In the News

Lakers edge past Nuggets to open road trip
Andrew Bynum scored 22 points, Kobe Bryant added 20 and the Los Angeles Lakers opened a season-high six-game trip with a 93-89 victory over the weary Denver Nuggets on Friday night.

Lakers beat weary Nuggets to open trip (AP)

Andrew Bynum scored 22 points, Kobe Bryant added 20 and the Los Angeles Lakers opened a season-high six-game trip with a 93-89 victory over the weary Denver Nuggets on Friday night. Al Harrington missed a 3-point attempt with 2 seconds left that would have put Denver ahead. Pau Gasol added 14 points and 17 rebounds for the Lakers, who won for the third time in 10 road games this season and...

Bynum, Kobe lead Lakers; Mozgov injured
Andrew Bynum scored 22 points, Kobe Bryant added 20 and the Los Angeles Lakers opened a season-high six-game trip with a 93-89 victory over the weary Denver Nuggets on Friday night.

Blake, Bynum join Kobe, CP3 as All-Stars
Blake Griffin and Andrew Bynum have been voted to the All-Star game, joining Kobe Bryant and Chris Paul to give the city of Los Angeles four starters.

Lakers cruise to win against slumping Bobcats
Kobe Bryant scored 24 points, Andrew Bynum added 20, and the Lakers beat slumping Charlotte 106-73 Tuesday night, extending their home record to 11-2 and sending the Bobcats to their ninth consecutive defeat and 19th of the season.



Lakers hand Bobcats ninth straight loss (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 24 points, Andrew Bynum added 20, and the Los Angeles Lakers beat slumping Charlotte 106-73 Tuesday night, extending their home record to 11-2 and sending the Bobcats to their ninth consecutive defeat and 19th of the season. Bynum had 11 rebounds, while Pau Gasol had 10 points and Andrew Goudelock keyed a big night for the bench with 12 points in the Lakers' last home game...

Rubio explains Olympic trash talk with Kobe
Is Ricky Rubio an Olympic trash talker? Ask Kobe Bryant.

Lakers improve to 11-2 at Staples Center
Kobe Bryant scored 24 points, Andrew Bynum added 20, and the Los Angeles Lakers beat slumping Charlotte 106-73 Tuesday night, extending their home record to 11-2 and sending the Bobcats to their ninth consecutive defeat and 19th of the season.

Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant, Minnesota Timberwolves' Ricky Rubio trash-talk over London Olympics
Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant, Minnesota Timberwolves' Ricky Rubio trash-talk over London Olympics.

Kobe key as Lakers hang on for rare road win
Kobe Bryant had 35 points and 14 rebounds and Pau Gasol scored 28 to give the Lakers a much-needed road victory, 106-101 over the Timberwolves on Sunday night.



Lakers overcome road woes in Minnesota (AP)

The Los Angeles Lakers were reeling and the Minnesota Timberwolves were rolling, turning an 18-point deficit into a one-point lead with three minutes to go. Just when it looked as though the Lakers were going to let another road game slip away, Kobe Bryant showed these young pups just how it's done in closing time.

Kobe's monster game leads Lakers win
Kobe Bryant had 35 points and 14 rebounds and Pau Gasol scored 28 to give the Los Angeles Lakers a much-needed road victory, 106-101 over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night.

Bucks drop Lakers to 1-7 on road (AP)

Drew Gooden scored 23 points and the undermanned Milwaukee Bucks made sure the Lakers' road struggles continued, beating Los Angeles 100-89 on Saturday night. Kobe Bryant scored 27 for the Lakers, who are 1-7 on the road this season. Ersan Ilyasova and Mike Dunleavy added 15 points each for the Bucks, who managed to beat the Lakers without two of their best players.

Bryant's 12 in 4th rally Lakers by Clips (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 12 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter, Pau Gasol had 23 points and 10 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers rallied from a fourth-quarter deficit for a 96-91 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night in another testy edition of their cross-hallway rivalry. Andrew Bynum scored 19 points to help the Lakers snapped their three-game skid with their first win of the...

Forbes.com calls Kobe Bryant top-earning NBA player for 2012
Kobe Bryant ranks as top-earning NBA player for 2012

Lakers fight back, win over Clips in surly game
Kobe Bryant scored 12 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter, Pau Gasol had 23 points and 10 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers rallied from a fourth-quarter deficit for a 96-91 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night.

Report: 'Basketball Wives' want Bryant
Producers of reality TV show "Basketball Wives" are preparing to make a lucrative offer to Kobe Bryant's soon-to-be ex-wife Vanessa Bryant, TMZ reported Monday, citing sources.

Hibbert leads Pacers despite broken nose (AP)

Roy Hibbert scored eight of his 18 points in the fourth quarter playing with a broken nose, and five of his teammates also scored in double figures to help the Indiana Pacers beat the Los Angeles Lakers 98-96 on Sunday night. Kobe Bryant scored 33 points for the Lakers, but missed what would have been a tying 3-pointer from 30 feet from the top of the key with 3.5 seconds to play and the Pacers...

Report: Kobe's wife gets 3 mansions in divorce
Records show the wife of Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant will keep their three California homes as part of the couple's divorce plans.

Report: Bryant's wife to keep 3 mansions (AP)
Records show the wife of Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant will keep their three California homes as part of the couple's divorce plans. Orange County property records reviewed by the Los Angeles Times (http://lat.ms/xUxzQv) show that the three mansions in Newport Coast, valued at $18.8 million total, were transferred into Vanessa Bryant's name since their divorce proceedings began in...

Howard's 21 and 23 get Magic past Lakers (AP)

Dwight Howard scored 21 points and grabbed 23 rebounds, and the Orlando Magic survived a tough shooting performance for a 92-80 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night. Jameer Nelson added 17 points and nine assists, and J.J. Redick had 15 points as Orlando had all five starters in double figures.

How much will Kobe's wife see?
Kobe Bryant's soon-to-be ex-wife has been awarded $75 million in a divorce property settlement, TMZ reported Friday.

Bryant 'looking forward to' rejoining Team USA
This season, Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant has played with a torn ligament in his wrist and played on a rehabbed ankle and knee, but that won't stop him from representing his country this summer.

Brown says he'd like to reduce Kobe's minutes
Lakers coach Mike Brown says he'd like to reduce Kobe Bryant's minutes.

Paul-led Clips win L.A. clash despite Kobe's 42
Chris Paul scored 33 points, Blake Griffin had 22 points and 14 rebounds, and the Clippers led all the way in beating the Lakers 102-94 on Saturday night despite 42 points by Kobe Bryant.



Clippers overcome Kobe's 42, beat Lakers (AP)

Chris Paul scored 33 points, Blake Griffin had 22 points and 14 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Clippers led all the way in beating the Lakers 102-94 on Saturday night despite 42 points by Kobe Bryant. Chauncey Billups added 19 points, former Laker Caron Butler had 13 points and DeAndre Jordan had 10 rebounds in the Clippers' second win in four days over one of the NBA's elite teams.

Kobe's 42 helps Lakers win fifth straight game
Kobe Bryant scored 42 points in his third straight 40-point performance, and the Los Angeles Lakers blew a big early lead before hanging on for their fifth straight victory, 97-92 over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night.

Kobe's 40 in third straight lift Lakers (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 42 points in his third straight 40-point performance, and the Los Angeles Lakers blew a big early lead before hanging on for their fifth straight victory, 97-92 over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night. Pau Gasol had 19 points and 10 rebounds for the Lakers, who won their eighth consecutive game at Staples Center since Christmas.

Kobe nets 48 as Lakers top Suns to stay on roll
Kobe Bryant scored 48 points -- his fifth straight game with 25 or more -- and the Lakers defeated the Suns 99-83 Tuesday night to win their seventh straight at home and third in a row overall.



Bryant's 48 carry Lakers over Suns 99-83 (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 48 points -- his fifth straight game with 25 or more -- and the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Phoenix Suns 99-83 Tuesday night to win their seventh straight at home and third in a row overall. Bryant, the NBA's leading scorer, topped the 40-point mark for the first time this season, the first in the league to do so.

Kobe's 48 lead Lakers past Suns
Kobe Bryant scored 48 points - his fifth straight game with 25 or more - and the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Phoenix Suns 99-83 Tuesday night to win their seventh straight at home and third in a row overall.

Kobe hangs 40 on Jazz as Lakers emerge in OT
Kobe Bryant scored 40 points and Andrew Bynum blocked Al Jefferson's shot with 1.9 seconds left in overtime to lift the Los Angeles Lakers to a 90-87 victory over Utah on Wednesday night, ending the Jazz's winning streak at five.

Bryant scores 40 again, Lakers top Jazz (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 40 points and Andrew Bynum blocked Al Jefferson's shot with 1.9 seconds left in overtime to lift the Los Angeles Lakers to a 90-87 victory over Utah on Wednesday night, ending the Jazz's winning streak at five. The win was the first on the road for the Lakers, while Utah dropped its first home game after starting 5-0.

Kobe bails out Lakers with 40 vs. Jazz
Kobe Bryant scored 40 points and Andrew Bynum blocked Al Jefferson's shot with 1.9 seconds left in overtime to lift the Los Angeles Lakers to a 90-87 victory over Utah on Wednesday night, ending the Jazz's winning streak at five.

Brown: Personality separates Kobe and LeBron
Mike Brown said the main difference between Kobe Bryant and LeBron James is their personalities.

Kobe Bryant scores 49 in win over Phoenix
Kobe goes off for 48 against Phoenix.

Kobe Bryant postgame interview
Hear from Kobe on his huge night.

Kobe-led Lakers beat Grizz to stay hot at home
Kobe Bryant scored 26 points, Andrew Bynum had 15 points and 15 rebounds, and the Lakers beat the Grizzlies 90-82 Sunday night for their sixth consecutive home victory.



Lakers beat Memphis despite 27 turnovers (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 26 points, Andrew Bynum had 15 points and 15 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Memphis Grizzlies 90-82 Sunday night for their sixth consecutive home victory. Matt Barnes scored 15 points and Pau Gasol had 13 points and 15 rebounds for the Lakers, who have won six of eight after an 0-2 start despite playing the NBA's busiest early-season schedule, matching...

Bryant, Bynum lead Lakers over Grizzlies
Kobe Bryant scored 26 points, Andrew Bynum had 15 points and 15 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Memphis Grizzlies 90-82 Sunday night for their sixth consecutive home victory.

Weary Lakers hold off injury-plagued Warriors
Kobe Bryant scored 26 of his 39 points in a dynamic second half, Pau Gasol added 17 points and 11 rebounds, and the weary Los Angeles Lakers gritted out a 97-90 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Friday night.

Bryant scores 39 as Lakers beat Warriors (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 26 of his 39 points in a dynamic second half, Pau Gasol added 17 points and 11 rebounds, and the weary Los Angeles Lakers gritted out a 97-90 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Friday night. Matt Barnes had 16 points and six rebounds before fouling out for the Lakers, who won their fifth straight home game while playing their NBA-high ninth game in 13 days.

Bryant says Bynum is now Lakers' No. 2 option
The Los Angeles Lakers pecking order has changed a bit.

Brown trusting treatment used on Kobe's wrist
Los Angeles Lakers coach Mike Brown is aware how alarming it seems that Kobe Bryant is receiving an injection in his injured right wrist prior to every game, but he is trusting the treatment method.

Lakers edge Warriors with Kobe's 39
Kobe Bryant scored 26 of his 39 points in a dynamic second half, Pau Gasol added 17 points and 11 rebounds, and the weary Los Angeles Lakers gritted out a 97-90 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Friday night.

Wallace, Aldridge lead Blazers by Lakers (AP)

Gerald Wallace knew exactly when the Portland Trail Blazers had the Los Angeles Lakers beaten. It was a little more than midway through the third quarter and the Blazers were in the midst of a 17-6 run that would seal their 107-96 victory Thursday night. Kobe Bryant missed a 3-point attempt and Marcus Camby pulled down the rebound before hurling the ball downcourt to Wallace, who leapt for a...

Source: Kobe gets pregame shots for hurt wrist
Lakers guard Kobe Bryant is receiving a shot in his right wrist prior to games in order to numb the pain caused by his torn lunotriquetral ligament, according to a team source.

Bryant, Bynum lead Lakers over Rockets (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 37 points, Andrew Bynum had 21 points and 22 rebounds in the first 20-20 game of his career, and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Houston Rockets 108-99 Tuesday night for their fourth victory in five games. Pau Gasol scored 14 points for the Lakers against the franchise that tried to acquire him in a three-team trade in the offseason, and the Lakers survived a tight fourth...

Bryant's 37 lead Lakers past Rockets
Kobe Bryant scored 37 points, Andrew Bynum had 21 points and 22 rebounds in the first 20-20 game of his career, and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Houston Rockets 108-99 Tuesday night for their fourth victory in five games.

Kobe vows to keep shooting; Brown backs him
Kobe Bryant vowed Monday to keep shooting.

Bryant shoots 6 of 28 in loss to Nuggets (AP)

Danilo Gallinari scored 20 points, Ty Lawson had 17 points and 10 assists and the Denver Nuggets beat the Los Angeles Lakers 99-90 on Sunday night. Nene had 13 points for the Nuggets, who avenged a three-point loss to the Lakers in Los Angeles less than 24 hours earlier. Pau Gasol had 20 points and 11 rebounds and Andrew Bynum had 18 points and 16 rebounds for the Lakers.

Bynum's 29 and 13 in return spark Lakers (AP)

Andrew Bynum provided the Los Angeles Lakers with a powerful performance in his season debut, following a four-game suspension that carried over from the playoffs. It all would have been for naught, however, had it not been for some clutch shooting in the fourth quarter by Kobe Bryant and a couple of equally critical hustle plays by Derek Fisher and Pau Gasol in the final minutes.

Lakers dismiss Knicks, who can't contain Kobe
Kobe Bryant scored 28 points in yet another dynamic performance against the Knicks, and the Los Angeles Lakers pulled away in the fourth quarter for their ninth straight victory over New York, 99-82 Thursday night.

Lakers put Knicks away with big fourth
Kobe Bryant scored 28 points in yet another dynamic performance against the Knicks, and the Los Angeles Lakers pulled away in the fourth quarter for their ninth straight victory over New York, 99-82 Thursday night.

Lakers win ninth straight against Knicks (AP)

After the Lakers roared away from the Knicks in the fourth quarter without even a point from Kobe Bryant, he put his long-standing friendly rivalry with Carmelo Anthony in perspective. "I enjoy going against Melo, because I always win," Bryant said with a grin. Although Bryant was exaggerating about his head-to-head advantage over Anthony, he's absolutely right about Los Angeles'...

Kobe says balky knee is 'close to 100 percent'
Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant might be playing with a torn ligament in his right wrist, but at least his chronically bothersome right knee is in great shape.

Lakers throttle Jazz to avoid 0-3 start (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 26 points, Pau Gasol added 22 points and nine rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers avoided just the fourth 0-3 start in franchise history with a 96-71 victory over the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night. Metta World Peace scored 14 points for the Lakers, who had much more life than the Jazz despite playing their third game in three nights to open the season.

Rose shot caps Bulls rally, stuns Lakers (AP)

Derrick Rose scored 22 points and hit a short go-ahead jumper with 4.8 seconds to play, and the Chicago Bulls rallied from an 11-point deficit in the final four minutes for an 88-87 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday. Luol Deng scored 21 points and blocked Kobe Bryant's short shot right before the buzzer as the Bulls hung on for a thrilling finish to both clubs' first Christmas...

Rose wants to play for Bulls his entire career
Derrick Rose's answer to whether he'd like to emulate Kobe Bryant by playing his entire career in one city should sit well with Bulls fans.

Report: Kobe revisited German doctor for ankle
Kobe Bryant traveled to Germany in October to undergo an innovative procedure on his left ankle, the Los Angeles Times reported Saturday.

Kobe says he's fine but stays mum on hurt wrist
After going through a full Christmas Eve practice, Lakers guard Kobe Bryant said he would start Christmas Day against the Bulls but refused to answer any questions about the torn lunotriquetral ligament in his right wrist.



Kobe leads Lakers against Rose's Bulls (AP)
A bizarre offseason for the Los Angeles Lakers has left many unsure what to expect from one of the NBA's most storied franchises. Expectations couldn't get much higher for reigning MVP Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls despite not much of an offseason stir. It appears a banged-up Kobe Bryant will play in the season opener as the Lakers host Rose and the Bulls in a much-anticipated...

Kobe (wrist) practices, likely to play in opener
Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant participated in a full practice Thursday afternoon.

Clippers notch preseason sweep of Lakers (AP)

Blake Griffin scored nine of his 30 points in the final 5:18, and the Los Angeles Clippers wrapped up their two-game preseason sweep of the Lakers with a 108-103 victory on Wednesday night. Kobe Bryant did not dress for the Lakers because of a torn ligament in his right wrist. A MRI revealed the injury, which occurred Monday night when he was sent crashing to the floor by Clippers center DeAndre...

Best and worst cases of Kobe Bryant wrist injury
What's the prognosis for Kobe Bryant's wrist injury? Jock to Doc knows.

Kobe says he will play in season opener
Lakers guard Kobe Bryant is expected to play in the season opener Sunday against Chicago, saying his right wrist "should be fine."

Bryant (wrist) 'should be fine' for game vs. Bulls
Kobe Bryant said he should be "fine" to play on Christmas Day despite an injured wrist.

Rose, Bulls expect Kobe (wrist) to play Sunday
Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant has a torn ligament in wrist, but the Chicago Bulls still expect him to play on Christmas Day.

Fan's lawsuit vs. Kobe returned to lower court
A fan's lawsuit against Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant over a courtside incident in Memphis, Tenn., six years ago has been returned to a lower court.

Quirks galore in compressed schedule (AP)
Carmelo Anthony's return to Denver is delayed for another year. LeBron James and Dwyane Wade won't be visiting Sacramento anytime soon. Fans in Chicago will only be seeing Kobe Bryant on television this season. The NBA sought competitive balance. What it got was schedule imbalance. One of the many consequences of the lockout, besides hundreds of lost games and hundreds of millions of lost...

Kobe out of preseason finale with injury
The Los Angeles Lakers say Kobe Bryant won't play in Wednesday night's preseason finale because of an injury suffered in the team's first preseason game against the Clippers.

Kobe tears ligament in wrist, day-to-day (AP)
The Los Angeles Lakers say Kobe Bryant won't play in Wednesday night's preseason finale because of an injury suffered in the team's first preseason game against the Clippers. The team says Bryant is being listed as day-to-day. The Lakers say an MRI revealed that Bryant had torn a ligament in his right wrist.

Kobe tears wrist ligament; listed as day to day
The Lakers' star will sit in the preseason game against the Lakers and is listed as day-to-day.

Kobe (sprained wrist) expected to play vs. Clips
Kobe Bryant has a sprained right wrist from falling down in the second half of the Lakers 114-95 loss to the Clippers on Monday. He is expected to play on Wednesday, however.

Kobe: New Lakers coach Brown not a 'pushover'
Kobe Bryant says new Lakers coach Mike Brown is not a pushover.

Kobe Bryant could lose $75 million in divorce


Report: Wife caught Kobe cheating
The wife of Kobe Bryant filed for divorce from the Lakers superstar after catching him cheating on her, according to a TMZ report Sunday night that cited sources directly connected to the couple.

Kobe drama just part of Laker soap opera
Kobe Bryant's divorce announcement just one plot line on day of drama in Lakers' soap opera.

Bryant's wife files for divorce from Lakers star
Kobe Bryant's wife, Vanessa, has filed for divorce from the Los Angeles Lakers star.

Wife of Lakers' Bryant files for divorce (AP)
Kobe Bryant's wife, Vanessa, filed for divorce on Friday from the Los Angeles Lakers star, citing irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split. Vanessa Bryant filed papers in Orange County Superior Court in Santa Ana. A representative for the couple released a statement saying, "The Bryants have resolved all issues incident to their divorce privately with the assistance of...

Kobe Bryant's wife files for divorce
Vanessa Bryant, the wife of Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant, filed for divorce on Friday citing "irreconcilable differences," the Los Angeles Times reported.

Lakers don't mind sharing spotlight in LA
Kobe Bryant believes his town has always been big enough for two star-studded NBA teams.

Kobe blames owners for failed Paul-Lakers deal
Kobe Bryant swears he's moved on from the three-team trade that was nixed by NBA commissioner David Stern last week, ultimately preventing the Los Angeles Lakers from acquiring Chris Paul.

Odom trade irks Kobe Bryant
Kobe irked by Odom trade as Lakers open workouts.

Kobe upset about Lakers trading Odom
Even Kobe Bryant can't figure out why the Los Angeles Lakers apparently are trading Lamar Odom to one of their biggest rivals.

Shaq: Kobe 'Greatest Laker of All Time'
Somehow, Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant managed to win three NBA championships together, despite blending about as well as peanut butter and lighter fluid.

Kobe joins players' meeting to discuss proposal
Joined by superstars such as Kobe Bryant and Carmelo Anthony, player representatives from NBA teams are meeting to discuss the league's proposal for a new labor deal.

NBA players meeting over proposed deal
Joined by superstars such as Kobe Bryant and Carmelo Anthony, player representatives from NBA teams are meeting to discuss the league's proposal for a new labor deal.

World All-Star Classic game in Puerto Rico a go
LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul have decided not to play in the World All-Star Classic, according to sources with knowledge of the situation.

Top stars to play in Puerto Rico event (AP)
Organizers say Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant and Dwyane Wade are expected to headline an exhibition basketball game in Puerto Rico on Sunday. According to a press release, the World All-Star Classic also will feature Amare Stoudemire, Blake Griffin, Carlos Boozer, Chris Kaman, Chris Bosh, Dwight Howard, Kevin Garnett, Kevin Love, Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo and Tyson Chandler.

Report: NBA stars talking world tour
Some of the biggest names in the NBA -- including Kobe Bryant, Amar'e Stoudemire and Kevin Durant -- are finalizing plans for a whirlwind world tour while the league lockout drags on, Yahoo! Sports reported Wednesday, citing sources.

Bologna still working on Kobe deal
The Italian club Virtus Bologna says ''unexpected engagements'' have made it impossible to sign Kobe Bryant this month, but both sides will keep working toward a deal in November.

Italian team now eyes November Kobe games
The Italian club Virtus Bologna says "unexpected engagements" have made it impossible to sign Kobe Bryant this month, but both sides will keep working toward a deal in November.

Reports: Italian team now eyes one Kobe game
The owner of Italian League team Virtus Bologna is making a last-ditch effort to get Kobe Bryant to play for his team.

Lockout hitting some cities hard (AP)

Kobe Bryant may ride out the NBA lockout playing in Italy. Other people who depend on the league aren't as fortunate. The league's cancellation of the preseason and the likelihood that regular-season games will soon be wiped out is causing collateral economic damage in cities around the league.

NBA lockout hitting some cities hard
Kobe Bryant may ride out the NBA lockout playing in Italy. Others people who depend on the league aren't as fortunate.

