In the News

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.

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...

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.

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.

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

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...

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.

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...

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 Sunday night, with Kobe Bryant scoring 30 points in the Los Angeles Lakers' 106-87 victory. A few hours after New Jersey fired coach Lawrence Frank, the undermanned Nets had little prayer of keeping up with the defending league champions, who won their sixth straight game.

Kobe scores easy 34; Lakers cruise past Knicks
Kobe Bryant scored 34 points, Pau Gasol added 11 points and 16 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers exploited a major size advantage in their fourth straight victory, 100-90 over the New York Knicks on Tuesday night.

Bryant's 34 power Lakers past Knicks (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 34 points, Pau Gasol added 11 points and 16 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers exploited a major size advantage in their fourth straight victory, 100-90 over the New York Knicks on Tuesday night. Ron Artest scored 17 points for the Lakers, who took control of their eighth win in 10 meetings with New York by scoring 17 consecutive points in the third while holding the Knicks...

Kobe's 26, circus shot lift Lakers past Thunder
Kobe Bryant scored 26 points and made a circus shot to lead the Lakers past the Thunder on Sunday.

Lakers extend dominance of Thunder (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 26 points, including an astonishing basket from behind the backboard, and the Los Angeles Lakers cruised to a 101-85 rout of the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday night. The defending NBA champions, who squeaked out a 101-98 overtime win at Oklahoma City on Nov. 3, had this one in control throughout with help from Andrew Bynum's 25 points and nine rebounds.

Gasol returns, scores 24 in Lakers' win vs. Bulls
Pau Gasol had 24 points and 13 rebounds in his season debut, and Kobe Bryant scored 21 points while passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on the Lakers' career scoring chart in Los Angeles' 108-93 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Thursday night.

Gasol returns, leads Lakers past Bulls (AP)

Pau Gasol had 24 points and 13 rebounds in his season debut, and Kobe Bryant scored 21 points while passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on the Lakers' career scoring chart in Los Angeles' 108-93 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Thursday night. Ron Artest added 15 points for the Lakers, who finally had their full starting lineup intact for their ninth victory in 12 games to start the season.

Gasol expected to play for Lakers vs. Bulls
Kobe Bryant took it upon himself to help lift the Los Angeles Lakers out of their offensive funk in their latest game, scoring 40 for the 100th time in his storied career. The return of Pau Gasol should make Los Angeles even more formidable. Gasol is expected to make his season debut Thursday night as the Lakers continue their five-game homestand against the Chicago Bulls, who opened their lengthy circus road trip with an impressive win.

Kobe goes for 40 as Lakers avoid 3-game skid
Kobe Bryant scored 40 points for the 100th time in his career, and the Los Angeles Lakers avoided a rare three-game losing streak with a 106-93 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday night.

Bryant has 100th 40-point game in rout (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 40 points for the 100th time in his career, and the Los Angeles Lakers avoided a rare three-game losing streak with a 106-93 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday night. Andrew Bynum had 17 points and 12 rebounds for the Lakers, who took a 28-point lead before surviving Detroit's impressive fourth-quarter rally to avoid their first three-game skid in nearly two years,...

Lakers cool Suns for sixth straight win (AP)

The Los Angeles Lakers ran all over the NBA's speediest team. Kobe Bryant scored 29 points, Andrew Bynum had 26 points and 15 rebounds in his return from injury, and the Lakers put the brakes on the Phoenix Suns' fast start with a 121-102 victory Thursday night. Josh Powell scored 14 points for the defending champions, who won their sixth straight and improved to 7-1 by handing the Suns...

Kobe, Lakers thrash Nash, Suns
Kobe Bryant and the Lakers come out firing against the flat-footed Suns, dominating Phoenix down low en route to a blowout win.

Lakers look flawless, put brakes on Suns' streak
Kobe Bryant scored 29 points, Andrew Bynum had 26 points and 15 rebounds in his return from injury, and the Lakers put the brakes on the Phoenix Suns' fast start with a 121-102 victory Thursday night.

Kobe, Lakers climb to 6-1 with rout of Hornets
Kobe Bryant scored 28 points, Shannon Brown added 15 and the Los Angeles Lakers thrived again without their top two big men, beating the New Orleans Hornets 104-88 Sunday night.

Lakers win fifth straight, beat Hornets (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 28 points, Shannon Brown added 15 and the Los Angeles Lakers thrived again without their top two big men, beating the New Orleans Hornets 104-88 Sunday night. DJ Mbenga had 10 points and 12 rebounds for the defending NBA champions, who easily won their fifth straight game and their second in a row without injured center Andrew Bynum and forward Pau Gasol.

Kobe scores 41, reaches milestone in win (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 41 points while becoming the youngest player to reach 24,000, leading the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers to a 114-98 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night. Ron Artest had 19 points and seven assists in the fourth straight win for the defending NBA champions, who played without injured big men Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol.

