vs. West game. Thanks to the Lakers frontcourt monster of Bynum, Gasol and Odom, rebounding machine Kevin Love was taken out of his game, en route to a heart-filled, 90-79 Lakers win. As L.A. made 28 second-chance points Pau Gasol had 17 rebounds and 12 points, while Andrew Bynum had the highest in the opposite category with 14 points and 7 rebounds. Kobe had 24, but only made 8 shots in a poor offensive game which was polished off on the glass by the teams respective window cleaners. K. Love did had 13 points and 11 rebounds for his 47th straight double-double but without a W in the box-score these stats did not have a positive correlation. The Los Angeles Lakers on the other hand are on the rise. TIM DAVID HARVEY.