Kobe, Bologna working 'intensely' on deal
Kobe Bryant's management and Virtus Bologna have released a joint statement saying they are working ''very intensely'' to bring the Los Angeles Lakers star to Italy during the NBA lockout.

Kobe, Bologna working 'intensely' on deal
Kobe Bryant's management and Virtus Bologna have released a joint statement saying they are working ''very intensely'' to bring the Los Angeles Lakers star to Italy during the NBA lockout.

Kobe, Virtus Bologna working 'intensely' on deal
Kobe Bryant's management and Virtus Bologna have released a joint statement saying they are working "very intensely" to bring the Los Angeles Lakers to star to Italy during the NBA lockout.

Italian league making changes for Kobe?
The Italian basketball league is attempting to solve scheduling problems so Virtus Bologna can sign Kobe Bryant during the NBA lockout.

Kobe deal '95 percent done,' Italian team says
Italian club Virtus Bologna said it has reached a verbal agreement with Kobe Bryant for the Los Angeles Lakers star to play in Italy during the NBA lockout.

Kobe deal '95 percent done,' Italian team says
Italian club Virtus Bologna said it has reached a verbal agreement with Kobe Bryant for the Los Angeles Lakers star to play in Italy during the NBA lockout.

Bryant's knee treated by former Papal doctor
Kobe Bryant's $3 million deal to play 10 games in Italy during the NBA lockout was aided by a former physician to Pope John Paul II who treated the Laker star this summer with a pioneering blood treatment.

Italian club says deal with Kobe close
Italian club Virtus Bologna said it has reached a verbal agreement with Kobe Bryant for the Los Angeles Lakers star to play in Italy during the NBA lockout.

Italian team confident Kobe will sign deal
The president of Virtus Bologna is optimistic Kobe Bryant will sign with the Italian club during the NBA lockout despite scheduling problems posed by other teams.

Kobe: Playing in Italian league 'very possible'
Kobe Bryant said it's "very possible" he will play in Italy during the NBA lockout, adding the country is like home because he spent part of his childhood there.

Kobe says Italy move 'very possible'
Kobe Bryant says it's ''very possible'' he'll play in Italy during the NBA lockout, adding that the country is like home to him since he spent part of his childhood there.

Kobe: Playing in Italian league 'very possible'
Kobe Bryant says it's "very possible" he'll play in Italy during the NBA lockout, adding that the country is like home to him since he spent part of his childhood there.

Virtus Bologna still courting Kobe
The Italian basketball team Virtus Bologna says its top offer to Kobe Bryant is a one-year contract worth $5 million.

Italian club Virtus Bologna still courting Bryant
The Italian team Virtus Bologna says its top offer to Kobe Bryant is a one-year contract worth $5 million.

Kobe receives $6.7 million offer to play in Italy
Kobe Bryant has been offered a $6.7 million, one-season contract to play for the Italian team Virtus Bologna, appealing to his childhood memories of growing up in the country.

Kobe gets $6.7M offer to play in Italy
Kobe Bryant has been offered a $6.7 million, one-season contract to play for the Italian team Virtus Bologna, appealing to his childhood memories of growing up in the country.

Bryant gets $6.7M offer to play in Italy (AP)
Kobe Bryant has been offered $6.7 million to play basketball for an Italian team, appealing to his childhood memories of growing up in the country. Virtus Bologna general manager Massimo Faraoni tells The Associated Press he's been on conference calls between Bryant's agent, Rob Pelinka, Bologna president Claudio Sabatini and main sponsor Canadian Solar, which would provide the cash for...

San Diego prosecutors eye allegations vs. Kobe
San Diego prosecutors are reviewing allegations by a man claiming that Kobe Bryant injured him in a scuffle at a Carmel Valley church to determine whether any charges will be filed.

Prosecutors reviewing Kobe altercation
San Diego prosecutors are reviewing allegations by a man claiming that Kobe Bryant injured him in a scuffle at a Carmel Valley church to determine whether any charges will be filed.

Prosecutors reviewing Kobe Bryant altercation at church


Kobe still mulling overseas options amid lockout
Kobe Bryant says he's still considering playing overseas as an owners' lockout of players threatens to sabotage the upcoming NBA season.

Bryant still mulling playing overseas (AP)

Kobe Bryant said that he's still considering playing overseas because an owners' lockout of players threatens to sabotage the upcoming NBA season. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar told The Associated Press on the sidelines of a youth basketball clinic in Singapore that he didn't know if there will be a 2011-12 season and hasn't ruled out playing abroad.

Kobe still mulling playing abroad
Kobe Bryant says he's still considering playing overseas as an owners' lockout of players threatens to sabotage the upcoming NBA season.

Source: Kobe begins, then ends Twitter account
Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, who caused a viral buzz on the Internet several times this summer from playing Bow Wow to hitting a game-winning shot in a pickup game against fellow NBA stars, set the World Wide Web aflame again on Wednesday.

Case against Kobe Bryant still open


Source: Kobe to China not done; options open
Contrary to media reports in China, Kobe Bryant has not yet committed to sign with the Shanxi team that recently employed Stephon Marbury, according to a source close to the situation.

Source: Kobe to China not done; options open
Contrary to media reports in China, Kobe Bryant has not yet committed to sign with the Shanxi team that recently employed Stephon Marbury, according to a source close to the situation.

Kobe scores 43 in surprise summer league visit
Kobe Bryant scored 43 points in a Drew League game in Los Angeles.

Kobe scores 43 in surprise summer league visit
Kobe Bryant scored 43 points in a Drew League game in Los Angeles.

San Diego cops look into alleged Bryant incident
San Diego police have confirmed to ESPN that they are investigating an incident involving Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant.

Kobe accused of injuring man at church
A man claims he was injured in an altercation with Kobe Bryant at Sunday mass after the Los Angeles Lakers star thought he spotted the man taking pictures of him on his cell phone, KCBS-TV reported Tuesday.

Police want to talk to Kobe over dispute (AP)
A police spokesman says detectives want to interview Kobe Bryant after a man claimed he was injured by the Los Angeles Lakers star during a confrontation at a church. Police say Bryant apparently thought the man was taking his picture with a cell phone at a Carmel Valley church on Sunday. Bryant reportedly took the phone from the man but saw no pictures on it, then left the church.

Agent: Durant in negotiations with Turkish team
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant is in the early stages of contract negotiations with the same Turkish team that has signed Deron Williams and has been pursuing Kobe Bryant, according to Durant's agent.

Scheyer's NBA dreams detour to Holy Land (AP)
NORTHBROOK, Ill. (STATS) - Deron Williams may be headed to Turkey. China sounds good to Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul. Kobe Bryant? He says he'll play anywhere. But regardless of whether the NBA lockout ends before the scheduled start of its season - and that's looking more and more unlikely - one transaction is certain: Jon Scheyer is taking his talents to the Holy Land.

Kobe: Besiktas link 'news to me'
Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant dismissed reports of a weekend meeting with Besiktas but declared he was ready to "play anywhere" overseas while the protracted NBA labor talks stumble on, The Washington Post reported Monday.

Report: Kobe dismisses Besiktas talks
Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant dismissed reports of a weekend meeting with Besiktas but declared he was ready to "play anywhere" overseas while the protracted NBA labor talks stumble on, The Washington Post reported Monday.

Kobe: No Besiktas talk in 'weeks,' options open
Kobe Bryant said he hasn't spoken to Turkish club Besiktas in "weeks."

Report: Kobe, Turkish club to meet Saturday
Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant is set to meet with Turkish club Besiktas on Saturday, according to a report.

Paul, Anthony would consider China (AP)
Chris Paul and Carmelo Anthony say they will consider offers to play professional basketball in China if there is no resolution to the NBA lockout. Both players are on a promotional tour of China while monitoring news from home about the NBA's labor impasse. With Kobe Bryant reportedly negotiating a deal to play in Turkey, New Orleans Hornets' Paul and New York Knicks forward Anthony said...

Besiktas says it is in talks with Kobe
Turkish club Besiktas says it is in talks with Kobe Bryant's representatives about the possibility of the Los Angeles Lakers' star playing in Turkey during the NBA lockout.

Besiktas says it is in talks with Kobe
Turkish club Besiktas says it is in talks with Kobe Bryant's representatives about the possibility of the Los Angeles Lakers' star playing in Turkey during the NBA lockout.

Turkish club: We've talked to Kobe's managers
Turkish club Besiktas is in talks with Kobe Bryant's representatives about the possibility of the Los Angeles Lakers' star playing in Turkey during the NBA lockout.

Turkish club: We've talked to Kobe's managers
Turkish club Besiktas is in talks with Kobe Bryant's representatives about the possibility of the Los Angeles Lakers' star playing in Turkey during the NBA lockout.

Besiktas says it is in talks with Kobe (AP)
Turkish club Besiktas says it is in talks with Kobe Bryant's representatives about the possibility of the Los Angeles Lakers' star playing in Turkey during the NBA lockout. Besiktas coach Ergin Ataman says "It is a fact that Kobe Bryant's managers have contacted us" after the club signed New Jersey Nets point guard Deron Williams last week.

Reports: Kobe, Rose to Manila for exhibitions
Derrick Rose and Kobe Bryant are reportedly among the NBA stars who will be playing exhibition games this weekend in the Philippines.

Report: Turkish team's pursuit of Kobe on hold
A Turkish team's pursuit of Kobe Bryant has reportedly been put on hold due to a soccer match-fixing scandal.

Report: Turkish team's pursuit of Kobe on hold
A Turkish team's pursuit of Kobe Bryant has reportedly been put on hold due to a soccer match-fixing scandal.

Sparks promote Kobe's father to coach
The Los Angeles Sparks have dismissed Jennifer Gillom as coach and replaced her with Joe ''Jellybean'' Bryant, the father of Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant who previously coached the WNBA team.

Source: Kobe has knee procedure in Germany
Lakers guard Kobe Bryant underwent an experimental but increasingly popular procedure last month in Germany in an attempt to help his oft-injured right knee to heal, a source confirmed.

New Lakers coach Brown OK with Kobe's silence
New Lakers coach Mike Brown is "more than OK" with Kobe Bryant's public silence about Brown's hiring.

Bryant stays mum on new coach Brown (AP)

Kobe Bryant had plenty to say about how he wants to help end homelessness among youth in Los Angeles. The NBA superstar had nothing to say about new Lakers coach Mike Brown. Bryant and his wife, Vanessa, appeared together at a nonprofit in Hollywood on Tuesday to announce the formation of their new foundation focused on improving the lives of youth and families in need.

Kobe remains mum on new Lakers coach Brown
Kobe Bryant had plenty to say about how he wants to help end homelessness among youth in Los Angeles. The NBA superstar had nothing to say about new Lakers coach Mike Brown.

Lakers regret not talking Brown hire with Kobe
Jim Buss, son of Los Angeles Lakers owner Dr. Jerry Buss, says he regrets not talking to Kobe Bryant about the decision to hire Mike Brown as Phil Jackson's successor, according to a report.

Report: Suns CEO Welts reveals he's gay (AP)
Phoenix Suns president and CEO Rick Welts has revealed to the public that he is gay in a story posted on The New York Times' website. Welts said in the story Sunday that he wants to break down one of the last significant social barriers in sports, one that has made headlines recently after Kobe Bryant's use of a gay slur on the basketball court and hockey player Sean Avery's support of...

Kobe already shifting Lakers focus to 2011-12
Having had several days to let the Dallas Mavericks' unceremonious sweep of the Los Angeles Lakers sink in, Kobe Bryant was able to find a silver lining to having the season end so unexpectedly: He has more time to prepare for next season.

Pau says relationship rumors caused 'suffering'
Pau Gasol denied recent internet reports and speculation in several major media outlets that there has been any conflict between Kobe Bryant's wife and Gasol's girlfriend.

Garnett, Kobe match all-defensive team record
Celtics forward Kevin Garnett and Lakers guard Kobe Bryant have been selected to the NBA all-defensive first team for a record-tying ninth time.

Kobe on Mavs' 3-0 lead: 'We're going to win'
Despite his team's 3-0 deficit in the Western Conference semifinals after the Dallas Mavericks beat the Los Angeles Lakers 98-92 on Friday, Kobe Bryant remains steadfast in his thinking: The Lakers can win this thing.

Starter for suspended Artest unclear (AP)
According to the league-mandated pregame information released by the Lakers, Kobe Bryant will replace the suspended Ron Artest at small forward, with Shannon Brown starting at shooting guard for Game 3 of their series against the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night. According to Lamar Odom, he expects to start in Artest's place.

Lakers' Artest could be suspended (AP)

Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers are in trouble, and they know it. The Lakers are down 0-2 to the Dallas Mavericks going into Game 3 of their second-round series on Friday night, having lost both games in Los Angeles. While three teams in NBA history have won a seven-game series after losing the first two at home, no team has rallied from an 0-3 deficit.

Mavs rally to take Game 1 from Lakers (AP)

Dirk Nowitzki scored 28 points and hit two go-ahead free throws with 19.5 seconds left before Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant made a crucial turnover, and the Dallas Mavericks rallied for a 96-94 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night in Game 1 of their second-round playoff series. Nowitzki had 14 rebounds for the Mavericks, who dramatically came back from a 16-point deficit in the second...

2011 NBA playoffs: Kobe Bryant "highly concerned" about Dallas Mavericks after Game 1
The Dallas Mavericks might have planted a seed of doubt in the two-time defending champions' minds while stealing Game 1 and homecourt advantage away from the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night.

Jackson says Kobe as good as Jordan
Phil Jackson says Kobe Bryant is as good as Michael Jordan.

2011 NBA Playoffs: Kobe Bryant still limping as Los Angeles Lakers prep for Dallas Mavericks
Before the Los Angeles Lakers begin their second-round series against the Dallas Mavericks on Monday, there continues to be some second guessing about the state of guard Kobe Bryant's sprained left ankle.

Lakers' size advantage negated by Mavs (AP)

The Los Angeles Lakers will have to pick on somebody their own size to make it to another Western Conference finals. For all of Kobe Bryant's brilliance, the Lakers' back-to-back title runs were built on the defensive dominance and offensive mismatches created by their two 7-footers, Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum.

Lakers oust Hornets with dominant win (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 22 of his 24 points in the first three quarters, then let his Lakers teammates take over in a dominant 98-80 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Thursday night that wrapped up the series for Los Angeles in six games. Andrew Bynum added 18 points and 12 rebounds, while Pau Gasol chipped in 16 points for the two-time defending champions, who led by as much as 21 in the fourth...

Lakers blast Hornets, advance to second round
Kobe Bryant scored 22 of his 24 points in the first three quarters, then let his Lakers teammates take over in a dominant 98-80 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Thursday night that clinched the series for Los Angeles in six games.

Kobe Bryant foul in Game 5 gets upgraded to flagrant 1
A Kobe Bryant foul in Game 5 was upgraded to a flagrant 1 on Thursday.

Kobe's dunks help Lakers take 3-2 lead (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 19 points and threw down two stirring dunks on a sprained left ankle, and the Los Angeles Lakers pushed the New Orleans Hornets to the brink of first-round playoff elimination with a 106-90 victory in Game 5 on Tuesday night, taking a 3-2 series lead. Andrew Bynum had 18 points and 10 rebounds, and Pau Gasol added 16 points as the two-time defending NBA champions roared back...

Los Angeles Lakers could up Kobe Bryant's minutes despite ankle
Phil Jackson said he would be willing to play Kobe Bryant heavy minutes Thursday despite a sprained ankle.

Phil Jackson confident Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant will play
When asked if Lakers guard Kobe Bryant was definitely suiting up on Tuesday night, coach Phil Jackson said, "That's right."

Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant rolls ankle against Hornets
Kobe Bryant rolled his left ankle late in the Los Angeles Lakers' 93-88 loss to the New Orleans Hornets in Game 4 of their first-round series on Sunday.

2011 NBA playoffs: Los Angeles Lakers say Kobe Bryant suffered sprained left ankle
Kobe Bryant suffered a sprained left ankle in Sunday's Game 4 loss to the Hornets, a Lakers spokesperson said Monday. His status is day to day.

Kobe, Pau help Lakers go up 2-1 on Hornets
Kobe Bryant scored 30 points, Pau Gasol snapped out of his playoff funk with 17 points and 10 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers took control of their first-round playoff series with a 100-86 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Friday night.

Bryant, Gasol lift Lakers in New Orleans (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 30 points, Pau Gasol snapped out of his playoff funk with 17 points and 10 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers took control of their first-round playoff series with a 100-86 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Friday night. Andrew Bynum added 14 points and 11 rebounds and Lamar Odom had 13 points for the two-time defending champs, who took the lead for good when Ron Artest...

Bryant leads Lakers to crucial road win
Kobe Bryant scored 30 points, Pau Gasol snapped out of his playoff funk with 17 points and 10 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers took control of their first-round playoff series with a 100-86 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Friday night.

Lakers show PSA after Kobe's slur
The Los Angeles Lakers have debuted a public-service announcement at Staples Center in response to Kobe Bryant's anti-gay slur during a game last week.

Los Angeles Lakers debut public-service announcement in response to Kobe Bryant's anti-gay slur
The Los Angeles Lakers have debuted a public-service announcement at Staples Center in response to Kobe Bryant's anti-gay slur during a game last week.

Paul's 33 help Hornets surprise Lakers (AP)

Chris Paul had 33 points, 14 assists and seven rebounds, and the New Orleans Hornets pulled away down the stretch, stunning the two-time defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers with a 109-100 victory in their playoff opener Sunday. Carl Landry scored 17 points and Jarrett Jack added 15 for the seventh-seeded Hornets, who overcame Los Angeles' major size advantage with a phenomenal game from...

Kobe apologizes again for using slur
Lakers star Kobe Bryant said he was truly sorry Friday for yelling an anti-gay slur at NBA referee Bennie Adams during Tuesday night's game.

Los Angeles Lakers, GLAAD to work together; Kobe Bryant's sorry
The Lakers and one gay and lesbian advocacy group will work together to combat homophobic words, while Kobe Bryant apologized again for his comment that started the controversy.

Lakers, Jackson fined for CBA remarks (AP)
A person familiar with the decision says the Los Angeles Lakers and Phil Jackson each have been fined $75,000 for comments the coach made about collective bargaining. The person spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity Thursday because the league will not announce the fines. The two fines come a day after the league fined Lakers star Kobe Bryant $100,000 for using a derogatory...

Kobe, Lakers tip Kings in OT, clinch No. 2 seed
Kobe Bryant scored 36 points and forced overtime on a tying 3-pointer with 4.8 seconds left in regulation, and the Lakers regrouped to hand the Sacramento Kings a 116-108 loss Wednesday night in what might have been the last game ever in this rivalry.

Kobe Bryant meets the Rudy Ruettiger, says movie changed life
Kobe Bryant met Rudy Ruettiger and said the movie about the former Notre Dame walk-on changed his life.

Down 20 in 4th, Lakers rally for OT win (AP)

Sacramento Kings fans made it feel like old times. Then, so did Kobe Bryant. Bryant's tying 3-pointer with 4.8 seconds left in regulation forced overtime, and the Los Angeles Lakers regrouped to hand Sacramento a 116-108 loss Wednesday night in what might have been the Kings' last game ever in Sacramento.

Bynum injured as Lakers snap 5-game skid (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 27 points and the Los Angeles Lakers snapped their five-game losing streak at a potentially high cost, losing center Andrew Bynum to a hyperextended right knee in a 102-93 victory over the San Antonio Spurs' role players Tuesday night. The Lakers' hopes for a third straight NBA title might have taken a significant blow when Bynum fell to the court after stepping on...

Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant appears to direct homophobic slur at ref
Lakers star Kobe Bryant appeared to direct a homophobic slur at a referee on Tuesday night.

Kobe nets 36 as Lakers hang on
Kobe Bryant scored 36 points and forced overtime on a tying 3-pointer with 4.8 seconds left in regulation, and the Los Angeles Lakers regrouped to hand the Sacramento Kings a 116-108 loss Wednesday night in what might have been the last game ever in this rivalry.

Lakers' Kobe fined $100K for gay slur
Kobe Bryant has been fined $100,000 by the NBA for using a derogatory gay term in frustration over a referee's call.

LeBron James passes Kobe Bryant for No. 1 in jersey sales
LeBron James had the top-selling jersey in the NBA this season, moving past Kobe Bryant to claim the No. 1 spot for the first time since his rookie season in Cleveland in 2004.

James passes Kobe for top-selling jersey (AP)
If LeBron James' move to Miami made him a villain to some, fans like dressing as a bad guy. James had the top-selling jersey in the NBA this season, moving past Kobe Bryant to claim the No. 1 spot for the first time since his rookie season in Cleveland in 2004. Bryant dropped to No. 2 on the list announced Wednesday, while Rajon Rondo moved up to third, one of five Boston Celtics among the top...

NBA reviewing Bryant's apparent slur (AP)

An NBA spokesman says the league is investigating Kobe Bryant's apparent use of a derogatory term about a referee in the Lakers' game on Tuesday. Video replay of the incident appeared to show Bryant using the slur when he couldn't get Bennie Adams' attention as he came to the bench after getting hit with a technical foul during the Lakers' 102-93 victory over the San Antonio...

NBA reviewing alleged slur by Kobe
The NBA was reviewing Wednesday an incident in which Lakers star Kobe Bryant appeared to yell a homophobic slur at a referee after being assessed a technical foul.

League rescinds Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant's 15th technical of season
Mired in the middle of a five-game losing streak, the Lakers received some good news Monday when the NBA informed the team Kobe Bryant's 15th technical foul of the season was rescinded, bringing Bryant's total back down to 14.



Lakers' skid at 5 after loss to Thunder (AP)

Kevin Durant scored 31 points, Russell Westbrook added 26 and the Oklahoma City Thunder sent the Los Angeles Lakers to their fifth straight loss, 120-106 on Sunday night. James Harden added 16 points and Serge Ibaka 15 for the Thunder, who moved a game behind the Lakers and Dallas with two remaining in the race for the No.

Kobe Bryant endorses Brian Shaw as Phil Jackson's successor as Los Angeles Lakers coach, according to report
As Phil Jackson's repeated claims that he actually will retire after the season start to sink in, Kobe Bryant voiced his preference Friday for the successor to the Los Angeles Lakers' coach, according to a report.

Lakers' chance at top seed all but gone (AP)

Rookie Gordon Hayward scored a career-high 22 points and hit the go-ahead free throw with 6 seconds to play, and the Utah Jazz snapped an eight-game losing streak with an 86-85 victory over the sleepwalking Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night. Kobe Bryant scored 20 points and hit a tying 3-pointer with 16 seconds left, but fumbled the ball away on an ill-conceived drive at the buzzer.

Surging Nuggets end Lakers' 9-game run (AP)

Danilo Gallinari scored 22 points, Kenyon Martin scored six of his 18 in the final 3:24, and the Denver Nuggets hung on for their sixth straight win, 95-90 over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday. Kobe Bryant scored 28 points for the Lakers, who snapped a nine-game winning streak to fall 2 1/2 games behind San Antonio in the Western Conference.

Streaking Lakers now 1 1/2 behind Spurs (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 21 points, Lamar Odom added 16 and the Los Angeles Lakers erased a 17-point first-half deficit Friday night to beat Utah 96-85 and eliminate the Jazz from the playoff race. Utah (36-40) becomes the first team in NBA history to start 15-5 and 27-13 and not make the playoffs. The Lakers outscored the Jazz 52-35 in the second half to win their ninth straight game, and pull within 1...

Lakers beat slumping Jazz in Salt Lake
Kobe Bryant scored 21 points, Lamar Odom added 16 and the Los Angeles Lakers erased a 17-point first-half deficit Friday night to beat Utah 96-85 and eliminate the Jazz from the playoff race.

4 ejected as surging Lakers rout Mavs (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 28 points, Andrew Bynum had 18 points and 13 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Dallas Mavericks 110-82 in a testy affair in which four players were ejected Thursday night. In what was a possible preview of a second-round playoff matchup, this one had a postseason flair to it.

Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant, others support Sacramento Kings to Orange County
Many believe that Orange County can support the Kings if they were to move from Sacramento.

Lakers roll to seventh straight victory (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 30 points, Pau Gasol had 23 points and 16 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers inched closer to the top of the overall NBA standings with their 15th win in 16 games since the All-Star break, 102-84 over the New Orleans Hornets on Sunday night. Andrew Bynum added 13 points in the Lakers' seventh straight win.

Kobe nets 30 as Lakers roll past Hornets
Kobe Bryant scored 30 points, Pau Gasol had 23 points and 16 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers inched closer to the top of the overall NBA standings with their 15th win in 16 games since the All-Star break, 102-84 over the New Orleans Hornets on Sunday night.

Kobe, Lakers lead wire-to-wire in win vs. Clips
Kobe Bryant scored 37 points, Pau Gasol added 26 points and eight rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers never trailed in their 14th victory in 15 games since the All-Star break, 112-104 over the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night.

Bryant, Gasol help Lakers continue surge (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 37 points, Pau Gasol added 26 points and eight rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers never trailed in their 14th victory in 15 games since the All-Star break, 112-104 over the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night. During a game filled with flashy plays and two more jaw-dropping alley-oop dunks by rookie Blake Griffin, the Lakers maintained a steady lead over their cross-hallway...

Kobe's 42 help Lakers outlast Suns in triple-OT
Kobe Bryant scored 42 points, Ron Artest got five of his 18 points in the final 2 minutes of the third overtime, and the Lakers outlasted the Suns for a 139-137 victory Tuesday night.



Lakers outlast Suns in 3OT, Kobe has 42 (AP)

When the Los Angeles Lakers led Phoenix by 21 points in the third quarter, Kobe Bryant and Lamar Odom were pretty sure their night would end quickly and tidily. After three overtimes, 276 combined points and multiple heart-stopping moments, Bryant and Odom were just grateful to stagger out of Staples Center with a victory in a once-in-a-decade thriller.

Kobe, Lakers outlast Suns in third OT
Kobe Bryant scored 42 points, Ron Artest got five of his 18 points in the final 2 minutes of the third overtime, and the Los Angeles Lakers outlasted the Phoenix Suns for a 139-137 victory Tuesday night.

Kobe scores 10 of his 22 in fourth
Kobe Bryant scored 10 of his 22 points in a dynamic fourth quarter, and the Los Angeles Lakers rallied from behind in the final three minutes for their 12th win in 13 games, 84-80 over the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday night.

Bryant's dynamic 4th rallies Lakers (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 10 of his 22 points in a dynamic fourth quarter, and the Los Angeles Lakers rallied from behind in the final three minutes for their 12th win in 13 games, 84-80 over the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday night. Derek Fisher made back-to-back steals to put the Lakers ahead before hitting a clinching jumper with 10 seconds left.

Lakers rally in fourth to top T-Wolves
Pau Gasol scored 25 points, Kobe Bryant added 18 on his sprained left ankle, and the Los Angeles Lakers overcame Andrew Bynum's fourth-quarter ejection to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves for the 15th straight time, 106-98 on Friday night.

Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant (ankle, neck) sits out practice; Andrew Bynum awaiting word on possible discipline after being ejected Friday for flagrant foul 2 on Minnesota Timberwolves' Michael Beasley
The Los Angeles Lakers were left playing a game of wait-and-see after practice Saturday, as the health of their starting shooting guard and the eligibility of their starting center remained in question.

Lakers escape with 15th straight win vs. Wolves
Pau Gasol scored 25 points, Kobe Bryant added 18 on his sprained left ankle, and the Los Angeles Lakers overcame Andrew Bynum's fourth-quarter ejection to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves for the 15th straight time, 106-98 on Friday night.

Kobe Bryant sits out of Los Angeles Lakers practice to rest ankle
Kobe Bryant sat out of Lakers practice on Thursday.

Kobe Bryant sits out of Los Angeles Lakers practice to rest ankle
Kobe Bryant sat out of Lakers practice on Wednesday.

Lakers roll by Magic in 2nd half, 97-84 (AP)

Pau Gasol scored 23 points, Kobe Bryant added 16 while playing on a sprained left ankle, and the Los Angeles Lakers roared away in the second half for their 10th win in 11 games, 97-84 over the Orlando Magic on Monday night. Andrew Bynum had 10 points, a career high-tying 18 rebounds and four blocks as the two-time defending NBA champions opened a seven-game homestand with another impressive...

Lakers rally for 10th win in 11 games
Pau Gasol scored 23 points, Kobe Bryant added 16 while playing on a sprained left ankle, and the Los Angeles Lakers roared away in the second half for their 10th win in 11 games, 97-84 over the Orlando Magic on Monday night.

Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant's ankle improved, still iffy for Orlando Magic game
Kobe Bryant's ankle has improved, but he's still a game-time decision for Monday.

Kobe Bryant hurts ankle in Los Angeles Lakers' game against Dallas Mavericks
Kobe Bryant has left the Lakers' game at Dallas after coming down awkwardly on his ankle.



Stop comparing Kobe to MJ, coach says
While admitting there are many similarities, Lakers coach Phil Jackson says you simply cannot compare Kobe Bryant to Michael Jordan -- so everyone should stop trying.

Stop comparing Kobe to MJ, coach says
While admitting there are many similarities, Lakers coach Phil Jackson says you simply cannot compare Kobe Bryant to Michael Jordan -- so everyone should stop trying.

Phil Jackson: Kobe Bryant a game-time decision for Los Angeles Lakers
Whether Kobe Bryant will play Monday is a game-time decision for the Lakers, coach Phil Jackson said Sunday.

Bryant tweaks ankle but Lakers beat Mavs (AP)

Kobe Bryant overcame a sore ankle to score 16 points, helping the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Dallas Mavericks 96-91 on Saturday night. Bryant shot just 6 of 20, yet scored six points and assisted on the other basket in a 9-0 run late in the second quarter that snapped a tie and put the Lakers ahead to stay in the matchup of Western Conference powers -- and a potential playoff preview.

Bryant leaves game with sprained ankle
Kobe Bryant has left the Los Angeles Lakers' game at Dallas after coming down awkwardly on his ankle.

Lakers win important game in Dallas
Kobe Bryant overcame a sore ankle to score 16 points, helping the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Dallas Mavericks 96-91 on Saturday night.

Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant talks about postgame shooting session after loss to Miami Heat, other topics
Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant didn't know that a guy shooting alone in an empty gym could generate so much attention when he went back out to the court in Miami following the Lakers' loss to the Heat on Thursday.

Kobe responds to loss by getting to work
Here's how Kobe Bryant responded to the Lakers' 94-88 loss at Miami on Thursday night: He worked out on the Heat's home court until Friday morning.

Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant's parents in Japan, but not hurt in quake
Kobe Bryant's parents are in Japan, but they were not hurt in the earthquake.

Kobe's father returning to WNBA's Sparks (AP)
Joe "Jellybean" Bryant is returning to the Los Angeles Sparks as an assistant coach. The father of Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant was head coach of the Sparks from late 2005 through the 2006 season. Also joining the team's staff is Sandy Brondello. She and Bryant will assist second-year coach Jennifer Gillom.

Heat end 5-game skid, Lakers' 8-game run (AP)

The first chore for the Miami Heat is done: They're in the playoffs. That's no surprise. Snapping a five-game slide by beating the NBA's hottest team to get there, well, that might not have been what everyone saw coming. Chris Bosh scored 24 points, Dwyane Wade added eight of his 20 in the fourth quarter and the Heat ended their losing streak by beating the two-time defending NBA...

Bryant 6th on scoring list, Lakers roll (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 26 points to pass Moses Malone on the career scoring list and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Atlanta Hawks 101-87 on Tuesday night. The Lakers took a three-game losing streak into the All-Star break. Since then, they've won eight straight, a streak that began with a similar 104-80 home win over the Hawks on Feb.

Kobe Bryant passes Moses Malone for 6th on NBA scoring list
Kobe Bryant has passed Moses Malone for sixth place on the NBA's career scoring list.

Bryant now 6th on NBA scoring list (AP)
Kobe Bryant has passed Moses Malone for sixth place on the NBA's career scoring list. The Lakers 13-time All-Star, entered Tuesday night's game against the Atlanta Hawks 12 points from matching Malone's 27,409 points. Bryant passed Malone when he made three free throws with 2:05 remaining in the first half.

Kobe passes Malone in rout of Hawks
Kobe Bryant scored 26 points to pass Moses Malone on the career scoring list and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Atlanta Hawks 101-87 on Tuesday night.

Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant takes no pleasure in Heat's struggles
Kobe Bryant on Heat: Every team has issues

Lakers thrash Spurs for seventh straight win
Kobe Bryant scores 26 points as the Los Angeles Lakers pummel the league-leading San Antonio Spurs 99-83 on Sunday.

Lakers rip Spurs, win seventh straight (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 26 points, Pau Gasol had 21 and the Los Angeles Lakers embarrassed the NBA-best San Antonio Spurs for their seventh consecutive victory, 99-83 on Sunday. What was billed as a potential Western Conference finals preview was a blowout from the start. And the Lakers likely relished this rout after losing twice to the Spurs, including on Antonio McDyess' memorable buzzer tip-in...

Kobe, Lakers keep rolling with win over Bobcats
Kobe Bryant scored 27 points and the Los Angeles Lakers ended the Charlotte Bobcats' inexplicable mastery over them Friday night with a 92-84 victory, their sixth straight win since the All-Star break.

Lakers end struggles versus Bobcats (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 27 points and the Los Angeles Lakers ended the Charlotte Bobcats' inexplicable mastery over them Friday night with a 92-84 victory, their sixth straight win since the All-Star break. Pau Gasol had 20 points and 10 rebounds, and Derek Fisher sprained his left elbow as the Lakers grinded out a shockingly rare victory over the NBA's youngest franchise.

Lakers finally get by Charlotte
Kobe Bryant scored 27 points and the Los Angeles Lakers ended the Charlotte Bobcats' inexplicable mastery over them Friday night with a 92-84 victory, their sixth straight win since the All-Star break.

Lakers push winning streak to 5 (AP)

Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum and the Los Angeles Lakers' towering front line overwhelmed Kevin Love on the boards in a 90-79 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night. Gasol had 17 rebounds and 12 points, Bynum had 14 points and seven boards and the Lakers scored 28 second-chance points to overcome a poor shooting night and win their fifth straight game.

Kobe Bryant takes over 7th on NBA all-time scoring list
Kobe Bryant moved past Elvin Hayes to become 7th on the NBA's all-time scoring list.

Lakers hold off Thunder 90-87 (AP)

Pau Gasol had 18 points and 11 rebounds, Kobe Bryant scored 17 points and the Los Angeles Lakers extended their cushion over Oklahoma City in the Western Conference standings by beating the Thunder 90-87 on Sunday. Andrew Bynum added 16 points and 10 rebounds, but the Lakers weren't able to simply overpower a Thunder team that added Kendrick Perkins for interior toughness but won't get him...

Kobe's big 3rd helps Lakers put away Clippers
Kobe Bryant scored 18 of his 24 points in the third quarter, Pau Gasol added 22 points, and the Los Angeles Lakers won their third game in four days out of the All-Star break, beating the weary Los Angeles Clippers 108-95 Friday night.

Bryant's big 3rd quarter sparks Lakers (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 18 of his 24 points in the third quarter, Pau Gasol added 22 points, and the Los Angeles Lakers won their third game in four days out of the All-Star break, beating the weary Los Angeles Clippers 108-95 Friday night. Andrew Bynum had 16 points and 11 rebounds in another breezy win for the Lakers, who had lost three straight before co-hosting the All-Star weekend with their...

Lakers knock off Clippers in LA rivalry
Kobe Bryant scored 18 of his 24 points in the third quarter, Pau Gasol added 22 points, and the Los Angeles Lakers won their third game in four days out of the All-Star break, beating the weary Los Angeles Clippers 108-95 Friday night.

Lakers rally to end Blazers' streak at 6 (AP)

Kobe Bryant had 37 points and the Los Angeles Lakers overcame a 10-point deficit late in the fourth quarter to beat Portland 106-101 in overtime Wednesday night, snapping the Trail Blazers' season-best, six-game winning streak. LaMarcus Aldridge had 29 points and 14 rebounds for the Blazers, but didn't hit a shot in the fourth quarter and missed two key free throws in the extra period.

Kobe Bryant: No 'switch,' Los Angeles Lakers progressed gradually
Kobe Bryant says there's no such thing as "flipping the switch."

Kobe, Lakers storm back to beat Blazers in OT
Kobe Bryant had 37 points and the Los Angeles Lakers overcame a 10-point deficit late in the fourth quarter to beat Portland 106-101 in overtime Wednesday night, snapping the Trail Blazers' season-best, six-game winning streak.

Lakers rip Hawks to snap 3-game slide (AP)

All-Star game MVP Kobe Bryant scored 20 points, Pau Gasol added 14 points and 10 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers easily ended their three-game skid with a 104-80 victory over the struggling Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night. Shannon Brown scored 15 points as the two-time defending NBA champions got right back into form after stumbling into their hometown All-Star weekend with increasingly...

Kobe scores 37, hits key shots late
Kobe Bryant had 37 points and the Los Angeles Lakers overcame a 10-point deficit late in the fourth quarter to beat Portland 106-101 in overtime Wednesday night, snapping the Trail Blazers' season-best, six-game winning streak.

Lakers start strong after All-Star break
All-Star game MVP Kobe Bryant scored 20 points, Pau Gasol added 14 points and 10 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers easily ended their three-game skid with a 104-80 victory over the struggling Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night.

Younger stars thrilled for Bryant (AP)

LeBron James racked up a silky-smooth triple-double. Kevin Durant dropped 34 points in 30 minutes. Amare Stoudemire slammed and jammed his way through Staples Center for 29 points. And the NBA's younger stars still were thrilled when Kobe Bryant took home one more Most Valuable Plyer trophy from the All-Star game Sunday.

Heat teammates unable to rally East (AP)
LeBron James nearly brought the East team back in the All-Star game. In the end, though, he and his Miami Heat buddies couldn't keep Kobe Bryant and the West from victory. James had 29 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists in the 148-143 loss Sunday night at Staples Center. The East was loaded with James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh of the Heat, along with the Boston quartet of Ray Allen, Kevin...

Kobe Bryant: Los Angeles Lakers see finish line, ready to get rolling
The Lakers are preparing to ramp up the rest of their regular season.

Barnes returns, Bryant refocuses Lakers (AP)
Matt Barnes returned to practice with the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday, shooting free throws and doing non-contact drills just six weeks after tearing cartilage in his right knee. Kobe Bryant realizes the veteran swingman is probably the only reinforcement he'll get for the Lakers' run at a third straight title.

Young stars thrilled Kobe got fourth MVP (AP)
Kobe Bryant talks more about his past than his future these days. The Los Angeles Lakers' five-time champion guard has said he can see the finish line of his career. He has even talked about clearing out of the way, allowing younger superstars to take charge of the NBA. Those youngsters weren't ready to let this 32-year-old geezer out of the spotlight just yet -- not at his hometown All-Star...

All-Star game gets best rating since '03 (AP)
The NBA All-Star game has earned its highest television rating since Michael Jordan's last appearance in 2003. The Western Conference's 148-143 win Sunday night on TNT featuring a duel between Kobe Bryant and LeBron James drew a 5.2 rating. That's up 37 percent from last year, part of a season of strong ratings for a league bursting with intriguing story lines.

Bryant wins MVP, James has triple-double (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 37 points and equaled a record with his fourth All-Star game Most Valuable Player award, leading the Western Conference to a 148-143 victory over the East on Sunday. "I feel like we have a sense of responsibility and we are voted in for what we do during the season, which is play hard," Bryant said.

Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant becomes first athlete to have hands, feet imprinted at Grauman's Chinese Theater
Hollywood stars have long been fixtures at Lakers games and now a Laker is a fixture in Hollywood. Kobe Bryant became the first athlete to have his hands and feet imprinted at Grauman's Chinese Theatre on Saturday.

All-Stars not giving advice to Anthony (AP)
Every player at All-Star weekend has been following the 'Melodrama. Carmelo Anthony's agonizingly protracted departure from the Denver Nuggets has caught the league's attention, but not everybody is eager to give advice to the NBA's sixth-leading scorer. "When I talked to him, I told him I just want him to be happy," Kobe Bryant said.

Cavs stun Lakers, avenge 55-point loss (AP)

The Lakers hit the All-Star break broken. Looking nothing like two-time defending NBA champions, they dropped their third straight game, a stunning 104-99 loss Wednesday night to the Cleveland Cavaliers -- the league's worst team, which avenged a 55-point embarrassment against Los Angeles last month.

Jimmy Kimmel, George Lopez will help Hollywood honor Kobe Bryant
Talk show hosts Jimmy Kimmel and George Lopez will be on hand to celebrate this weekend when Kobe Bryant becomes the first athlete to put his hands and feet in concrete outside Hollywood's famed Grauman's Chinese Theater.

Kobe set to join Hollywood shrine
Talk show hosts Jimmy Kimmel and George Lopez will be on hand to celebrate this weekend when Kobe Bryant becomes the first athlete to put his hands and feet in concrete outside Hollywood's famed Grauman's Chinese Theater.

Kobe Bryant misses Los Angeles Lakers shootaround due to aches, chills
Kobe Bryant missed the Lakers' shootaround Monday with body aches and chills.

Howard's 31 and 13 power Magic by Lakers (AP)

Dwight Howard had 31 points and 13 rebounds as the Orlando Magic earned their first victory over a winning team in more than a month, downing the Los Angeles Lakers 89-75 on Sunday. Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum each had 17 points to lead the Lakers. Lamar Odom added 13 and Pau Gasol 11. Jason Richardson chipped in 12 points for the Magic.

Bryant scores 33 as Lakers cruise at MSG (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 33 points in another effortless night at Madison Square Garden, and the Los Angeles Lakers cruised to a 113-96 victory over the struggling New York Knicks on Friday night. Bryant scored 19 points in the first quarter, and perhaps only the lopsided score kept him from recording a sixth 40-point game at the arena.

Kobe, Lakers cruise in win over Knicks
Kobe Bryant scored 33 points in another effortless night at Madison Square Garden, and the Los Angeles Lakers cruised to a 113-96 victory over the struggling New York Knicks on Friday night.

Kobe rocks Garden with 33 as Lakers top Knicks
Kobe Bryant scored 33 points in another effortless night at Madison Square Garden, and the Los Angeles Lakers cruised to a 113-96 victory over the struggling New York Knicks on Friday night.

Allen breaks 3s record but Lakers win (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 20 of his 23 points in the second half, and the Los Angeles Lakers spoiled Ray Allen's record-setting night by beating the Boston Celtics 92-86 in an NBA finals rematch on Thursday night. Allen became the NBA's career leader in 3-pointers in the first quarter, but Bryant later put him on the bench in foul trouble during his big second half that rallied Los Angeles from...

Kobe's big second half powers LA to win
Kobe Bryant scored 20 of his 23 points in the second half, and the Los Angeles Lakers spoiled Ray Allen's record-setting night by beating the Boston Celtics 92-86 in an NBA finals rematch on Thursday night.

Kobe Bryant defends Kevin Garnett, calls Los Angeles Lakers 'the good guys'
Kobe Bryant defends Kevin Garnett's trash-talking ways before the Lakers take on the Celtics Thursday night.

Lakers use Odom's double-double to beat Grizz
Kobe Bryant scored 19 points and Lamar Odom had 15 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 93-84 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night.

Lakers hold off Memphis with late surge (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 19 points and Lamar Odom had 15 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 93-84 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night. Memphis got within two points in the fourth quarter, but Los Angeles took advantage of five Grizzlies turnovers to go on an 11-0 run and take an 89-76 lead.

Lakers pick up road win over Grizzlies
Kobe Bryant scored 19 points and Lamar Odom had 15 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 93-84 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night.

Gasol scores 34, Lakers beat Hornets (AP)

Pau Gasol had a season-high 34 points to go with 10 rebounds, helping the Los Angeles Lakers beat the New Orleans Hornets 101-95 on Saturday night. Kobe Bryant added 32 points, including a 3-pointer with 3:20 left to give the Lakers the lead for good in what turned out to be a surprisingly frenetic struggle against the undermanned Hornets, who've now dropped all three games against the...

Lakers edge Rockets in OT to get back on track
Kobe Bryant scored 32 points, Pau Gasol had 26, including the go-ahead layup with 1:04 left in overtime, and the Los Angeles Lakers bounced back from consecutive home losses with a 114-106 victory over the Houston Rockets on Tuesday night.

Bynum-less Lakers outlast Rockets in OT (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 32 points, Pau Gasol hit the go-ahead layup with 1:04 left in overtime, and the Los Angeles Lakers bounced back from consecutive home losses with a 114-106 victory over the Houston Rockets on Tuesday night. Gasol had 26 points and 16 rebounds, and Lamar Odom had 20 points and a season-high 20 rebounds in his return to the Lakers' starting lineup.

Lakers outlast Rockets in overtime
Kobe Bryant scored 32 points, Pau Gasol hit the go-ahead layup with 1:04 left in overtime, and the Los Angeles Lakers bounced back from consecutive home losses with a 114-106 victory over the Houston Rockets on Tuesday night.

Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant encourages Pau Gasol to be more aggressive
At Monday's Lakers practice, a day after Kobe Bryant took 10 consecutive shots on his own down the stretch of Los Angeles' 109-96 loss to the rival Boston Celtics, Lakers forward Pau Gasol was asked if he was going to talk to Bryant about shooting less.

Kobe Bryant, Derek Fisher unconcerned with recent criticism of Los Angeles Lakers by Jerry West and Magic Johnson
Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher shrugged off recent criticism directed at the Lakers by Jerry West and Magic Johnson.

Kobe Bryant promotes Chinese in California, himself in China
Kobe Bryant is taking his affection for China -- and its goodwill toward him -- to cast himself as a bridge between East and West through a campaign of philanthropic contributions, promotional activities and cross-cultural exchanges.

Pierce fuels Celtics' win over Lakers
Paul Pierce scored 32 points, Kevin Garnett had 18 points and 13 rebounds with a large bandage over a cut on his head, and the Boston Celtics won their NBA finals rematch with the Lakers on Sunday, overcoming Kobe Bryant's 41 points in a 109-96 victory.

Celtics overcome Kobe's 41 in Finals rematch
Paul Pierce scored 32 points, Kevin Garnett had 18 points and 13 rebounds with a large bandage over a cut on his head, and the Boston Celtics won their NBA finals rematch with the Lakers on Sunday, overcoming Kobe Bryant's 41 points in a 109-96 victory.

Celts overcome 41 by Kobe to beat Lakers (AP)

Paul Pierce scored 32 points, Kevin Garnett had 18 points and 13 rebounds with a large bandage over a cut on his head, and the Boston Celtics won their NBA finals rematch with the Lakers on Sunday, overcoming Kobe Bryant's 41 points in a 109-96 victory. Ray Allen scored 21 points for the Celtics in the longtime rivals' first meeting since Los Angeles rallied from a late 13-point deficit...

Kings stun Lakers, overcome Bryant's 38 (AP)

DeMarcus Cousins had 27 points and 10 rebounds, Omri Casspi added 20 points and the Sacramento Kings snapped an eight-game losing streak to the Los Angeles Lakers with a stunning 100-95 victory over the two-time defending champions on Friday night. Kobe Bryant passed Hakeem Olajuwon for eighth place on the NBA's career scoring list while scoring 21 of his 38 points in the first quarter, but...

Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant passes Hakeem Olajuwon for 8th on NBA all-time scoring list
Two summers ago, Kobe Bryant called up Hakeem Olajuwon so he could see the legendary big man's footwork up close and try to steal a few of his post moves. Friday night against the Sacramento Kings, Bryant took Olajuwon's place in the record books.

Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant has again cut back on his practice time
Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant has once again cut back on his practice time.

Lakers roll Jazz on way to 7th straight home win
Kobe Bryant scored 21 points in three quarters and the Lakers led all the way in defeating Utah 120-91 Tuesday night.

Kobe, Lakers beat down Jazz at home
Kobe Bryant scored 21 points in three quarters and the Los Angeles Lakers led all the way in defeating Utah 120-91 Tuesday night, handing the Jazz their fifth straight loss overall and on the road.

Kobe Bryant differs with Jerry West's opinion of Los Angeles Lakers' defense
Kobe Bryant wasn't about to diss Jerry West for saying the Lakers are "getting long in the tooth." He just begged to differ.



Kobe defends Lakers after West comments (AP)
Kobe Bryant wasn't about to disparage Jerry West for saying the Los Angeles Lakers are "getting long in the tooth." He just begged to differ. West, a Hall of Fame player and former Lakers general manager, suggested last week at a speech in Orange County that there's a connection between the Lakers' age and their consistency on defense.

Lakers roll as Jazz finish road trip 0-5 (AP)

A day off and two days of practice since their previous game did the aging Los Angeles Lakers some good. Feeling refreshed, they led all the way in defeating Utah 120-91 Tuesday night behind 21 points in three quarters from Kobe Bryant while handing the Jazz their season-worst fifth straight loss. "Just worked hard the last couple days and we came out really focused on defense," Bryant...

Kobe's 14 in 3rd pushes Lakers past Nuggets
Kobe Bryant blasted the Denver crowd by day and quieted it at night. After criticizing Denver fans for booing Carmelo Anthony, Bryant led the Los Angeles Lakers past the Nuggets, 107-97 on Friday night.

Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant maintains that Denver Nuggets fans are 'idiots' for booing Carmelo Anthony
Kobe Bryant is clarifying his remarks that Denver Nuggets fans are "stupid" for booing Carmelo Anthony over his trade stance.

Kobe sparks win in Denver after remarks (AP)

Kobe Bryant blasted the Denver crowd by day and quieted it at night. After criticizing Denver fans for booing Carmelo Anthony, Bryant gave the Pepsi Center crowd little to cheer about as he led the Los Angeles Lakers past the Nuggets, 107-97 on Friday night. Bryant scored 14 of his 18 points in the decisive third quarter and was one of five Lakers to score at least 17.

Lakers end Denver drought behind Bryant
Kobe Bryant blasted the Denver crowd by day and quieted it at night.

Kobe rips Nuggets fans for booing Melo
Kobe Bryant is clarifying his remarks that Denver Nuggets fans are ''stupid'' for booing Carmelo Anthony over his trade stance.

Kobe Bryant reflects, five years after 81-point game
Kobe Bryant reflects on his 81-point performance against the Nuggets.

Kobe first athlete with Hollywood honor (AP)
Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant has championship rings and an MVP trophy, but he's about to get an honor usually reserved for the stars of Hollywood. Bryant will become the first athlete to have a hand and foot print ceremony at Grauman's Chinese Theater in Hollywood. Representatives for the theater announced Thursday that Bryant will have the ceremony setting his hands and feet in...

Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant to be first athlete to have hand, foot imprinted at Grauman's Chinese Theater
Lakers star Kobe Bryant is set to become the first athlete to have his hand and foot impinted in a ceremony at the world-renowned Grauman's Chinese Theater on Feb. 19, it was announced Thursday.

Lakers continue to roll by fending off Thunder
Pau Gasol scored 21 points, Kobe Bryant added 21 and seven assists and the Lakers held off the Thunder 101-94 Monday night for their eighth win in nine games.



Lakers miss late FTs but get by Thunder (AP)

Pau Gasol scored 21 points, Kobe Bryant had 21 and also missed three last-minute free throws, and the Los Angeles Lakers held off the Oklahoma City Thunder 101-94 Monday night for their eighth win in nine games. Lamar Odom had 16 points and Derek Fisher scored a season-high 15 for the Lakers in the clubs' first meeting since the Los Angeles sent home the eighth-seeded Thunder from the first...

Kobe, Lakers hang on to beat Thunder
Pau Gasol scored 21 points, Kobe Bryant had 21 and also missed three last-minute free throws, and the Los Angeles Lakers held off the Oklahoma City Thunder 101-94 Monday night for their eighth win in nine games.

Lakers hold off Nets, win streak hits 7 (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 27 points, Pau Gasol had 20 points and nine rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers hung on for their seventh straight victory, 100-88 Friday night over the New Jersey Nets. Lamar Odom had 14 points and 11 rebounds as the Lakers extended the NBA's longest active winning streak despite never shaking the struggling Nets, who got 35 points from Brook Lopez in their ninth loss in...

Lopez's effort not enough against Lakers
Kobe Bryant scored 27 points, Pau Gasol had 20 points and nine rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers hung on for their seventh straight victory, 100-88 Friday night over the New Jersey Nets.

Kobe's 27, Pau's 20 help Lakers hold off Nets
Kobe Bryant scored 27 points, Pau Gasol had 20 points and nine rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers hung on for their seventh straight victory, 100-88 Friday night over the New Jersey Nets.

Bryant, Odom rally Lakers past Warriors (AP)

Kobe Bryant had all of about six minutes left when he decided to finally take over. For him, it was plenty of time. Bryant scored 17 of his 39 points in the final 5:49 and the sluggish Los Angeles Lakers rallied late to beat the Golden State Warriors 115-110 on Wednesday night for their sixth straight victory.

Lakers win by 55, humiliate woeful Cavs (AP)

The Los Angeles Lakers professed no empathy for the hapless Cleveland Cavaliers, only a grim, workmanlike attitude in dispatching the business at hand. The Lakers humiliated the Cavs while sending them to their 11th straight loss, rolling to a 112-57 victory on Tuesday night in their best defensive performance of the shot clock era.

Kobe, Lakers rip Knicks in testy affair (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 27 points, Andrew Bynum added 18 points and seven rebounds before getting ejected in the fourth quarter, and the Los Angeles Lakers mixed it up with the New York Knicks in their fourth straight victory, 109-87 Sunday night. Pau Gasol had 20 points and 14 rebounds for the Lakers, who thoroughly dominated undersized New York in the paint and on defense during their seventh...

Lakers take care of Knicks at home
Kobe Bryant scored 27 points, Andrew Bynum added 18 points and seven rebounds before getting ejected in the fourth quarter, and the Los Angeles Lakers mixed it up with the New York Knicks in their fourth straight victory, 109-87 Sunday night.

Kobe passes Big O as Lakers hold off Hornets
Kobe Bryant had 25 points while moving into ninth place on the NBA's career scoring list, and Pau Gasol had 21 points and 13 rebounds in the Los Angeles Lakers' third straight victory, 101-97 over the New Orleans Hornets on Friday night.

Bryant moves up scoring list, Lakers win (AP)

Kobe Bryant had 25 points while moving into ninth place on the NBA's career scoring list, and Pau Gasol had 21 points and 13 rebounds in the Los Angeles Lakers' third straight victory, 101-97 over the New Orleans Hornets on Friday night. Lamar Odom had 17 points and 13 rebounds, and Andrew Bynum added 17 points for the two-time defending champions, who have rebounded from a prolonged...

Lakers fight off feisty Hornets for win
Kobe Bryant had 25 points while moving into ninth place on the NBA's career scoring list, and Pau Gasol had 21 points and 13 rebounds in the Los Angeles Lakers' third straight victory, 101-97 over the New Orleans Hornets on Friday night.

Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant now 9th all-time scoring after passing 'The Big O' Oscar Robertson
The Lakers star is within 226 points of Hakeem Olajuwon for 8th-most points in NBA history.

Report: Kobe Bryant limited in practice; Los Angeles Lakers suffered
Kobe Bryant has reportedly been limited at practice which he thinks has hurt the team's preparation.

Lakers dominate boards, hold off Suns (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 24 points and four other Los Angeles players reached double figures as the Lakers held off the Phoenix Suns 99-95 on Wednesday night. Jared Dudley led the Suns with 21 points, including three of their 11 3-pointers, but the much bigger Lakers dominated the boards 47-31, including 14-5 on the offensive end.

All-Star voting: Kobe Bryant leads all, but East loaded
While Kobe Bryant leads the All-Star voting, the East boasts LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Kevin Garnett and Rajon Rondo.

Kobe scores 24 as Lakers eclipse fading Suns
Kobe Bryant scored 24 points and four other Los Angeles players reached double figures as the Lakers held off the Phoenix Suns 99-95 on Wednesday night.

Lakers bounce back with rout of Pistons (AP)
Pau Gasol scored 21 points and the Los Angeles Lakers finally found a sub.-500 team they could beat easily, winning 108-83 against the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday night. Kobe Bryant added 17 points, moving him past Dominique Wilkins into 10th on the NBA's career scoring list with 26,671. Andrew Bynum finished with 13 points after scoring eight of the Lakers' first 14 points of the game.

Lakers use balanced attack to nip Suns
Kobe Bryant scored 24 points and four other Los Angeles players reached double figures as the Lakers held off the Phoenix Suns 99-95 on Wednesday night.

Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant moves up to 10th on NBA's scoring list
Lakers guard Kobe Bryant made a driving layup with 6:43 remaining in the third quarter against the Pistons to give him 26,669 points for his career.

Kobe Bryant doesn't take offense to Phil Jackson comments
Lakers coach Phil Jackson clarifies the comments he made about Kobe Bryant after the Lakers' latest loss on Sunday.

Bryant leads Lakers by pesky Sixers (AP)

Kobe Bryant and Jrue Holiday both had multiple chances to take over the final moments of the last NBA game of 2010. The champion came through, and the young challenger will have to wait until next year to respond. Bryant scored 33 points and hit a tiebreaking jumper with 1:15 to play, and the Los Angeles Lakers bounced back from consecutive home losses with a 102-98 victory over the pesky...

Kobe's 33 points help Lakers end home woes
Kobe Bryant scored 33 points and hit a tiebreaking jumper with 1:15 to play, and the Lakers bounced back from consecutive home losses with a 102-98 victory.

Lakers survive late rally by 76ers
Kobe Bryant scored 33 points and hit a tiebreaking jumper with 1:15 to play, and the Los Angeles Lakers bounced back from consecutive home losses with a 102-98 victory over the pesky Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night.

Odom's 24 help Lakers end 3-game skid (AP)

Lamar Odom responded to his first time out of the starting lineup this season by scoring 24 points, and the Los Angeles Lakers convincingly ended a three-game losing streak with a 103-88 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Wednesday night. Kobe Bryant added 20 points, while Andrew Bynum, who started for Odum, scored 18 points.

Parker goes for 23 as Spurs tip reeling Lakers
Tony Parker scored 23 points and the San Antonio Spurs, backing up their NBA-best record against the defending champions, beat Kobe Bryant and the reeling Los Angeles Lakers 97-82 on Tuesday night.

Spurs dump reeling Lakers, now 27-4 (AP)

Tony Parker scored 23 points and the San Antonio Spurs, backing up their NBA-best record against the defending champions, beat Kobe Bryant and the reeling Los Angeles Lakers 97-82 on Tuesday night. DeJuan Blair had 17 points and 15 rebounds, leading an unlikely Spurs cast that handed the Lakers their third straight loss while Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili muddled through a dreadful game.

Spurs run over Kobe, Lakers at home
Tony Parker scored 23 points and the San Antonio Spurs, backing up their NBA-best record against the defending champions, beat Kobe Bryant and the reeling Los Angeles Lakers 97-82 on Tuesday night.

Kobe Bryant hopes 'rest of the guys' (Los Angeles Lakers) up for tough San Antonio Spurs
The Lakers, according to Bryant, don't get too excited about much anymore ... and that's the problem.

Los Angeles Lakers have 'feisty' practice, try to gain urgency
After a disappointing Christmas Day loss to the Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant vowed to "kick some [butt] during practice" in an effort to urge his teammates to start treating the regular season with more urgency.

LeBron's triple-double sparks Heat past Lakers
LeBron James had 27 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists while hitting a season-high five 3-pointers, and the Miami Heat thrived on the holiday stage in a 96-80 victory over Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday.

Heat embarrass Lakers on Christmas
LeBron James had 27 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists while hitting a season-high five 3-pointers, and the Miami Heat thrived on the holiday stage in a 96-80 victory over Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday.

James' triple-double gets Heat by Lakers (AP)

LeBron James had 27 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists while hitting a season-high five 3-pointers, and the Miami Heat thrived on the holiday stage in a 96-80 victory over Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday. Chris Bosh had 24 points and 13 rebounds, and Dwyane Wade added 18 points on a sore knee for the Heat, who won for the 14th time in 15 games while flustering the defending...

Lakers ready for first look at Heat (AP)
Kobe Bryant and Lakers coach Phil Jackson haven't really checked out the Miami Heat much this season. They've caught late-night highlights and maybe logged a few minutes with a game from the opposite coast, but not a whole lot more. It's finally time for the two-time champions to get an up-close look at their most intriguing challengers.

Bucks snap Lakers' 5-game win streak (AP)

Earl Boykins scored a season-high 22 points, John Salmons added 20 and the short-handed Milwaukee Bucks stunned the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night, snapping the two-time defending champions' five-game winning streak with a 98-79 victory. Kobe Bryant scored 21 points and Pau Gasol added 15 points and 11 rebounds for the Lakers, who belly-flopped in their final tuneup before a Christmas...

Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose relishes his relationship with President Obama
Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose didn't hear President Obama's verbal jab at Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant last week, but he wasn't surprised.

Lakers win fifth in a row, beat Raptors (AP)

At the end of a long road trip, the Los Angeles Lakers got a welcome boost from the bench. Kobe Bryant scored 20 points, Pau Gasol had 19 and the Los Angeles Lakers won their fifth straight game Sunday, beating the Toronto Raptors 120-110. The Lakers got 57 points from their reserves, including a season-high 16 from Andrew Bynum, who played his fourth game after returning from offseason surgery on...

Lakers knock off Raptors for 5th straight win
Kobe Bryant scored 20 points, Pau Gasol had 19 and the Los Angeles Lakers won their fifth straight game Sunday, beating the Toronto Raptors 120-110.

Lakers down Raptors to wrap road trip
Kobe Bryant scored 20 points, Pau Gasol had 19 and the Los Angeles Lakers won their fifth straight game Sunday, beating the Toronto Raptors 120-110.

Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant touched by high school gym dedication
Kobe Bryant was publicly touched by a gym dedication for him at his former high school in Lower Merion, Pa.

Kobe Bryant angers Armenians with Turkish air deal
Kobe Bryant's endorsement deal with a Turkish airlines has some Armernian Americans threatening a boycott.

Outrage over Kobe's Turkish airline deal (AP)

Kobe Bryant's two-year endorsement deal with Turkish Airlines has enraged some Armenian Americans who are threatening to boycott the Los Angeles Lakers star. Turkish Airlines says Bryant will appear next year as its "global brand ambassador" in advertisements promoting the March start of nonstop flights between Istanbul and Los Angeles, according to a story Thursday in the Los...

Kobe carries Lakers past Pacers
Kobe Bryant scored 25 of his 31 points in the second half to help the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Indiana Pacers 109-94 on Wednesday night.

Lakers lead throughout, beat Pacers (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 25 of his 31 points in the second half to help the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Indiana Pacers 109-94 on Wednesday night. Pau Gasol scored 28 points and Lamar Odom had 13 points and 17 rebounds for the Lakers, who never trailed. The Lakers shot 51 percent against the Pacers, who entered with the NBA's No.

Bryant takes charge as Lakers put away Pacers
Kobe Bryant scored 25 of his 31 points in the second half to help the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Indiana Pacers 109-94 on Wednesday night.

Bynum scores 7 in season debut as Lakers win
Kobe Bryant took over the game by scoring 16 of his 24 points in the third quarter, and Andrew Bynum added seven points in his season debut Tuesday night as the Los Angeles Lakers beat the undermanned Washington Wizards 103-89.

Bynum makes season debut in Lakers win (AP)

Kobe Bryant took over the game by scoring 16 of his 24 points in the third quarter, and Andrew Bynum added seven points in his season debut Tuesday night as the Los Angeles Lakers beat the undermanned Washington Wizards 103-89. Bryant scored 12 straight Lakers points during a 17-2 third-quarter run that put the game away.

Lakers drop Wizards as Bynum returns
Kobe Bryant took over the game by scoring 16 of his 24 points in the third quarter, and Andrew Bynum added seven points in his season debut Tuesday night as the Los Angeles Lakers beat the undermanned Washington Wizards 103-89.

Lakers 99, Nets 92
Kobe Bryant scored 25 of his 32 points in the second half and had two big assists in a late eight-point run that led the Los Angeles Lakers to a 99-92 victory over the New Jersey Nets on Sunday.

Kobe's second half helps Lakers put away Nets
Kobe Bryant scored 25 of his 32 points in the second half and had two big assists in a late eight-point run that led the Los Angeles Lakers to a 99-92 victory over the New Jersey Nets on Sunday.

Bryant's 32 lift Lakers past Nets 99-92 (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 25 of his 32 points in the second half and had two big assists in a late eight-point run that led the Los Angeles Lakers to a 99-92 victory over the New Jersey Nets on Sunday. Lamar Odom had five of his 22 points in the late spurt and Pau Gasol had the other three in capping a 15-point, 11-rebound effort that led the Lakers to their sixth straight win over New Jersey.

Fisher's layup at buzzer lifts Lakers (AP)

Derek Fisher hit a layup at the buzzer to give the Los Angeles Lakers an 87-86 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night after the two-time defending NBA champions trailed for most of the second half. Kobe Bryant scored 24 points, Shannon Brown added 16 and Pau Gasol had 10 points and 10 rebounds for the Lakers, who ended a three-game road losing streak as the visiting team in their...

Source: Los Angeles Lakers to meet President Obama next week
A White House official says President Barack Obama will meet with the NBA champion L.A. Lakers next week. It's not clear, though, that the basketball-loving president will shoot hoops with Kobe Bryant and his teammates.

Obama to meet with Lakers next week (AP)
A White House official says President Barack Obama will meet with the NBA champion L.A. Lakers next week. It's not clear, though, that the basketball-loving president will shoot hoops with Kobe Bryant and his teammates. The official spoke on condition of anonymity ahead of a formal announcement later Thursday.

Source: Obama meeting with Lakers next week
President Barack Obama will meet with the NBA champion L.A. Lakers next week, according to a White House official. It's not clear, though, that the basketball-loving president will shoot hoops with Kobe Bryant and his teammates.

Report: Obama to meet with Lakers
President Barack Obama will meet with the NBA champion L.A. Lakers next week, according to a White House official. It's not clear, though, that the basketball-loving president will shoot hoops with Kobe Bryant and his teammates.

Lakers win eighth straight vs. Wizards (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 32 points, Lamar Odom added 24 points and seven rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers held on to beat the Washington Wizards for the eighth straight time, 115-108 Tuesday night. Pau Gasol had 21 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists for the Lakers in their final home game before a seven-game, two-week trip that includes a rematch with Washington on Dec.

Lakers hang on to beat Wall, Wizards
Kobe Bryant scored 32 points, Lamar Odom added 24 points and seven rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers held on to beat the Washington Wizards for the eighth straight time, 115-108 Tuesday night.

Lower Merion High School set to name gym after alum Kobe
Lower Merion will dedicate the Kobe Bryant Gymnasium with a ceremony on Dec. 16, the day before the Lakers play the Sixers.

Lakers cruise by Kings, end 4-game skid (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 22 points, Pau Gasol added 16 despite a strained left hamstring, and the Los Angeles Lakers easily snapped a four-game losing streak with a 113-80 victory over the struggling Sacramento Kings on Friday night. Lamar Odom had 16 points and seven rebounds as the two-time defending champions capitalized on nearly optimal conditions for ending their longest skid since April 2007.

Lakers roll at home to end losing streak
Kobe Bryant scored 22 points, Pau Gasol added 16 despite a strained left hamstring, and the Los Angeles Lakers easily snapped a four-game losing streak with a 113-80 victory over the struggling Sacramento Kings on Friday night.

Rockets hand Lakers fourth straight loss (AP)

Kevin Martin scored 22 points and Shane Battier added 11 of his 17 in the final three minutes to lift the Houston Rockets to a 109-99 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night. The loss is the fourth in a row for the Lakers, who were led by Kobe Bryant's 27 points. The Lakers led by three before Battier made consecutive 3-pointers to put Houston on top 100-97 with about 2 1/2...

Lakers' skid at 3 with loss at Memphis (AP)

Mike Conley scored 10 of his season-high 28 points in the fourth quarter, and the Memphis Grizzlies beat the Los Angeles Lakers 98-96 on Tuesday night, sending the defending champs to their third straight loss. It's just the second three-game skid for the Lakers since they traded with Memphis for Pau Gasol to team him up with Kobe Bryant and first since March.

Pacers overcome 41 by Kobe, win in LA (AP)

Roy Hibbert had 24 points and 12 rebounds, and Kobe Bryant scored 41 points but missed two tying 3-point attempts in the final seconds of the Indiana Pacers' first victory over the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center, 95-92 Sunday night. Danny Granger added 18 points for the Pacers, who followed up their surprising road win over Miami six days ago with an even more stunning victory.

Lakers drop second consecutive game
Roy Hibbert had 24 points and 12 rebounds, and Kobe Bryant scored 41 points but missed two tying 3-point attempts in the final seconds of the Indiana Pacers' first victory over the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center, 95-92 Sunday night.

Brown, Blake rally Lakers by Bulls 98-91 (AP)

Shannon Brown matched his season high with 21 points, hitting five 3-pointers against his hometown team, and Kobe Bryant added 20 points in the Los Angeles Lakers' fifth straight victory, 98-91 over the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday night. Lamar Odom had 21 points and eight rebounds, but the two-time defending NBA champions trailed early in the fourth quarter before making a decisive 17-2 run when...

Lakers hold off Bulls to up win streak
Shannon Brown scored 21 points, Kobe Bryant added 20, and the Los Angeles Lakers held off the Chicago Bulls 98-91 Tuesday night for their fifth straight victory.

Chicago Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau recalls first meeting Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant and Tom Thibodeau, who first met when Bryant was in high school, meet on Tuesday for the first time at the top of their professions.

Lakers down Warriors on Gasol's perfect night
Pau Gasol scored 28 points without missing a shot, Kobe Bryant added 20 points and the Lakers took a 30-point lead in the first half of their fourth straight victory.

Gasol goes 10 for 10 as Lakers roll (AP)

Pau Gasol scored 28 points without missing a shot, Kobe Bryant added 20 points and the Los Angeles Lakers took a 30-point lead in the first half of their fourth straight victory, 117-89 over the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night. Gasol was 10 of 10 from the field and made all eight of his free throws.

Gasol's perfect night fuels blowout
Pau Gasol scored 28 points on 10-for-10 shooting, Kobe Bryant added 20 points and the Los Angeles Lakers took a 30-point lead in the first half of their fourth straight victory, 117-89 over the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night.

Barnes picks up slack in Lakers' win (AP)

Lamar Odom and the Los Angeles Lakers didn't take Kevin Love and the Minnesota Timberwolves for granted this time. The defending NBA champions were ready from the start, and that was bad news for a young team that thought it was finally starting to figure things out. Kobe Bryant had 23 points and eight rebounds, and Matt Barnes scored 24 on 7-of-7 shooting to lead the Lakers to a 112-95 victory...

Barnes in charge as Lakers subdue Wolves
Kobe Bryant had 23 points and eight rebounds, and Matt Barnes scored 24 on 7-of-7 shooting to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 112-95 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night.

Lakers blast Wolves behind Kobe, Barnes
Kobe Bryant had 23 points and eight rebounds, and Matt Barnes scored 24 on 7-of-7 shooting to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 112-95 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night.

Kobe depicted shooting gun in TV ad
Kobe Bryant's appearance in a recent video game commercial is causing quite a stir.

Kobe, Lakers cruise past Hamilton-less Pistons
Kobe Bryant scored 33 points without playing in the fourth quarter and the Lakers took advantage of Rip Hamilton's early ejection in a 103-90 win over the Pistons.

Lakers coast past Pistons behind Kobe
Kobe Bryant scored 33 points without playing in the fourth quarter, and the Los Angeles Lakers took advantage of Richard Hamilton's early ejection in a 103-90 win over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night.

Bryant has 33 in 3 quarters, Lakers win (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 33 points without playing in the fourth quarter, and the Los Angeles Lakers took advantage of Richard Hamilton's early ejection in a 103-90 win over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night. Bryant scored 24 in the first half, helping the Lakers open a 14-point halftime lead, and the struggling Pistons allowed the first seven points of the third quarter to fall behind 66-45.

Pistons' Hamilton ejected after 2 techs (AP)
Detroit's Richard Hamilton has been ejected less than five minutes into the Pistons' game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Hamilton was called for his second foul with 7:01 left in the first quarter Wednesday night when Kobe Bryant tried a turnaround jumper from the baseline after trying to back Hamilton down.

Lakers avoid third straight loss (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 31 points, Shannon Brown added 16 of his 21 in the fourth quarter, and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Milwaukee Bucks 118-107 on Tuesday night to snap a two-game losing streak. Los Angeles had started 8-0 before the consecutive losses, but Brown and Bryant sparked the Lakers on both ends of the floor against what had been the stingiest defense in the NBA.

Kobe, Brown help Lakers beat Bucks, snap skid
Kobe Bryant scored 31 points, Shannon Brown added 16 of his 21 in the fourth quarter and the Lakers beat the Bucks 118-107 to snap a two-game losing streak.

Lakers drop Bucks to snap losing streak
Kobe Bryant scored 31 points, Shannon Brown added 16 of his 21 in the fourth quarter, and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Milwaukee Bucks 118-107 on Tuesday night to snap a two-game losing streak.

Nuggets rally to hand Lakers first loss (AP)

Carmelo Anthony had 32 points and 13 rebounds to rally the Denver Nuggets past Los Angeles 118-112 on Thursday night, handing the Lakers their first loss of the season. Kobe Bryant scored a season-high 34 points and Pau Gasol had 17 points and 20 rebounds for the Lakers, who were trying to win their first nine games for the first time since the 1997-98 season.

Nuggets rally to hand Lakers first loss (AP)

With the game tied and the ball in his hands behind the 3-point line, J.R. Smith hesitated for just a moment. "I was thinking about not taking the shot because I missed the one before that and I didn't know how George was going to react," Smith said of his coach, George Karl. "When I saw how far Kobe (Bryant) was playing off, I just had to shoot." Smith's gamble paid off.

Lakers 8-0 after beating Wolves 99-94 (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 33 points, Pau Gasol added 18 points and 10 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers improved to 8-0 for just the third time in franchise history with a 99-94 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night. Lamar Odom overcame foul trouble and scored two important late baskets to finish with 15 points for the Lakers, who matched the 1987-88 team for the second-best start...

Lakers get past T-Wolves, stay unbeaten
Kobe Bryant scored 33 points, Pau Gasol added 18 points and 10 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers improved to 8-0 for just the third time in franchise history with a 99-94 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night.

Lakers 7-0 after Gasol has triple-double (AP)

Pau Gasol had 20 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists while completing his fourth career triple-double by the third quarter, and the Los Angeles Lakers easily improved to 7-0 for the fifth time in franchise history with a 121-96 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday night. Lamar Odom had 21 points and 12 rebounds, Kobe Bryant scored 12 points and Ron Artest played stringent defense on...

Lakers remain unbeaten with win over Raptors
Pau Gasol scored 30 points, Kobe Bryant added 23 points and six assists, and the Los Angeles Lakers narrowly remained unbeaten with a 108-103 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Friday night.

Lakers hold off Raptors to stay unbeaten
Pau Gasol scored 30 points, Kobe Bryant added 23 points and six assists, and the Los Angeles Lakers narrowly remained unbeaten with a 108-103 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Friday night.

Gasol, Bryant keep Lakers perfect (AP)

Just in case the Los Angeles Lakers forgot why they're off to a perfect start to the season, a strong challenge from the Toronto Raptors should force the champs to rekindle their interest in defense and rebounding. Coach Phil Jackson plans to make certain of it in practice this weekend. Pau Gasol scored 30 points, Kobe Bryant added 23 points and six assists, and the Lakers remained unbeaten...

Bryant has triple-double for 5-0 Lakers (AP)

Kobe Bryant had 30 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds to help the Los Angeles Lakers win their fifth straight game to open the season, 112-100 over the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night. Pau Gasol added 22 points and 11 rebounds, and Lamar Odom scored 18 for the Lakers, who have won seven straight against their Northern California rivals.

Kobe's triple-double carries Lakers vs. Kings
Kobe Bryant had 30 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds to help the Los Angeles Lakers win their fifth straight game to open the season, 112-100 over the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night.

Lakers 4-0 after rout of Grizzlies (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored all of his 23 points in the first half, Pau Gasol had 21 points and 13 rebounds against his 7-foot-1 kid brother, and the Los Angeles Lakers routed the Memphis Grizzlies 124-105 on Tuesday night for their fourth straight win to open the season. Lamar Odom had 17 points and eight rebounds for unbeaten Los Angeles, while Bryant fell one minute short of matching Kareem Abdul-Jabbar...

Lakers roll past Grizz to stay unbeaten
Kobe Bryant scored all of his 23 points in the first half, Pau Gasol had 21 points and 13 rebounds against his 7-foot-1 kid brother, and the Los Angeles Lakers routed the Memphis Grizzlies 124-105 on Tuesday night for their fourth straight win to open the season.

Kobe Bryant offers Olympics commitment to coach Mike Krzyzewski
Kobe Bryant told the U.S. basketball coach that he will play in the Olympics in 2012 if the Americans want him there.

Kobe lifts Lakers past Kings on road
Kobe Bryant had 30 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds to help the Los Angeles Lakers win their fifth straight game to open the season, 112-100 over the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night.

Kobe Bryant offers Olympics commitment to Coach Krzyzewski
Kobe Bryant told the U.S. basketball coach that he would play in the Olympics in 2012 if the Americans want him there.

Bryant says he'll play in 2012 Olympics (AP)
Mike Krzyzewski has a commitment from another top recruit: Kobe Bryant. Bryant told the U.S. basketball coach that he would play in the Olympics in 2012 if the Americans want him there. The Lakers guard was a guest on Krzyzewski's SIRIUS XM radio show Tuesday when the Duke coach asked Bryant about London.

Kobe commits to play in 2012 Olympics
Mike Krzyzewski has a commitment from another top recruit: Kobe Bryant.

Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant says knee is '100 percent'
Kobe Bryant is back at 100 percent. If you believe him.

Gasol, Bryant power Lakers' rout of Warriors
Pau Gasol had 26 points and 12 rebounds, Kobe Bryant added 20 points and the Los Angeles Lakers kept up their unbeaten start to the season with a 107-83 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night.

Lakers rip Warriors to improve to 3-0 (AP)

Pau Gasol had 26 points and 12 rebounds, Kobe Bryant added 20 points and the Los Angeles Lakers kept up their unbeaten start to the season with a 107-83 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night. Lamar Odom had 16 points and 14 rebounds for the Lakers, who easily improved to 3-0 with their 10th consecutive win over their upstate rivals.

Balanced Lakers crush Warriors
Pau Gasol had 26 points and 12 rebounds, Kobe Bryant added 20 points and the Los Angeles Lakers kept up their unbeaten start to the season with a 107-83 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night.

Odom's 18 and 17 carry Lakers over Suns (AP)

Lamar Odom had 18 points and 17 rebounds and the Los Angeles Lakers beat Phoenix 114-106 on Friday night in the Suns' home opener and a rematch of last season's Western Conference finalists. Kobe Bryant scored 25 points and Pau Gasol had 21 in the Lakers' eighth victory over Phoenix in their last 10 meetings.

Lakers raise banner, rally past Rockets (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 27 points, newcomer Steve Blake hit the go-ahead 3-pointer with 18.8 seconds left, and the Los Angeles Lakers opened defense of their back-to-back NBA titles with a 112-110 victory over the Houston Rockets on Tuesday night. Pau Gasol had 29 points and 11 rebounds for the Lakers, who hung the golden banner celebrating their 16th NBA championship and handed out their impossibly...

Kobe, Lakers hold off Rockets at home
Kobe Bryant scored 27 points, newcomer Steve Blake hit the go-ahead 3-pointer with 18.8 seconds left, and the Los Angeles Lakers opened defense of their back-to-back NBA titles with a 112-110 victory over the Houston Rockets on Tuesday night.

Kobe, Lakers open title defense with close win
Kobe Bryant scored 27 points, newcomer Steve Blake hit the go-ahead 3-pointer with 18.8 seconds left, and the Los Angeles Lakers opened defense of their back-to-back NBA titles with a 112-110 victory over the Houston Rockets on Tuesday night.

Los Angeles Lakers' rings feature leather from Game 7 ball
Kobe Bryant said that the Los Angeles Lakers win over the rival Boston Celtics last June was the most satisfying of all of his five championships. The ring he received Tuesday night was fitting of such an accomplishment.

Ellis scores 41 but Lakers win in OT (AP)

After the Los Angeles Lakers accidentally tacked five more minutes onto their preseason with a late rally, they refused to head into their title defense without making that extra effort worth the trip. Kobe Bryant scored 22 points, Shannon Brown hit the go-ahead 3-pointer in overtime, and the Lakers overcame Monta Ellis' NBA preseason-high 41 points in a 105-102 victory over the Golden State...

Kobe's 22 help Lakers overcome Ellis, Warriors
Kobe Bryant scored 22 points, Shannon Brown hit the go-ahead 3-pointer in overtime, and the Los Angeles Lakers overcame Monta Ellis' NBA preseason-high 41 points in a 105-102 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Friday night.

Lakers win without Bryant, Jackson (AP)

Pau Gasol scored 23 points and the Los Angeles Lakers, playing without coach Phil Jackson, beat the Golden State Warriors 120-99 on Thursday night in an exhibition game. Jackson missed the game because of flu-like symptoms. Assistant coach Brian Shaw directed the team. Kobe Bryant was in uniform, but didn't play as he was resting his surgically repaired left knee.

Heat Big 3 try to deny Kobe another ring (AP)

Kobe Bryant had just finished with a Big Three when LeBron James and friends got to work building another. Dwyane Wade soon announced he was staying in Miami, flanked by Chris Bosh, who said he was coming. The next night, James appeared on his much-publicized, heavily criticized TV special to declare his intentions of heading to South Beach.

Report: Less minutes for Kobe at start
Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson said Wednesday that star guard Kobe Bryant will play less minutes than he has become accustomed to at the start of the NBA season as he continues his recovery from offseason knee surgery, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant will likely sit against Golden State Warriors
Kobe Bryant is officially listed as questionable, according to the team. But "I think that Thursday's very possible he would not play," Lakers coach Phil Jackson says.

Jazz drop Lakers despite Kobe's 19-point 3rd
Rookie Gordon Hayward scored 26 points and the Utah Jazz shrugged off a 19-point third quarter by Kobe Bryant to beat the Los Angeles Lakers 99-94 on Sunday night and run their preseason record to 6-0.

Kobe has 19 in 3rd but Jazz move to 6-0 (AP)
Rookie Gordon Hayward scored 26 points and the Utah Jazz shrugged off a 19-point third quarter by Kobe Bryant to beat the Los Angeles Lakers 99-94 on Sunday night and run their preseason record to 6-0. Bryant, coming off arthroscopic surgery on his right knee, played only 20 minutes and sat out the fourth.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant rests but forward Luke Walton practices
Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant took the day off from practice Monday after playing on back-to-back nights over the weekend. But the Lakers did get reserve forward Luke Walton back on the floor.

Lakers beat Nuggets in return to Staples (AP)

Kobe Bryant had 18 points and eight rebounds before sitting out the fourth quarter and Lamar Odom teamed with four Los Angeles Lakers reserves to help preserve a 17-point lead and hold off the Denver Nuggets for a 102-95 exhibition victory Saturday night. Odom and reserve Devin Ebanks each had 14 points for the Lakers, who returned to Staples Center for the first time since beating the Boston...

Lakers beat Nuggets in return to Staples (AP)
Just walking into Staples Center again brought back precious memories for Kobe Bryant, Lamar Odom, Pau Gasol and the rest of the NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers. Bryant had 18 points and eight rebounds before sitting out the fourth quarter and Lamar Odom teamed with four reserves to help preserve a 17-point lead and hold off the Denver Nuggets for a 102-95 exhibition victory Saturday night.

Ron Artest rankings: Kobe Bryant No. 1, Kevin Durant 2, LeBron James?
Ron Artest ranks Kevin Durant second best in the league behind Kobe Bryant and doesn't rank LeBron James.

Back in America, Lakers hold off Kings (AP)
After two losses in Europe, the Los Angeles Lakers seemed more comfortable playing in the U.S. Ron Artest and Pau Gasol each scored 18 points to lead the Lakers to a 98-95 win over the Sacramento Kings. Kobe Bryant finished with seven points, four rebounds, and two assists in almost 19 minutes. Bryant played in roughly the first nine minutes of the first and third quarters and was 2 of 10 from the...

Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant practices, impresses coach Phil Jackson
Phil Jackson's thoughts about star player Kobe Bryant's right knee were put somewhat at ease after the 15-year veteran looked impressive in the Los Angeles Lakers' practice Tuesday.

Kobe Bryant doesn't practice with Los Angeles Lakers, but Phil Jackson isn't worried
Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson limits Kobe Bryant's activity in practice, but he's confident his superstar will be ready for the start of the season.

Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol think FC Barcelona could compete
Despite FC Barcelona's respectable play against the Los Angeles Lakers over the last two years, Lakers coach Phil Jackson doesn't think the 2010 Euroleague champion could sustain that type of success in the NBA.

GMs pick Lakers, Durant in survey
The Lakers' Kobe Bryant will earn another ring and Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant will seize the MVP award away from LeBron James.

Gasol to take on former team Barcelona (AP)

Pau Gasol is back in Spain for a third time with an NBA team. This time, he's in a Lakers jersey as an NBA champion. Gasol will be the main attraction when the Lakers play his former Spanish club Barcelona in an exhibition game Thursday at the Palau Sant Jordi. It's a special homecoming for the 7-foot center, who joined Barcelona when he was 16 and helped the club win two Spanish league...

GMs pick Lakers to repeat, Durant as MVP (AP)
The Lakers' Kobe Bryant will earn another ring and Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant will seize the MVP award away from LeBron James. Those are among the opinions of NBA general managers who voted in the ninth annual NBA.com GM survey, which was released Wednesday. Los Angeles was picked by 63 percent of the respondents to repeat as champions, with 33 percent of the vote going to James and the...

Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant says knee is 'probably about 60 percent'
Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant played limited minutes in his team's exhibition opener in London and says his surgically repaired right knee is "probably about 60 percent."

Beasley scores 21 in Timberwolves debut (AP)
The British crowd came to see Kobe Bryant and his champion teammates. What they got was Michael Beasley and a surprise showing from the new-look Minnesota Timberwolves. Beasley scored 21 points -- including eight straight to help break open the game at the start of the second half -- and Minnesota beat the NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers 111-92 on Monday night in their preseason opener played a...

Beasley scores 21 in Timberwolves debut (AP)
Michael Beasley scored 21 points in his Timberwolves debut and Minnesota beat the Los Angeles Lakers 111-92 Monday in their preseason opener in London. Kobe Bryant only put in a brief appearance for defending NBA champion Los Angeles, going scoreless in a little more than six minutes of playing time.

NBA Euro tour goes on amid terror threat (AP)

NBA teams in Europe will go on with their planned European preseason activities amid heightened terror concerns, and the league has promised to take "appropriate" security measures. The Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves are in London preparing for their preseason opener on Monday at the O2 Arena.

Kobe Bryant of Los Angeles Lakers sits out scrimmage, still hopes to play preseason game
Kobe Bryant got some rehab work in while the Los Angeles Lakers scrimmaged during practice Sunday.

Bryant's knee OK as Lakers reach London (AP)
Kobe Bryant's surgically repaired knee isn't showing any adverse effects from a trans-Atlantic flight to London for a preseason game. Bryant completed a full practice session on Saturday. The Los Angeles Lakers are preparing to play the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday to kick off the NBA's annual European preseason tour.

Kobe's knee OK in practice with Lakers
Kobe Bryant's surgically repaired knee isn't showing any adverse effects from a trans-Atlantic flight to London for a preseason game.

Kobe likely to play in games in Europe
NBA superstar Kobe Bryant said Thursday he was a good chance of playing in the Lakers' exhibition games in Europe next week, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Phil Jackson hoping to play Kobe Bryant while in London
Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant is still recovering from offseason arthroscopic right knee surgery and has practiced on a limited basis since the start of training camp. But that doesn't mean he's a definite scratch for Monday's exhibition game in London.

Shaq: I compete with Duncan, not Kobe
NBA superstar Shaquille O'Neal fired a salvo back at former L.A. Lakers teammate Kobe Bryant on Monday about championship bragging rights, sports radio network WEEI said.

Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant, Andrew Bynum recovering from knee surgery
t is two days into Lakers training camp and in at least one regard it feels just like last season's playoffs: Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum are sitting out of practice. Both players are recovering from offseason surgery on their right knees.

Pierce looking forward to Shaq pairing (AP)
Paul Pierce is eager to help Shaquille O'Neal catch up to Kobe Bryant. Pierce enthusiastically endorsed the Boston Celtics' decision to sign O'Neal after Pierce's No. 34 jersey was retired at Inglewood High School on Tuesday. Boston owner Wyc Grousbeck said the Celtics decided to pursue O'Neal after Bryant's playful remark after the Los Angeles Lakers' Game 7 victory over...

US 'B Team' aims to win title at worlds (AP)
Kobe Bryant towers over a city street as he dribbles a basketball in the cover photo of a pamphlet distributed earlier this year to promote the world championships. After offseason knee surgery, Bryant isn't doing much dribbling at all this summer. Even before announcing he was leaving Cleveland for South Beach, it was obvious LeBron James wouldn't be going to Turkey.

Barnes: Kobe sold me on Lakers
When Matt Barnes first texted Kobe Bryant about the possibility of joining the Los Angeles Lakers, Bryant surprised him by immediately texting back with emphatic encouragement.

Lakers: Kobe underwent knee surgery
Kobe Bryant recently underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee, the Los Angeles Lakers revealed Friday.

Bryant ready for camp after knee surgery (AP)
The Los Angeles Lakers say Kobe Bryant recently underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. Bryant will be fully recovered well before training camp opens Sept. 25, the Lakers said in a brief statement Friday. The two-time NBA finals MVP underwent surgery last week. His knee was drained of fluid early in the playoffs, and he played through several additional injuries while leading the Lakers to...

Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant had successful knee surgery last week; full recovery expected for training camp
The Los Angeles Lakers announced Friday that Kobe Bryant recently had arthroscopic surgery performed on his right knee.

Kobe Bryant catches Tiger Woods as America's top sports star
Tiger Woods has dropped into a tie with Kobe Bryant as the favorite American sports star.

Woods, Bryant tie as favorite US athlete (AP)
Tiger Woods has dropped into a tie with Kobe Bryant as the favorite American sports star. Woods had held the position alone since 2006, but the Los Angeles Lakers guard moved up from fourth last year to grab a share of the top spot, Harris Interactive said Tuesday. LeBron James dropped from third to sixth in the company's survey of 2,227 adults conducted online from June 14-21, before he left...

Sources: Raja Bell spurns Los Angeles Lakers, headed to Utah Jazz
Raja Bell won't be meeting face-to-face with longtime nemesis Kobe Bryant after all. He's signing with the Utah Jazz instead.

Sources: Kobe Bryant, Raja Bell to meet on Wednesday
Longtime rivals Kobe Bryant and Raja Bell will sit down for a face-to-face chat Wednesday in Los Angeles to further discuss the feasibility of the Lakers signing Bell in free agency, sources said.

Fisher says he's staying with Lakers (AP)
Although Derek Fisher thought about joining that burgeoning superteam in Miami, he's staying in the Los Angeles Lakers' own collection of stars. The veteran point guard said Monday he'll re-sign with the Lakers, sticking with Kobe Bryant and the defending two-time NBA champions after speaking with several teams as a free agent.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant won't play for USA this summer
Lakers guard Kobe Bryant won't play for USA this summer.

2010 World Cup: World Cup draws Kobe Bryant to South Africa
On his first trip to Africa, Kobe Bryant looked very much at home Sunday -- bantering with teen athletes in Soweto and displaying a keen grasp of international soccer.

Drew Brees of New Orleans Saints earns multiple ESPY nominations
Drew Brees, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Jimmie Johnson and Albert Pujols will vie for the Best Male Athlete award at the 2010 ESPYS, which are set for July 14 in Los Angeles.

Drew Brees of New Orleans Saints earns multiple ESPY nominations
Drew Brees, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Jimmie Johnson and Albert Pujols will vie for the Best Male Athlete award at the 2010 ESPYS, which are set for July 14 in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant likely to have surgery to repair finger
The Lakers' on-court leader will concentrate on health, not basketball, this summer.

Game 7 most-watched NBA game since 1998 (AP)
Not since Michael Jordan's final championship has a pro basketball game drawn a bigger audience than last week's seventh game of the Lakers-Celtics series. The Nielsen Co. said Tuesday that 28.2 million people watched Kobe Bryant's Lakers win their second straight NBA championship. It was the most-watched NBA game since Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to their sixth championship over the...

Lakers rally by Celtics 83-79 in Game 7 (AP)
Purple and gold confetti raining down upon him, Kobe Bryant hopped up on the scorer's table, shook his fists and extended five fingers. When he hopped down, Boston's legendary Hall of Fame center Bill Russell was waiting to shake his hand. A Game 7 classic -- and this time, it finally went the Lakers' way.

Shaq says Kobe has passed West, Magic
With Kobe Bryant one win away from his fifth NBA championship, he's earning praise from the NBA's greats — even one who used to be one of his biggest critics.

Lakers rout Celtics, force Game 7 (AP)
Buckle up, Boston and L.A. These epic NBA finals are going to Game 7. Kobe Bryant made sure of it, with plenty of help from the rest of the revitalized Los Angeles Lakers. Bryant scored 26 points, Pau Gasol added 17 points and 13 rebounds, and the Lakers emphatically extended the NBA finals to a decisive seventh game with a 89-67 victory over the Boston Celtics in Game 6 on Tuesday night.

Lakers roll Celtics to even Finals series at 3-3
Kobe Bryant scored 26 points, Pau Gasol added 17 points and 13 rebounds, and the Lakers emphatically extended the NBA Finals to a decisive seventh game with a 89-67 victory over the Celtics in Game 6 on Tuesday night.

Celts overcome 38 by Kobe to win Game 5 (AP)
It's looking a lot like 2008 again, with Paul Pierce carrying the Boston Celtics to victory in the NBA finals and leading them to the brink of yet another title. Pierce scored 27 points -- his best performance of this year's finals -- and the Celtics withstood 38 points from Kobe Bryant to beat the defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers 92-86 on Sunday night and take a 3-2 lead in the...

Lakers survive Celtics to take 2-1 Finals lead
Kobe Bryant scored 29 points and Derek Fisher added 16 to lead Los Angeles to a 91-84 victory over the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night and give the Lakers a 2-1 lead in the NBA Finals.

Finals prove you can be better with age (AP)
Except for his purple and gold uniform, Derek Fisher would fit right in with the Boston Celtics. After all, he's old. So is Kobe Bryant, when it comes to basketball years. Both are in their early to-mid 30s, just like the core of Boston's roster. Hold off on those old-timers' day games, though.

Kobe, Pau power Lakers past Celtics in Game 1
Kobe Bryant scored 30 points, Pau Gasol had 23 points and 14 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers got tough in a 102-89 victory over the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals opener Thursday night.

Physical Lakers beat Celtics in Game 1 (AP)
Kobe Bryant scored 30 points, Pau Gasol had 23 points and 14 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers got tough in a 102-89 victory over the Boston Celtics in the NBA finals opener Thursday night. Ron Artest scored 15 points after tumbling to the ground in a tangle with Paul Pierce in the opening minute of the 12th finals meeting in the NBA's most scintillating rivalry.

Lakers lead 50-41 at halftime of Game 1 (AP)
Kobe Bryant scored 12 points despite foul trouble, Pau Gasol added 11 points and seven rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers took a 50-41 lead over the Boston Celtics at halftime of Game 1 in the NBA finals Thursday night. The 12th finals meeting between the NBA's most entertaining rivals opened with a chippy, rough-edged first half featuring 28 fouls and 27 free throws.

West: Kobe is greatest Laker of all time
When it comes to determining the best players in Los Angeles Lakers history, Jerry West is well qualified to make that judgment. And his call for the greatest Laker of all time is Kobe Bryant.

Lakers hope for boost from Artest, Bynum (AP)
Although the Lakers' roster is remarkably similar to the group that lost the NBA finals to the Boston Celtics two years ago, Kobe Bryant sees two big reasons Los Angeles might have a better shot this time. Ron Artest and Andrew Bynum said Monday they hope to play major defensive roles in the rematch with the Celtics.

Stoudemire's status looms over Suns (AP)
The Phoenix Suns were a reassuring testament that team chemistry means something, even in the me-first world of the NBA. That they came within two victories of the NBA finals surprised just about everyone. If not for an unstoppable two-minute stretch by Kobe Bryant, the Suns might well have forced a deciding Game 7 in the Western Conference finals.

Kobe Bryant's brilliant playoffs lead Los Angeles Lakers to Finals
Kobe Bryant is enjoying arguably the most impressive playoff run of his career.

Bryant enjoying impressive playoff run (AP)
Among Kobe Bryant's myriad of inimitable talents is what's known to opposing coaches simply as the "rise-up." That's when Bryant has a defender blanketing him on the perimeter, obstructing his vision and physically preventing him from driving -- yet Kobe simply leaps high enough and leans far enough forward or backward to release a perfect jumper anyway.

Lakers and Celtics set to renew rivalry (AP)
Here comes Kobe Bryant's chance against the team that beat him two years ago. He's far from the only Lakers great to fall short against Boston. Get ready for Lakers-Celtics, Part 12, the league's most storied franchises renewing their rivalry in the NBA finals. Boston beat Los Angeles in the 2008 finals, with a dominant defense that made life miserable for Bryant, that season's MVP.

Bryant, Lakers send off Suns to set up rematch
Kobe Bryant wrapped up a magnificent series with 37 points, Ron Artest added 25 and the Lakers held off the Phoenix Suns 111-103 on Saturday night to win the Western Conference finals 4-2.

Another Suns rally attempt falls short (AP)
Another furious rally fell short and now the Phoenix Suns are done. Just as they did in Game 5, the Steve Nash and Suns trailed the Los Angeles Lakers by as many as 18 points on Saturday before mounting a fourth-quarter comeback. Just as they did in Game 5, Kobe Bryant and Co. fended off the Suns -- though without the last second heroics this time -- and eliminated Phoenix with a 111-103 victory in...

Lakers oust Suns, get rematch with Celts (AP)
Get ready, Boston, for a rematch with Kobe Bryant and his Los Angeles Lakers. Bryant wrapped up a magnificent series with 37 points, Ron Artest added 25 and the Lakers held off the Phoenix Suns 111-103 on Saturday night to win the Western Conference finals. The Lakers and Celtics, the NBA's premier teams for much of the league's history, will meet in the finals for the 12th time with Game 1...

Artest late to practice after big shot
Ron Artest had perfect timing in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals - and not so much the next day. Artest was fined by the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday for showing up late to practice, several hours after his buzzer-beating layup clinched their 103-101 victory. Lakers coach Phil Jackson says it was an innocent mixup by the forward, who showed up 30 minutes late after misreading the practice starting time on the locker room board following Thursday's win over the Phoenix Suns. Artest scored just four points in Game 5, but won it for the Lakers on his rebound of Kobe Bryant's missed 3-point attempt. Los Angeles has a 3-2 lead in the series. Game 6 is Saturday night in Phoenix.

Artest's buzzer-beater gives Lakers win (AP)
Ron Artest became a part of the Los Angeles Lakers' playoff lore with a bank shot to beat the Phoenix Suns. Artest rambled into the lane and beat the buzzer with a wild shot after rebounding Kobe Bryant's miss, and the Lakers edged the Suns 103-101 on Thursday night to take a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference finals.

Suns rally but lose by not boxing out (AP)
Steve Nash kept Phoenix hanging around in the fourth quarter until Jason Richardson tied it up in the waning seconds only to see the Suns get eclipsed by a buzzer-beating offensive rebound. Phoenix tangled up Kobe Bryant on a last-ditch 3-point attempt, but Ron Artest sneaked in, grabbed the rebound and scored to give the Los Angeles Lakers a 103-101 victory Thursday night.

Artest's buzzer-beater gives Lakers 3-2 lead
Ron Artest beat the buzzer with a wild bank shot after rebounding Kobe Bryant's miss, and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Phoenix Suns 103-101 on Thursday night to take a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference finals.

2010 NBA Playoffs: Los Angeles Lakers Andrew Bynum's knee, Kobe Bryant's minutes on target
Kobe Bryant's played 43 minutes during Game 4's loss and has averaged 41.5 minutes per game during the series against Phoenix. Jackson was asked if the guard could play even more.

Suns contain Kobe long enough in 4th (AP)
Kobe Bryant's slow start didn't hurt the Los Angeles Lakers. A quiet fourth quarter definitely did. Bryant had 38 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds Tuesday night, but the Phoenix Suns contained him long enough in the final period to pull away for a 115-106 victory that evened the Western Conference finals at two games apiece.

Lakers Big Three don't get much support in Game 3
Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and Derek Fisher did what they could to give the Lakers a chance to win Game 3.

Lakers' supporting cast comes up short (AP)
Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and Derek Fisher did what they could to give the Lakers a chance to win Game 3. They just didn't get much help from the supporting cast, whose contributions were vital in wins in Games 1 and 2, Los Angeles couldn't hold off the Phoenix Suns on Sunday, losing 118-109. Bryant had 36 points, Gasol 23, and Fisher scored 18, but no other player had more than 12.

Late surge gives Lakers 2-0 lead on Suns (AP)
The Los Angeles Lakers are halfway to another NBA finals, and their fans already know who they want their dominant defending champions to play next. Pau Gasol scored 14 of his 29 points in the fourth quarter, Kobe Bryant had 21 points and 13 assists, and the Lakers roared away in the final minutes for a 124-112 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night to claim a 2-0 lead in the Western...

Gasol provides late spark as Lakers drop Suns
Pau Gasol scored 14 of his 29 points in the fourth quarter, Kobe Bryant had 21 points and 13 assists, and the Los Angeles Lakers roared away in the final minutes for a 124-112 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night.

Despite knee, Kobe erupts as Lakers work Suns
Kobe Bryant scored 40 points, Lamar Odom added 19 points and 19 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers opened the Western Conference finals with ruthless offensive efficiency in a 128-107 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Monday night.

Bryant's 40 carry Lakers to Game 1 win (AP)
Even on a balky knee, Kobe Bryant had no problem giving the Los Angeles Lakers an early leg up in the Western Conference finals. Bryant scored 40 points, Lamar Odom added 19 points and 19 rebounds, and the Lakers opened the series with ruthless offensive efficiency in a 128-107 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Monday night.

Jackson: Kobe's knee drained 'while ago' (AP)
Lakers coach Phil Jackson says Kobe Bryant had fluid drained from his right knee a while ago. Before the opener of the Western Conference finals on Monday night, Jackson claimed the procedure wasn't unusual for the Lakers' leading scorer and former league MVP. Bryant strained his knee during the season, and had it drained at least once or twice before when it swelled, Jackson said.

2010 NBA Playoffs: Kobe Bryant of Los Angeles Lakers reportedly had knee drained, hasn't practiced since last round of playoffs
Kobe Bryant had a "significant amount of fluid" drained from his right knee recently and hasn't practiced with the Lakers since they advanced through the Western Conference semifinals, the Los Angeles Times reported on Monday.

Lakers, Suns rested for West finals (AP)
Kobe Bryant has barely touched a basketball in a week, giving his gimpy ankle and arthritic finger time to heal. That purplish, jagged gouge over Steve Nash's right eye also should be one week less ghastly by tipoff time in the Western Conference finals. Although both stars play a beautiful game, Bryant and Nash realize postseason basketball is rarely pretty, and they wouldn't expect to...

Bryant happy with Lakers' renewed focus (AP)
Kobe Bryant is among the fortunate few NBA players who know plenty about both winning a championship and defending it. He says the Los Angeles Lakers spent most of the regular season just trying to avoid losing their title, but lately they've been more focused on winning another. Bryant praised the Lakers' increased aggressiveness and poise Saturday after participating in a portion of Los...

Bryant quiet on Cavaliers' elimination (AP)
If Kobe Bryant is disappointed to learn his long-anticipated NBA finals showdown with LeBron James is off for at least another year, the Lakers star isn't showing it. Bryant had almost nothing to say Friday about the Cleveland Cavaliers' playoff elimination, which ruined perhaps the best chance yet for a playoff meeting with James.

Bryant not interested in revenge on Suns (AP)
Kobe Bryant now claims he has no interest in getting revenge on the Suns for the Lakers' back-to-back playoff series losses to Phoenix a few years ago. And if he really thinks about it, Bryant might want to thank the Suns. Those losses catalyzed the roster changes that have put the Lakers back into the Western Conference finals in every year since.

Lakers sweep Jazz, return to West finals (AP)
Kobe Bryant scored 32 points, Pau Gasol added 33 points and 14 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers completed a four-game sweep of the Utah Jazz with a 111-96 victory on Monday night, advancing to the Western Conference finals for the third straight year. The Lakers quickly ended the Jazz's hopes of extending the series by pulling ahead by 22 in the second quarter.

Gasol toys with Jazz as Lakers finish off sweep
Kobe Bryant scored 32 points, Pau Gasol added 33 points and 14 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers completed a four-game sweep of the Utah Jazz with a 111-96 victory on Monday night, advancing to the Western Conference finals for the third straight year.

2010 NBA Playoffs: Utah Jazz coach Jerry Sloan's Kobe Bryant analogy raises eyebrows
Jazz coach Jerry Sloan's Kobe Bryant analogy raises eyebrows.

Lakers nip Jazz by 1 en route to 3-0 series lead
Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher hit back-to-back 3-pointers during an 8-2 run in the final minute and the Lakers held on for a 111-110 victory over the Utah Jazz that put Los Angeles on the verge of clinching the Western Conference playoff series.

Lakers use late run to go up 3-0 on Jazz (AP)
Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher hit back-to-back 3-pointers during an 8-2 run in the final minute and the Lakers held on for a 111-110 victory over the Utah Jazz on Saturday night that put Los Angeles on the verge of sweeping the Western Conference playoff series. The Jazz had two chances to win it in the final 4 seconds, but Deron Williams missed from the top of the key and Wesley Matthews' tip...

Kobe Bryant leads Lakers past Jazz
The Lakers take a commanding 3-0 lead vs. the Jazz.

James, Howard unanimous All-NBA picks (AP)
LeBron James and Dwight Howard were unanimous choices for the All-NBA Team, while Kobe Bryant received 119 of 122 votes from writers and broadcasters. James was a unanimous pick for the second straight season and made his fourth all-NBA Team. The Cleveland star won the MVP award for the second year in a row.

All-NBA Team: LeBron James, Dwight Howard, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, Dwyane Wade
Two-time league MVP LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers, defensive player of the year Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic and Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers were unanimous selections to the All-NBA First Team announced Thursday.

Kobe Bryant makes fifth consecutive NBA all-defensive team
Kobe Bryant is on the NBA all-defensive first team for the fifth straight year.

5 straight all-defensive teams for Kobe (AP)
Kobe Bryant is on the NBA all-defensive first team for the fifth straight year. Boston Celtics guard Rajon Rondo made the first team for the first time, earning the second-most points behind the league's defensive player of the year, Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard. Charlotte Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace also made the team for the first time, with the Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James...

Lakers grind out win, lead Jazz 2-0 (AP)
Less show. More business. With a no-nonsense inside game that showcased their biggest advantages, the Los Angeles Lakers moved halfway to the Western Conference finals. Kobe Bryant scored 30 points, Pau Gasol added 22 points and 15 rebounds, and the Lakers methodically pounded the ball down low in a 111-103 victory over the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night, taking a 2-0 lead in their second-round playoff...

Kobe dictates final minutes as Lakers edge Jazz
Kobe Bryant scored 11 of his 31 points in the final four minutes, and the Los Angeles Lakers blew a fourth-quarter lead before rallying for a 104-99 victory over the Utah Jazz in their second-round playoff series opener Sunday.

Bryant rallies Lakers by Jazz in Game 1 (AP)
Just in case the Utah Jazz forgot how Kobe Bryant finishes games, he provided another painful playoff reminder. Bryant scored 11 of his 31 points in the final four minutes, and the Los Angeles Lakers blew a fourth-quarter lead before rallying for a 104-99 victory over the Jazz in their second-round series opener Sunday.

Lakers, Jazz to meet again in playoffs (AP)
For Carlos Boozer and Deron Williams, this third time isn't particularly charming. For the third straight postseason, the Utah Jazz have run into the Los Angeles Lakers. Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol ended Utah's last two playoff runs, and the franchise with 15 NBA titles again is blocking the Jazz's pursuit of their first.

Gasol's putback pushes Lakers into next round
Pau Gasol tipped in a missed jumper by Kobe Bryant with a half-second left and the Los Angeles Lakers survived a late comeback effort by Oklahoma City and eliminated the Thunder 95-94 in Game 6 of the first-round playoff series on Friday night.

Gasol's tip-in gets Lakers by Thunder (AP)
Pau Gasol tipped in a missed jumper by Kobe Bryant with a half-second left and the Los Angeles Lakers survived a late comeback effort by Oklahoma City and eliminated the Thunder 95-94 in Game 6 of the first-round playoff series on Friday night. Gasol crashed to the rim at the right block and tipped in Bryant's shot to put the defending NBA champions ahead after they squandered a seven-point...

Lakers regroup, rip Thunder for 3-2 lead (AP)
So that's what Kobe Bryant meant when he said Oklahoma City had definitely caught the mighty Lakers' attention. Pau Gasol had 25 points and 11 rebounds, Andrew Bynum added 21 points and Los Angeles vigorously rebounded from back-to-back losses with a 111-87 victory over the Thunder on Tuesday night, taking a 3-2 lead in their first-round playoff series.

Kobe boasts NBA's top-selling jersey
Kobe Bryant again is atop the list of the NBA's most popular jerseys.

Bryant jersey remains NBA's best seller (AP)
Kobe Bryant again is atop the list of the NBA's most popular jerseys. Bryant remained No. 1 on the list released Wednesday by the league. The Lakers star has topped the ranking since the start of the 2008-09 season and also leads sales in Europe and China. He will likely be challenged next season if Cleveland's LeBron James goes ahead with plans to switch from No.

Kobe Bryant's No. 24 Los Angeles Lakers jersey is No. 1 in sales again
LeBron James and Kevin Durant round out top three in sales.

Durant's surge lifts Thunder past Lakers (AP)
There's no doubting that Kevin Durant can score. But it took some convincing for the NBA's scoring champion to believe that he could really impact a game when his shots weren't going in -- a lesson that proved crucial to the Oklahoma City Thunder's improvement this season. Durant developed enough on the defensive end that he was asking to guard Kobe Bryant in the fourth quarter of...

Kobe Bryant breaks Los Angeles Lakers' playoff scoring record
Kobe Bryant has broken the Lakers' career record for scoring in the playoffs that was previously held by Jerry West.

Bryant sets Lakers' playoff scoring mark (AP)
Kobe Bryant has broken the Los Angeles Lakers' career record for scoring in the playoffs that was previously held by Jerry West. Bryant surpassed West's mark of 4,457 postseason points with a fadeaway 16-foot jumper from the left side just over 3 minutes into the second half of Game 3 against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night.

Bryant's 39 put Lakers up 2-0 on Thunder (AP)
Kobe Bryant scored 39 points, carrying the Lakers in the fourth quarter when they lost the lead three times, and Los Angeles beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 95-92 on Tuesday night to take a 2-0 lead in a Western Conference playoff series. Bryant was 13 of 15 from the free throw line, but just 12 of 28 from the floor in front of his dad Joe, who sat next to the Lakers' bench.

Kobe shoulders Lakers late to hold off Thunder
Kobe Bryant scored 39 points, carrying the Lakers in the fourth quarter when they lost the lead three times, and Los Angeles beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 95-92 on Tuesday night to take a 2-0 lead in its playoff series.

Phil on Kobe: Shoot better or shoot less (AP)
Lakers coach Phil Jackson wants Kobe Bryant to improve his shooting or take fewer shots. Bryant scored 21 points on 6-of-19 shooting Sunday in the Lakers' 87-79 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in their playoff opener. He missed five of 12 free throws. Jackson said before Game 2 on Tuesday night that Bryant can continue playing the same way, but he'll have to limit the number of shots...

Phil Jackson tells Kobe Bryant to shoot better or shoot less
Phil Jackson has told Kobe Bryant to shoot better or shoot less.

Gasol, Bynum key Lakers' Game 1 victory (AP)
Pau Gasol scored 19 points, Andrew Bynum added 13 and the Los Angeles Lakers used their twin 7-footers to dominate inside against the Oklahoma City Thunder, winning 87-79 Sunday in the opener of their playoff series. Kobe Bryant added 21 points on 6 of 19 shooting after missing four of the final five regular season games to rest his swollen right knee and broken right index finger.

Lakers begin title defense vs. Thunder (AP)
Two days of long practices and bonding over a steak dinner have the Los Angeles Lakers ready to defend their NBA championship. They'll begin Sunday against All-Star Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder, whose youth and speed the Lakers will counter with Kobe Bryant and experience. After stumbling through the end of the regular season, the Lakers are feeling good again with Bryant's...

Lakers stumble into playoffs vs. Thunder (AP)
Sitting in his padded black chair on the sidelines, Phil Jackson watched his team finish off a 2 1/2 -hour practice on Friday. The best thing he saw? Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum back in action. The Los Angeles Lakers definitely missed the pair while stumbling through losses in seven of their last 11 NBA games.

Scoring champ Durant preps for Kobe, LA (AP)
Kevin Durant believes Kobe Bryant has helped make him the rising star he is today -- even if he might not realize it. From the days when Durant could only watch Bryant on television to the pair's time together training for the U.S. national team, Durant has been learning from the Los Angeles Lakers superstar for some time now.

Cavs, Magic, Lakers open as favorites (AP)
Maybe Kobe Bryant is too beaten up to last through three playoff rounds against the rest of the West. Perhaps the aging Boston Celtics do have one more run in them, or the Atlanta Hawks are ready to take the next step. Sure, it's easy to think this year's NBA champion will be LeBron James and Cleveland, Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers, or the Orlando Magic.

Gasol helps Lakers win home finale (AP)
Pau Gasol had 28 points and eight rebounds, Shannon Brown scored 24 points and Kobe Bryant rested as the Los Angeles Lakers finished their regular-season home schedule with a 106-100 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday night. Sasha Vujacic scored 13 points for the Lakers, who lost six of nine before Gasol and the reserves pulled away in the second half of their sixth straight win over the...

Kobe to sit out Lakers' final two regular season games
Kobe Bryant won't play in the Los Angeles Lakers' last two regular season games against Sacramento and the Clippers.

Hurting Kobe Bryant to sit out Los Angeles Lakers' final two games
Kobe Bryant will sit out the Los Angeles Lakers' final two games of the season because of an injury to his right index finger.





Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant says he will not sit out final two games
Kobe Bryant will not sit out the rest of the regular season.

Blazers beat Lakers, improve positioning (AP)
Martell Webster hit three free throws with 3.1 seconds left, and the Portland Trail Blazers improved their chances of avoiding the Los Angeles Lakers in the playoffs with a 91-88 victory over the defending NBA champions Sunday. Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher combined to miss three free throws in the final 6.9 seconds, and Pau Gasol missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer for the top-seeded Lakers, who have...

Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant will play against Portland Trail Blazers
Kobe Bryant will play against the Portland Trail Blazers.

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant expects to play against Portland
Kobe expects to return after two games to play Portland on national TV.

Kobe Bryant misses second straight game for Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers gave Kobe Bryant the night off for the second game in a row to allow him to rest his legs and aching right index finger.

Melo's 31, late block push Nuggets past Lakers
Carmelo Anthony scored 31 points and had a game-saving block at the buzzer, helping the Denver Nuggets hold on for a 98-96 win over a Los Angeles Lakers team playing without Kobe Bryant on Thursday night.

Melo's late block gets Nuggets by Lakers (AP)
Carmelo Anthony scored 31 points and had a game-saving block at the buzzer, helping the Denver Nuggets hold on for a 98-96 win over a Los Angeles Lakers team playing without Kobe Bryant on Thursday night. With time winding down, Anthony stuffed Derek Fisher's shot as Denver won its fourth straight.

Los Angeles Lakers' only concern is winning in June
Kobe Bryant says the Lakers are only worried about their record in June.

Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant says playing for U.S. team hinges on health
Lakers' Kobe Bryant says playing for U.S. team hinges on health.

Lakers give Bryant night off vs. Nuggets (AP)
The Los Angeles Lakers gave Kobe Bryant the night off against Denver on Thursday, allowing the All-Star guard to rest his legs and aching right index finger. Bryant is averaging 27.1 points a game this season, but has been bothered by the finger. He was a combined 13 of 47 from the floor in his last two games.

Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant will not play against the Denver Nuggets
Kobe Bryant sits out the Lakers-Nuggets game to rest his ailing legs

Details emerge about Kobe Bryant's deal with the Los Angeles Lakers
League memo shows Kobe Bryant's backloaded deal worth $83.5 million.

Odom leads way as Lakers avoid 3rd loss in row
Lamar Odom and Kobe Bryant triggered an offensive burst in the fourth quarter to help the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Utah Jazz 106-92 Friday night and avoid a third straight loss.

Odom, Bryant power Lakers past Jazz (AP)
Lamar Odom and Kobe Bryant triggered an offensive burst in the fourth quarter to help the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Utah Jazz 106-92 Friday night and avoid a third straight loss. Odom finished with a season-high 26 points and 10 rebounds, and Bryant had 25 points, going 15 of 18 from the free throw line, hours after the defending NBA champions announced he signed a three-year contract extension...

Lakers sign Bryant to 3-year extension
Kobe Bryant is staying with the Los Angeles Lakers for another three years.

Lakers sign Bryant to 3-year extension (AP)
Kobe Bryant is staying with the Los Angeles Lakers for another three years. The deal means the Lakers achieved two main objectives going into the season -- signing Bryant and Pau Gasol to extensions. "We were able to accomplish those goals, helping to keep the core of this team intact for the foreseeable future and in turn help to ensure the franchise's continued success over the years to...

Los Angeles Lakers sign 'cornerstone' Kobe Bryant to three-year extension
Lakers sign Kobe Bryant to three-year extension.

Hawks hand Lakers second straight loss (AP)
The Atlanta Hawks are looking to make a lengthy run in the NBA playoffs. Their bench sure appears deep enough for the long haul. Joe Johnson scored 25 points despite an aching thumb, but it was the Atlanta reserves who came up big against Kobe Bryant and the Lakers. Maurice Evans scored 18, Jamal Crawford added 14 and Zaza Pachulia chipped in with his first double-double in more than a year, leading...

Hawks hand Lakers second straight loss (AP)
Joe Johnson scored 25 points, Jamal Crawford got plenty of help off the Atlanta bench and the Hawks handed Los Angeles its second straight loss, breezing past the Lakers 109-92 Wednesday night. Kobe Bryant scored 28 points but only eight in the second half as Los Angeles lost back-to-back games for just the fourth time this season.

Thunder stifle Lakers as Kobe has 9 turnovers
Kevin Durant scored 26 points, Russell Westbrook added 23 and the Oklahoma City Thunder snapped the Los Angeles Lakers' seven-game winning streak with a resounding 91-75 victory Friday on a turnover-filled night for Kobe Bryant.

Thunder ends Lakers' run at 7, win 91-75 (AP)
Kevin Durant scored 26 points, Russell Westbrook added 23 and the Oklahoma City Thunder snapped the Los Angeles Lakers' seven-game winning streak with a resounding 91-75 victory Friday on a turnover-filled night for Kobe Bryant. Bryant turned it over eight times as Oklahoma City built a 19-point lead by halftime, then proceeded to hold the Lakers to their lowest-scoring output of the season.

Lakers extend streak to seven
Kobe Bryant kept his shooting hand raised high, smiling while backpedaling to halfcourt after burying the San Antonio Spurs.

Lakers win seventh straight, beat Spurs (AP)
Kobe Bryant scored 24 points and the Los Angeles Lakers extended their winning streak to seven games with a 92-83 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night. Lamar Odom added 19 points and Ron Artest had 16, but it was Bryant who put the Spurs away for good. He scored 10 in the fourth quarter, including two backbreaking 3-pointers that San Antonio couldn't shake off.

Kobe, Lakers brush aside Spurs, win 7th in row
Kobe Bryant scored 24 points and the Los Angeles Lakers extended their winning streak to seven games with a 92-83 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night.

Kobe key as Lakers knock off woeful Wizards
Kobe Bryant scored 20 of his 24 points on a variety of jump shots during a dynamic second quarter, and the Los Angeles Lakers sent the Washington Wizards to their 11th straight loss, 99-92 Sunday night.

Lakers hand Wizards 11th straight loss (AP)
Kobe Bryant scored 20 of his 24 points on a variety of jump shots during a dynamic second quarter, and the Los Angeles Lakers sent the Washington Wizards to their 11th straight loss, 99-92 Sunday night. Pau Gasol had 28 points and 12 rebounds for the Lakers, who won their sixth straight after a three-game skid.

Kobe dishes 13 assists as Lakers edge Wolves
Kobe Bryant had 22 points and a season-high 13 assists, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 104-96 victory over Minnesota on Friday night and sending the Timberwolves to their 12h straight loss.

Bryant leads Lakers past reeling Wolves (AP)
Kobe Bryant had 22 points and a season-high 13 assists, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 104-96 victory over Minnesota on Friday night and sending the Timberwolves to their 12th straight loss. Lamar Odom scored 11 of his 18 points in the fourth quarter, and Pau Gasol added 17 points and 14 rebounds to help the Lakers win their sixth in a row, following their first three-game skid since...

James youngest to score 15,000, Cavs win (AP)
If indeed LeBron James decides to leave Cleveland, fans in Chicago would certainly hail The King. They certainly let out enough cheers along with those oohs and aahs as he soared around the United Center on Friday night. James became the youngest player to score 15,000 career points, breaking Kobe Bryant's mark by more than two years, and the Cavaliers pulled away to beat the Bulls 92-85 for...

James is youngest to 15,000 points in Cavs' win
LeBron James became the youngest player to score 15,000 career points, breaking Kobe Bryant's mark by about two years, and the Cleveland Cavaliers pulled away late to beat the Chicago Bulls 92-85 on Friday night for their 12th win in 13 games.

LeBron James is youngest to reach 15,000-point mark
LeBron James became the youngest player to score 15,000 points, breaking Kobe Bryant's mark by more than two years in the first quarter of the Cleveland Cavaliers' game against the Chicago Bulls on Friday night.

LeBron becomes youngest to 15,000 points (AP)
LeBron James became the youngest player to score 15,000 points, breaking Kobe Bryant's mark by more than two years in the first quarter of the Cleveland Cavaliers' game against the Chicago Bulls on Friday night. Three points shy of the milestone when the night began, James soared in for a hard right-handed dunk on a break about 4:40 into the game.

Kobe leads Lakers to Northern California sweep
Kobe Bryant scored 30 points, Pau Gasol added 28 points and 11 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers completed a sweep of their Northern California swing with a 106-99 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday night.

Kobe, Gasol carry Lakers past Kings
The Los Angeles Lakers have put their three-game hiccup behind them and are closing in on their playoff form. Kobe Bryant scored 30 points, Pau Gasol added 28 points and 11 rebounds, and the Lakers completed a sweep of their Northern California swing with a 106-99 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday night.

Lakers run streak against Warriors to 9 games
Kobe Bryant scored 29 points and Pau Gasol added 26 to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to their ninth straight victory over the Golden State Warriors, 124-121 Monday night.

Kobe, Lakers narrowly avoid upset
Kobe Bryant is happy to be done with the Golden State Warriors so the Los Angeles Lakers can prepare for what they might actually see come playoff time next month. Bryant scored 29 points and the Lakers dominated the boards to overcome a turnover-plagued night and beat the Warriors for the ninth straight time, 124-121 on Monday night.

Lakers win ninth straight over Warriors (AP)
Kobe Bryant scored 29 points and Pau Gasol added 26 to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to their ninth straight victory over the Golden State Warriors, 124-121 on Monday night. Andrew Bynum added 19 points and 14 rebounds, and Lamar Odom had 17 points and 12 boards for the Lakers, who have won three straight following their first three-game losing streak in more than two years.

Lakers ride Bryant, Gasol past Kings (AP)
Kobe Bryant scored 30 points, Pau Gasol added 28 points and 11 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers completed a sweep of their Northern California swing with a 106-99 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday night. After committing 24 turnovers and barely holding on for a 124-121 victory at Golden State on Monday night, the Lakers were much sharper on the back end of their trip.

Lakers win intense game vs. Suns, 102-96 (AP)
Kobe Bryant had 20 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists -- along with seven turnovers -- but it was the all-around game of the Los Angeles Lakers that led to an intense 102-96 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Friday night. The Suns rallied from 15 down in the second half and led briefly early in the fourth quarter before the Lakers pulled ahead for good.

Kobe, Lakers prevail as Suns get heated in loss
Kobe Bryant had 20 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists -- along with seven turnovers -- but it was the all-around game of the Los Angeles Lakers that led to an intense 102-96 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Friday night.

Kobe's late jumper ends Lakers' 3-game slide
Kobe Bryant hit a 17-foot fallaway jumper with 1.9 seconds left, and the Lakers rallied in the fourth quarter to snap their three-game losing streak.

Bryant's late jumper ends Lakers' slide (AP)

Kobe Bryant hit a 17-foot fallaway jumper with 1.9 seconds left, and the Los Angeles Lakers rallied in the fourth quarter to snap their three-game losing streak with a 109-107 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday night. Chris Bosh hit a 3-pointer with 9.5 seconds left to tie it for the Raptors, who outplayed the defending champions for most of the first three quarters before losing on...

Kobe's heroics ends Lakers' skid
Kobe Bryant hit a 17-foot fallaway jumper with 1.9 seconds left, and the Los Angeles Lakers rallied in the fourth quarter to snap their three-game losing streak with a 109-107 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday night.

Kobe Bryant feeling ill, but expected to play vs. Magic
Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant has a stomach illness but is expected to play against the Orlando Magic.

Bryant ill, but will play against Magic (AP)
Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant has a stomach illness but is expected to play against the Orlando Magic. Lakers coach Phil Jackson said before Sunday's game that Bryant would likely play despite being a little late to the game because of the illness. Bryant was not in the locker room while it was open to the media.

Magic send Lakers to third straight loss (AP)

Vince Carter had 25 points, Dwight Howard finished with 15 points and 16 rebounds and the Orlando Magic beat the Lakers 96-94 on Sunday to hand Los Angeles its first three-game losing streak of the Pau Gasol-Kobe Bryant Era. Carter made his first 13 free throws and kept the Magic in control, showing signs of why Orlando made the move for the eight-time All-Star after losing to the Lakers in last...

Magic survive to hand Lakers third straight loss
Vince Carter had 25 points, Dwight Howard finished with 15 points and 16 rebounds and the Orlando Magic beat the Lakers 96-94 on Sunday to hand Los Angeles its first three-game losing streak of the Pau Gasol-Kobe Bryant Era.

Kobe Bryant delivers stern message to Los Angeles Lakers teammates
After the Lakers' second loss in a row, Kobe Bryant delivered a stern message to his teammates about determination.

Bobcats hand Lakers second straight loss (AP)

Stephen Jackson scored 21 points, Gerald Wallace added 17 points and 10 rebounds, and the Charlotte Bobcats handed the weary Los Angeles Lakers their second straight loss, 98-83 on Friday night. With Michael Jordan watching courtside in Charlotte's first win since he agreed to buy the team, the Bobcats continued their surprising success against the defending champions, who had little energy a...

Wade, Bryant duel as Heat triumph in overtime
Dwyane Wade had 27 points and 14 assists, Quentin Richardson scored a season-high 25 and the Miami Heat found a way to overcome a huge effort by Kobe Bryant to beat the Los Angeles Lakers 114-111 in overtime Thursday night.

Wade, Heat win in OT despite 39 by Kobe (AP)

Dwyane Wade had 27 points and 14 assists, Quentin Richardson scored a season-high 25 and the Miami Heat found a way to overcome a huge effort by Kobe Bryant to beat the Los Angeles Lakers 114-111 in overtime Thursday night. Carlos Arroyo scored 17 points, Jermaine O'Neal scored 13 and Udonis Haslem had 12 for Miami, which won the NBA's most wildly back-and-forth game all season -- with a...

Lakers dominate 3rd quarter, rout Pacers (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 24 points, hitting 14 of 15 free throws, and the Los Angeles Lakers pulled away with a dominating third-quarter run for a 122-99 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night. Andrew Bynum added 16 points and Pau Gasol had 14 points and 16 rebounds for the defending NBA champions, who fell behind early before improving to 14-0 against the Pacers at Staples Center.

Down 11 in 3rd, Lakers rally by Nuggets (AP)

Lamar Odom scored nine of his 20 points in the fourth quarter, Pau Gasol had 15 points and 14 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers overcame an 11-point third-quarter deficit to beat the Denver Nuggets 95-89 on Sunday. Kobe Bryant was just 3 for 17 from the field, finishing with 14 points and 12 assists.

Lakers late 'D' keys win over 76ers (AP)

Pau Gasol had 23 points and 11 assists, Kobe Bryant added 19 points and eight assists, and the Los Angeles Lakers held the Philadelphia 76ers to one field goal over the final 3:40 of a 99-90 victory Friday night. Lakers center Andrew Bynum, who was fined $25,000 by the NBA on Friday for publicly criticizing the officiating following Wednesday's 101-96 loss at Dallas, finished with 20 points...

Dallas Mavericks' Caron Butler: Kobe Bryant made me a better player
Mavericks' Caron Butler credits Lakers' Kobe Bryant with helping make him a better player.

Kobe drains game-winning 3 in return to Lakers
Kobe Bryant returned to lineup after missing five games with an ankle injury and hit a 3-pointer with 4.3 seconds left to lift the Lakers to 99-98 victory over.

Kobe returns, hits winning 3 in Memphis (AP)

Kobe Bryant returned to lineup after missing five games with an ankle injury and hit a 3-pointer with 4.3 seconds left to lift the Los Angeles Lakers to 99-98 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies Tuesday night. Bryant led the Lakers with 32 points, including his team's final nine points. His 3-pointer with 54 seconds left tied the game.

Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant 'good to go' against Memphis Grizzlies
Fourteen-year veteran Kobe Bryant said that strength still remains an issue in his ankle, but overall, 'it's healthy.'

Kobe Bryant rejoins Los Angeles Lakers' lineup after sitting 5 games
Kobe Bryant rejoined the Lakers' lineup Tuesday.

Week 18 Fantasy Basketball Planner
The trade deadline shook up the NBA landscape while injuries to Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade leave plenty of uncertainty in the week ahead. Our Sergio Gonzalez breaks it all down in his Fantasy Planner.




Kobe Bryant hopes to return Tuesday at Memphis
Kobe Bryant set to return Tuesday at Memphis

Ray Allen helps Celtics top Lakers 87-86 (AP)

Ray Allen scored 12 of his 24 points in the third quarter and made 10 of his first 11 shots, leading the Boston Celtics to an 87-86 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night. It was the defending NBA champions' first loss in five games since Kobe Bryant went down with a sprained left ankle.

Lakers win fourth straight without Kobe (AP)

Shannon Brown set career highs with 27 points and 10 rebounds while starting in place of the injured Kobe Bryant, and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Golden State Warriors 104-94 on Tuesday night. Andrew Bynum added 21 points and seven rebounds in his return to the lineup after missing two games because of a bruised right hip that still gives him discomfort.

Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant might miss game against Boston Celtics
Laker says his sprained ankle likely will keep him out a fifth consecutive game.

Kobe Bryant's won't play vs. Golden State Warriors
Kobe Bryant won't play in the Los Angeles Lakers' game against the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday, a team source told ESPN The Magazine's Ric Bucher.

Report: Los Angeles' Kobe Bryant set to play, and Andrew Bynum may try
Kobe Bryant will rejoin the Lakers on Tuesday, according to the Los Angeles Times.



No Kobe Bryant, no Shaquille O'Neal in All-Star Game for first time since '97
The All-Star Game was played without both Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant for the first time since 1997.

Kobe Bryant: Dirk Nowitzki will be named MVP of All-Star Game
Kobe Bryant thinks Dirk Nowitzki will be named MVP of this year's All-Star Game.

Sources: Dirk Nowitzki to start All-Star Game in Kobe Bryant's place
Denver Nuggets coach George Karl has informed league officials that he plans to start Dirk Nowitzki for the West in place of the injured Kobe Bryant in Sunday's All-Star Game, sources told ESPN.com.

Kobe, Iverson out of All-Star game; Kidd, Lee in
Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers and Allen Iverson of the Philadelphia 76ers won't play in the All-Star game this weekend.

Bryant, Iverson to sit out All-Star game (AP)
Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers and Allen Iverson of the Philadelphia 76ers won't play in the All-Star game this weekend. Both former NBA MVPs were voted into the starting lineups by fans. The NBA announced Thursday that Bryant will be replaced by Dallas point guard Jason Kidd on the Western Conference roster.

Sources: Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson out of All-Star Game
The ankle injury that has sidelined Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant for the last three games will knock him out of Sunday's All-Star Game as well.

Kobe-less Lakers end Jazz's streak at 9 (AP)

Pau Gasol had 22 points and 19 rebounds and the Los Angeles Lakers won their third straight without Kobe Bryant, beating Utah 96-81 on Wednesday night and ending the Jazz's nine-game winning streak. Bryant rested his sore left ankle and the Lakers fared just fine without their superstar, getting 25 points and 11 rebounds from Lamar Odom and 18 points from Jordan Farmar.

James, Wade, Kobe among 27 on US roster (AP)
LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Kobe Bryant joined six others from the reigning Olympic champions who are among 27 players on the U.S. national team roster. The players chosen Wednesday will be candidates for this summer's world championships and the 2012 Olympics in London. Also returning from the team that ended the Americans' eight-year gold medal drought in major competitions are: Chris...

LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Kobe Bryant on 2010-12 U.S. national team roster
LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Kobe Bryant joined six others from the reigning Olympic champions who are among 27 players on the U.S. national team roster.

Nine returning players on Olympic roster
LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Kobe Bryant joined six others from the reigning Olympic champions who are among 27 players on the U.S. national team roster.

Injured Kobe unlikely to play vs. red-hot Jazz
Lakers coach Phil Jackson says he's not expecting Kobe Bryant to play Wednesday night against the Utah Jazz.

Lakers injury updates for Kobe Bryant, Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom
Kobe Bryant remains a game-time decision following the Lakers shootaround Wednesday but it appears unlikely that he will play against the Utah Jazz.

Lakers beat Spurs without Bryant, Bynum (AP)

Pau Gasol had 21 points and 19 rebounds to lead five players in double figures, and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the San Antonio Spurs 101-89 Monday night without injured Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum. Bryant missed his second consecutive game with a sore left ankle, while Bynum sat out with a bruised right hip.

Lakers' injury updates: Kobe Bryant, Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom
Lakers' injury updates: Kobe Bryant, Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom

Los Angeles Lakers without Kobe Bryant, Andrew Bynum vs. San Antonio Spurs
If the Lakers are going to avenge their most recent 20-point loss to the Spurs, they're going to have to do it without two fifths of their starting lineup.

Andrew Bynum probably out, Kobe Bryant questionable for Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers could be missing Andew Bynum and Kobe Bryant on Monday night when they host the San Antonio Spurs.

Lakers end nine-game skid in Portland
Lamar Odom thinks the reason the Los Angeles Lakers finally snapped a nine-game losing streak in Portland was because they didn't have Kobe Bryant.

Injured Kobe watches Lakers top Blazers (AP)

Lamar Odom thinks the reason the Los Angeles Lakers finally snapped a nine-game losing streak in Portland was because they didn't have Kobe Bryant. But he meant no disrespect. "I think it made us a little more focused as a group, to come in here and do whatever we had to do to stay in the game," said Odom, who matched his career high with 22 rebounds to go with 10 points in the...

Odom shines as Kobe-less Lakers rip Blazers
Lamar Odom replaced an injured Kobe Bryant and matched his career high with 22 rebounds, and the Lakers beat the Blazers 99-82.

Kobe Bryant sits at Portland because of sprained ankle
Kobe Bryant sat out tonight's game at Portland because of a sprained ankle.

Kobe Bryant to play vs. Denver Nuggets despite injured ankle
Injured ankle one of Bryant's many ailments

Jackson becomes Lakers' winningest coach (AP)

Andrew Bynum had 17 points and 14 rebounds, Lamar Odom scored 19 points and Phil Jackson became the winningest coach in Lakers history in Los Angeles' 99-97 victory over the Charlotte Bobcats on Wednesday night. Pau Gasol and Ron Artest scored 14 points apiece for the Lakers, who returned from an eight-game trip to improve the NBA's best home record to 24-3 with their eighth consecutive...

Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant has a sprained ankle
Kobe Bryant does not participate in practice, opting for treatment.

Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant has a sprained ankle
Kobe Bryant does not participate in practice, opting for treatment.

Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant's ankle set back to 'square one'
Lakers guard Kobe Bryant aggravated his left ankle in a 99-97 win over Charlotte on Wednesday.

Kobe becomes Lakers scoring leader in loss
Kobe Bryant scored 44 points, passing Jerry West as the Lakers' career scorer, but it wasn't enough as the Grizzlies beat the Lakers 95-93.



Kobe breaks West's mark, but Lakers lose (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 44 points, passing Jerry West as the Los Angeles Lakers' career scorer, but it wasn't enough as the Memphis Grizzlies got 22 points and 17 rebounds from Zach Randolph to defeat the Lakers 95-93 on Monday night. Rudy Gay led Memphis with 25 points, and his 3-pointer with 29.5 seconds left helped Memphis end its two-game losing streak.

Kobe Bryant passes Jerry West as Los Angeles Lakers all-time top scorer
Kobe Bryant passed Jerry West as the all-time leading scorer in Lakers history.

Kobe's late jumper pushes Lakers past Celtics
Kobe Bryant sank a go-ahead fallaway jumper with 7.3 seconds left to give the Lakers a 90-89 victory over Boston.

Kobe rescues Lakers vs. slumping Celtics
Kobe Bryant sank a go-ahead fallaway jumper with 7.3 seconds left to give the Los Angeles Lakers a 90-89 victory over Boston on Sunday and send the struggling Celtics to their sixth loss in eight games.

Kobe's late hoop lifts Lakers by Celtics (AP)

Kobe Bryant sank a go-ahead fallaway jumper with 7.3 seconds left to give the Los Angeles Lakers a 90-89 victory over Boston on Sunday and send the struggling Celtics to their sixth loss in eight games. The Celtics, who led by 11 points in the fourth quarter, nursed a one-point lead until Paul Pierce was called for an offensive foul for pushing off as he jumped to shoot with 28 seconds left.

Kobe Bryant wants a return to 'old-school' rules on defense
Kobe Bryant wouldn't mind if the NBA went back to the days when more contact was allowed between players.

Bryant leads Lakers over Iverson, Sixers (AP)

A.I. vs. Kobe delivered the throwback duel fans paid to see. Just like in the 2001 NBA finals, Bryant's Lakers came out on top. Bryant roused the 20,000 fans who came to jeer him as much as they did to root on the 76ers, scoring 24 points to lead Los Angeles to a 99-91 win over Philadelphia on Friday night.

Kobe's Lakers top A.I.'s Sixers in '01 rematch
Kobe Bryant roused the 20,000 fans who came to jeer him as much as they did to root on the 76ers, scoring 24 points to lead Los Angeles to a 99-91 win over Philadelphia.

Kobe Bryant blurb in Nike advertisements with LeBron James references gun 'chamber'
An advertisement featuring the NBA's two biggest superstars includes a gun reference, the same week two players were suspended for carrying firearms to the locker room.

Kobe-LeBron ad features gun language (AP)
An advertisement featuring the NBA's two biggest superstars includes a gun reference, the same week two players were suspended for carrying firearms to the locker room. The Nike ad, just inside the cover of this week's Sports Illustrated, has LeBron James on one page and Kobe Bryant on the other.

Bryant, Bynum help Lakers rout Pacers (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 29 points and Andrew Bynum added a season-high 27 to help the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Indiana Pacers 118-96 on Wednesday night. Bryant also had nine rebounds and seven assists, and Bynum had 12 rebounds. Pau Gasol had 21 points and 13 rebounds and Lamar Odom added 12 points and 14 rebounds for the Lakers, who won at Washington on Tuesday.

Kobe, Bynum set pace as Lakers win in Indiana
Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum led the Lakers past the Pacers on Wednesday.

Kobe scores 27 in return to MSG as Lakers win
Kobe Bryant scored 13 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter of his return to Madison Square Garden, helping the Lakers pull away to beat the Knicks 115-105.

Bryant rallies Lakers to win at MSG (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 13 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter of his return to Madison Square Garden, helping the Los Angeles Lakers pull away to beat the New York Knicks 115-105 on Friday night. Pau Gasol added 20 points, half in the final period, and Andrew Bynum finished with 19 for the Lakers, who bounced back from a disappointing loss in Cleveland to even their record after two games of their...

James scores 37 as Cavs sweep Lakers (AP)

The Cavaliers haven't lost their holiday spirit. Cleveland showed its Christmas Day win over the Los Angeles Lakers was no gift as LeBron James scored 37 points, including 12 straight down the stretch, and the Cavs, playing their first game without injured Mo Williams, beat Kobe Bryant and the NBA champions 93-87 on Thursday night.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant is the youngest to reach 25,000 points
Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant is the 15th player in NBA history to reach 25,000 career points and the youngest to hit the milestone.

Bryant youngest to 25,000 career points (AP)
Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant is the 15th player in NBA history to reach 25,000 career points and the youngest to hit the milestone. Bryant reached the mark by making one free throw late in the second quarter of Thursday's showdown against the Cleveland Cavaliers. At 31 years, 151 days, Bryant got to 25,000 in 35 fewer days than Wilt Chamberlain, who finished his career with 31,419...

Kobe Bryant laughs off Shaquille O'Neal's slam dunk suggestion
Kobe Bryant is taking a pass on the slam dunk contest, no matter what Shaquille O'Neal has in mind.

Cavaliers, Lakers to renew acquaintances (AP)
Seconds after LeBron James and his Cavaliers teammates dismissed the Toronto Raptors, one excited Cleveland fan began a solitary chant. "Beat L.A., Beat L.A.," he screamed. Dude, chill. It's January. But maybe not too early to dream about June. After all, Kobe Bryant and the Lakers are coming.

Kobe retains No. 1 spot for NBA jersey sales
Kobe Bryant has retained his spot atop the list of the NBA's best-selling jerseys, while young stars Dwight Howard and Derrick Rose moved into the top five.

Bryant still tops in jersey sales (AP)
Kobe Bryant has retained his spot atop the list of the NBA's best-selling jerseys, while young stars Dwight Howard and Derrick Rose moved into the top five. Howard vaulted from No. 10 to No. 3 behind LeBron James. Rose, last season's rookie of the year, climbed to fourth from No. 11. Dwyane Wade was fifth.

Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant tops NBA jersey sales
For the second straight season, Lakers guard Kobe Bryant claims the top spot on the NBA's most popular jerseys list, according to the league.

Lakers score first 15 in 4th, top Magic (AP)

Shannon Brown scored a career-high 22 points, Pau Gasol had 17 points and 10 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers scored the first 15 points of the fourth quarter Monday night for a 98-92 victory over the Orlando Magic in the first rematch of last season's NBA finals. Kobe Bryant scored just 11 points on 4-of-19 shooting, but his teammates carried the Lakers to their 18th win in 19 home games...

Shaquille O'Neal thinks LeBron James, Vince Carter, Kobe Bryant should be in dunk contest to benefit Haiti
Shaquille O'Neal has a plan to save the NBA's All-Star dunk contest: Bring back the superstars and do it for devastated Haiti.

Kobe, Gasol power Lakers by Clips 124-81 (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 30 points, Pau Gasol returned from a six-game injury absence with 20 points and six rebounds, and the Lakers re-established their dominance in Los Angeles with a 126-86 victory over the Clippers on Friday night. The 40-point margin of victory was the Lakers' largest over the Clippers since the Staples Center's junior tenants moved to Los Angeles in 1984.

Kobe, Lakers hand Clippers 40-point pasting
Kobe Bryant scored 30 points, Pau Gasol returned from a six-game injury absence with 20 points and six rebounds, and the Lakers re-established their dominance in Los Angeles with a 126-86 victory over the Clippers on Friday night.

Kobe, Lakers hang on against Mavs
Kobe Bryant dealt with an aggravated back injury like any multimillionaire, superstar athlete would -- he called his longtime massage therapist in Santa Monica, got him on a red-eye flight to Texas, then spent more than three hours Wednesday morning going through a deep-tissue treatment.

Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol healthy enough to play against the Los Angeles Clippers
Lakers at full strength for the first time all season.

Kobe nails game-winner as Lakers hold off Mavs
Kobe Bryant went from having a slow night because of a sore back to nailing the game-winning jumper with 28 seconds left, lifting the Los Angeles Lakers to a 100-95 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night.

Kobe's late jumper gets Lakers past Mavs (AP)

Kobe Bryant went from having a slow night because of a sore back to nailing the go-ahead jumper with 28 seconds left, lifting the Los Angeles Lakers to a 100-95 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night in a matchup of the top two teams in the Western Conference. While the Lakers became the first NBA team to reach 3,000 wins, Dallas' Dirk Nowitzki became the 34th player in league...

Ailing Kobe Bryant to play against the Dallas Mavericks
Kobe Bryant will play against Dallas Wednesday despite a broken finger and back spasms.

Fantasy Fast Break: Putting a finger on it
How worried should Fantasy owners be about Kobe Bryant's finger? Is A.J. Price going to continue his recent surge in production? Our Sergio Gonzalez addresses these questions and more in his weekly Fantasy Fast Break.




Kobe struggles, but Lakers cruise past Bucks
Kobe Bryant struggled through his fourth consecutive sub-par shooting game because of his broken right index finger. The Lakers still led all the way and avoided their first three-game losing streak in nearly two years.

Lakers avoid rare 3-game skid, top Bucks (AP)

Andrew Bynum had 17 points and a career-high 18 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers led all the way in beating the Milwaukee Bucks 95-77 Sunday night to avoid their first three-game losing streak in nearly two years. Shannon Brown added 19 points, Jordan Farmar scored of his 15 of his 17 in the second half, Kobe Bryant had 12 points on 4 of 21 shooting, and Derek Fisher 11 for the defending NBA...

Roy leads Blazers past Lakers again (AP)

Brandon Roy scored 32 points and the Portland Trail Blazers won their ninth straight at home against the Los Angeles Lakers with a 107-98 victory on Friday night. The Blazers own the NBA's longest home winning streak against the defending champions. Kobe Bryant had 32 points and eight rebounds for the Lakers, who trailed by as many as 20 points in the fourth quarter but cut the margin to single...

Bynum's big 4th lifts Lakers by Rockets (AP)

Pau Gasol is out injured, Kobe Bryant's finger was killing him and Andrew Bynum rose above it all in the post. Bynum scored 11 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter when the Los Angeles Lakers rallied to beat the Houston Rockets 88-79 on Tuesday night for their fourth consecutive victory. Without injured Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady, the Rockets didn't have the size to contend with the...

Farmar shines as Lakers rip Mavs 131-96 (AP)

The Mavericks couldn't do anything right. The Lakers could do no wrong. Jordan Farmar led seven players in double figures with a career high-tying 24 points, and Los Angeles trounced the Western Conference's second-best team in a 131-96 victory over Dallas on Sunday night. "Payback for what the Cowboys did to my Eagles," said Kobe Bryant, whose hometown Philadelphia football team...

Kobe drains buzzer-beater to finish Kings
Kobe Bryant hit yet another buzzer-beating 3-pointer and finished with 39 points as the Los Angeles Lakers overcame a 20-point deficit to beat the Sacramento Kings 109-108 on Friday night.

Kobe deflates Kings with last-second 3-pointer
Kobe Bryant hit yet another buzzer-beating 3-pointer and finished with 39 points as the Los Angeles Lakers overcame a 20-point deficit to beat the Sacramento Kings 109-108 on Friday night.

Bryant's latest buzzer-beater caps rally (AP)

Kobe Bryant hit yet another buzzer-beating 3-pointer and finished with 39 points as the Los Angeles Lakers overcame a 20-point deficit to beat the Sacramento Kings 109-108 on Friday night. Lamar Odom had a season-high 20 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for the NBA-leading Lakers (26-6). Pau Gasol had 17 points, 16 rebounds and four assists -- one of which set up Bryant's clutch basket from in...

Kobe scores season-high 44 to carry Lakers
Kobe Bryant scored 44 points to lead the Lakers past the Warriors on Tuesday.

Bryant's season-high 44 lift Lakers (AP)

Kobe Bryant had a season-high 44 points and 11 assists while making all 16 of his free throws, and the Lakers survived Golden State's 55-percent shooting for a 124-118 victory over the Warriors on Tuesday night. Pau Gasol had 27 points and 12 rebounds for the defending NBA champions, who relied even more heavily than usual on Bryant to avoid their third loss in four games over the past five...

Kobe tallies season-high in shootout
Kobe Bryant had a season-high 44 points and 11 assists while making all 16 of his free throws, and the Lakers survived Golden State's 55-percent shooting for a 124-118 victory over the Warriors on Tuesday night.

Bryant won't let injuries affect him (AP)

Kobe Bryant hasn't been trapped in a fancy Los Angeles building and surrounded by vicious enemies led by a brilliant German since the last time Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks visited Staples Center. Still, the Los Angeles Lakers' unbreakable star was only half-joking recently when he said he was Bruce Willis -- you know, the "Die Hard" star famed for playing action heroes...

Suns spank defending champ Lakers at home
Kobe Bryant used harsh language to describe how badly the Lakers beat the Phoenix Suns twice in Los Angeles earlier this season.

Suns hand Lakers second loss in 3 games (AP)
Amare Stoudemire scored 26 points, Jared Dudley matched his career best with 19 and the Phoenix Suns sent the Los Angeles Lakers to their second loss in three games with a surprising 118-103 rout on Monday night. Kobe Bryant scored 34 for the Lakers but sat out the final 7:50 when the game was deemed out of reach by coach Phil Jackson.

Lakers outlast Kings in 2OT
Kobe Bryant scored 38 points and the Los Angeles Lakers bounced back from a humbling Christmas Day loss to Cleveland by beating the Sacramento Kings 112-103 on Saturday night in double overtime.

Bryant's 38 get Lakers by Kings in 2OT (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 38 points and the Los Angeles Lakers bounced back from a humbling Christmas Day loss to Cleveland by beating the Sacramento Kings 112-103 on Saturday night in double overtime. After Lamar Odom opened the second overtime with a putback basket, Bryant connected on a pair of 3-pointers to put the Lakers in front 109-103 with 2:37 left.

Lakers fans upset as LeBron lifts Cavs (AP)

After the Cleveland Cavaliers made the defending NBA champions look ordinary, the Los Angeles Lakers' fans threw up their foam hands in frustration. Mo Williams scored 28 points, LeBron James added 26 and the Cavaliers beat Los Angeles 102-87 Friday in a game that ended with angry Lakers fans throwing dozens of giveaway foam hands onto the court.

NBA's holiday slate features Cavs-Lakers (AP)
Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher scarcely remember how to celebrate Christmas without a high-profile game smack in the middle of their holiday season. That's life with the Los Angeles Lakers -- and that goes for the Lakers' families, too. "With the amount of gifts my kids receive, they could care less if I'm there or not," Fisher said with a laugh Thursday after the Lakers'...

Weary Lakers get 40 from Kobe, clip Thunder
Kobe Bryant scored 40 points for the sixth time this season, and the NBA-leading Los Angeles Lakers shook off a rough first half before hanging on for their 16th victory in 17 games.

Bryant scores 40, Lakers get by Thunder (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 40 points for the sixth time this season, and the NBA-leading Los Angeles Lakers shook off a rough first half before hanging on for their 16th victory in 17 games, 111-108 over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night. Pau Gasol had 15 points and 11 rebounds for the road-weary Lakers, who needed two last-minute free throws apiece from Bryant and Derek Fisher to win their first...

Lakers extend Gasol 3 years, Kobe next? (AP)

Pau Gasol has agreed to a three-year contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers, and he's hoping Kobe Bryant follows his lead. Gasol's deal extends through the 2013-14 season, and could be worth more than $60 million depending on future salary caps. The Spanish power forward has been to two NBA finals since joining the Lakers on Feb.

Lakers build big lead behind Kobe in win over Pistons
Kobe Bryant simply took a step forward, rebounded his missed free throw and easily made a jumper.


Kobe, streaking Lakers put away Pistons early
Kobe Bryant scored 28 points and helped the Lakers build a big lead in a 93-81 victory over the Pistons on Sunday night.

Bryant helps weary Lakers past Pistons (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 28 points and helped the Los Angeles Lakers build a big lead in a 93-81 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Sunday night. The Lakers took the lead with an 11-0 run midway through the first quarter, started the second ahead by 12, had an 18-point lead at halftime and a 21-point cushion after three quarters.

Kobe has 29 and 10, Lakers rip Nets (AP)

Kobe Bryant had 29 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 103-84 victory over the New Jersey Nets on Saturday night in a matchup of the NBA's best and worst teams. The Nets dropped their seventh straight, but the game was competitive into the third quarter, when Bryant started taking over about the time the league's lowest-scoring team was enduring one of its usual...

Kobe hits winner at buzzer to save Lakers in OT
Kobe Bryant's shot at the buzzer lifted the Lakers over the Bucks in overtime on Wednesday.

Lakers win on Bryant's OT buzzer-beater (AP)

Kobe Bryant reverted to an old habit when he missed a potential game-winning shot. Given a second opportunity, he stuck with the change he's made since breaking his right index finger. Bryant hit a 15-footer as time expired and scored the game's final seven points over the last 1:18 of overtime to lift the Los Angeles Lakers to a 107-106 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night.

Fantasy Fast Break: Bryant's damaged digit
Will Fantasy owners get anything productive out of Blake Griffin this season? Will Kobe Bryant be significantly hampered by his injured finger? Two topics our Jamey Eisenberg breaks down in this week's Fantasy Fast Break.




Kobe Bryant fractures bone in finger, returns to game
Kobe Bryant has returned to the Los Angeles Lakers' lineup after spending part of the second quarter in the locker room with a small break in his finger.

Bryant breaks finger, Lakers' run now 11 (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 20 points while playing with a small break in his finger, and the Los Angeles Lakers wrapped up the generous portion of their schedule with their 11th straight victory, 104-92 over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night. Pau Gasol had 17 points and a career-high 20 rebounds for the defending champions, who improved the NBA's best record to 18-3 while finishing a...

Williams, Jazz end Lakers' run at 11 (AP)
Deron Williams scored eight straight points to start the fourth quarter and finished with 21 points and 11 assists to help the Utah Jazz end the Lakers' 11-game winning streak by beating Los Angeles 102-94 Saturday night. Utah took advantage as Kobe Bryant struggled with a broken index finger from a game the night before.

Lakers put away Wolves for 11th straight win
Kobe Bryant scored 20 points while playing with a small break in his finger, and the Los Angeles Lakers wrapped up the generous portion of their schedule with their 11th straight victory, 104-92 over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night.

Lakers use big 4th to win 10th straight (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 27 points, Pau Gasol had 19 points and 12 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers rolled off 19 consecutive points in the fourth quarter of their 10th straight victory, 101-77 over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night. Ron Artest scored 17 points for the Lakers, who improved to an NBA-best 17-3 by holding the Jazz to six points and two field goals in a comically one-sided fourth...

Kobe Bryant leads All-Star voting; injured Tracy McGrady on pace to start
Kobe Bryant is the leading vote-getter for the NBA All-Star Game and Tracy McGrady is on track to join him in the Western Conference backcourt despite not playing yet this season.

Injured McGrady on pace to start All-Star game
Kobe Bryant is the leading vote-getter for the NBA All-Star game and Tracy McGrady is on track to join him in the Western Conference backcourt despite not playing yet this season. Bryant had more than 692,000 votes in the first set of returns announced Thursday, about 20,000 more than East leader Dwyane Wade. Also on track to start for the West in the Feb. 14 game are NBA leading scorer Carmelo Anthony and Dirk Nowitzki at forwards, and Amare Stoudemire at center.

Late 19-0 run lifts Lakers to 10th straight win
Kobe Bryant scored 27 points, Pau Gasol had 19 points and 12 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers rolled off 19 consecutive points in the fourth quarter of their 10th straight victory, 101-77 over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night.

Lakers race away from Suns for 9th straight win
Kobe Bryant scored 26 points, Ron Artest added 15 points and five steals, and the Los Angeles Lakers raced away from the Phoenix Suns in the second half of their ninth straight victory, 108-88 Sunday night.

Lakers beat Suns for ninth straight win (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 26 points, Ron Artest added 15 points and five steals, and the Los Angeles Lakers raced away from the Phoenix Suns in the second half of their ninth straight victory, 108-88 Sunday night. Pau Gasol scored 14 points for the well-rested Lakers, who improved to an NBA-best 16-3 with their second home win in 24 days over road-weary Phoenix.

Bryant's 3 at buzzer sinks Heat 108-107 (AP)

Down by two with 3.2 seconds left, Kobe Bryant merely wanted to drive for a tying basket. His foot slipped when he got the ball, and Miami's defense forced Bryant to throw up an off-balance 3-point shot that was well off target and far too long. Yes, everything went wrong on the Los Angeles Lakers' final possession.

Bryant's 3 at buzzer sinks Heat 108-107 (AP)

Kobe Bryant banked in a 3-pointer over Dwyane Wade's defense at the buzzer, ending the superstars' sensational duel and sending the Los Angeles Lakers to their eighth straight victory, 108-107 over the Miami Heat on Friday night. Bryant scored 33 points, but his off-balance bank shot from straightaway over Wade's outstretched hand likely will rank among the most incredible shots of his...

Kobe hits 3 at buzzer to lift Lakers past Heat
Kobe Bryant banked in a 3-pointer over Dwyane Wade's defense at the buzzer, ending the superstars' sensational duel and sending the Los Angeles Lakers to their eighth straight victory, 108-107 over the Miami Heat on Friday night.

Hornets' Paul back, Wolves' Love debuts (AP)
Two-time All-Star point guard Chris Paul returned to the New Orleans Hornets on Friday night after missing eight games, and Kevin Love played for the Minnesota Timberwolves for the first time this season. Paul, the runner-up to the Lakers' Kobe Bryant for NBA MVP in 2007-08, has been out since spraining his left ankle against Portland on Nov.

Lakers move to top of West with 7th straight win
Andrew Bynum scored 21 points, Kobe Bryant added 18 on a light night of work and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the New Orleans Hornets 110-99 Tuesday for their seventh straight victory.

Bynum helps Lakers win seventh straight (AP)

Andrew Bynum scored 21 points, Kobe Bryant added 18 on a light night of work and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the New Orleans Hornets 110-99 Tuesday for their seventh straight victory. Ron Artest scored 16 points as the Lakers remained undefeated in six games since the return of Pau Gasol, who had 14 points in Los Angeles' balanced offense.

Lakers score season-high 130 on Warriors (AP)

Kobe Bryant sat at his locker and praised Pau Gasol, both of Bryant's feet in an ice bucket and two more bags numbing each knee. On a night when Bryant was far from his dominant self, Gasol showed what a key piece he is for the Los Angeles Lakers despite being overshadowed by superstars. They dearly missed him for the first 11 games, when Gasol was sidelined with a strained right hamstring.

Nets drop to 0-17, tie NBA's worst start (AP)

The New Jersey Nets matched the worst start to an NBA season with their 17th straight loss S