Kobe reaches milestone in win over Grizzlies
Kobe Bryant scored 41 points while becoming the youngest player to reach 24,000, leading the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers to a 114-98 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night.

Lakers get 41 from Kobe, edge Rockets in OT
Kobe Bryant scored 41 points, Andrew Bynum added 17 points and 17 rebounds and the Los Angeles Lakers won in overtime for the second straight game, beating the Houston Rockets 103-102 on Wednesday night.

Bryant's 41 get Lakers by Rockets in OT (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 41 points, Andrew Bynum added 17 points and 17 rebounds and the Los Angeles Lakers won in overtime for the second straight game, beating the Houston Rockets 103-102 on Wednesday night. Carl Landry scored 20 points to lead six players in double figures for Houston. Luis Scola added 16 points and 13 rebounds and Chuck Hayes had 14 points and 14 rebounds.

Kobe, Lakers tested but escape Thunder in OT
Kobe Bryant scored 31 points and hit the go-ahead jumper in overtime as the Los Angeles Lakers got tested in their first road game of the season, beating the Oklahoma City Thunder 101-98 on Tuesday night.

Bryant lifts Lakers past Thunder in OT (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 31 points and hit the go-ahead jumper in overtime as the Los Angeles Lakers got tested in their first road game of the season, beating the Oklahoma City Thunder 101-98 on Tuesday night. Bryant connected on a turnaround jumper from the left side with 2:29 to play to give the defending NBA champions a 99-97 lead and then hit two free throws with 18 seconds remaining to push the...

Kobe has 41 and Lakers pull away from Hawks
Kobe Bryant had 41 points and the Lakers pulled away from the Hawks on Sunday.

Bryant scores 41, leads Lakers by Hawks (AP)

Kobe Bryant is quite familiar with the exquisite pain of playing against Ron Artest's defense. He's grateful that frustration now belongs to his opponents -- including Joe Johnson, the first top scorer to get locked down by the Lakers' new defensive stopper. Bryant had 41 points and eight rebounds, Andrew Bynum added 21 points and Artest extinguished Johnson's outstanding start in...

Lakers raise banner, beat Clippers 99-92 (AP)

There was no championship hangover for these Lakers. Kobe Bryant scored 33 points and Andrew Bynum added 26 on his 22nd birthday as the reigning NBA champions opened defense of their title Tuesday night with a 99-92 victory over the Clippers, their Staples Center co-tenants who played without injured No.

Rosen breaks down the Lakers' competition
Kobe Bryant wouldn't mind being the NBA's leading man again. But several teams are in the champs' way. Charley Rosen breaks it down.

Short-handed Lakers roll past Nuggets (AP)

Playing without their injured inside duo of 7-footers Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum, the Los Angeles Lakers routed the Denver Nuggets 106-89 in an exhibition game Thursday night. Kobe Bryant had 23 points for the Lakers (6-1), while Lamar Odom had 17 points and nine rebounds. Carmelo Anthony scored 28 points for the Nuggets (3-4), while Chauncey Billups added 19.

Bryant, Bynum lead Lakers past Warriors (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 21 points and Andrew Bynum had 20 points and nine rebounds to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 113-107 preseason victory over the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night. The game drew a sellout crowd of 10,410 to Citizens Business Bank Arena. Anthony Morrow had 24 points, including four 3-pointers, for the Warriors (3-4), while Stephen Jackson and Monta Ellis had 15 each.

Bynum, Bryant lead Lakers over Kings (AP)

Andrew Bynum scored 20 of his 24 points in the first half to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 98-92 preseason victory over the Sacramento Kings on Thursday night. Kobe Bryant had 18 points, four rebounds, four assists and four steals for the Lakers (2-1). Bryant was 6 of 16 from the field for Los Angeles, which led 85-63 in the third quarter only to see the Kings close within 95-92 with 1:48 left...

Artest solid in LA debut, Bynum has 24 (AP)

Andrew Bynum scored 24 points, Kobe Bryant added 22, and the NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers opened the preseason with a 118-101 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night. Playing 26 minutes, Bryant grabbed a team-high nine rebounds. He was also hit with a technical foul for arguing a call with the replacement referees.

Shaq: Cavs probably best team I've had (AP)
Even with his four NBA titles, Shaquille O'Neal says this Cleveland Cavaliers team could be better than all the rest. That would include the 2000 Lakers, when O'Neal and Kobe Bryant led Los Angeles a 67-15 record and a title. The Cavaliers won 66 games last season, but lost to Orlando in the Eastern Conference finals.

Kobe big, Artest solid as champ Lakers open
Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum shined and Ron Artest was solid as the champion Lakers opened the preseason with a win.

Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant has top-selling jersey in Europe for second straight year
Kobe Bryant's jersey was the top-seller in Europe for the second consecutive year, the NBA said. The list was based on sales from retail locations across the continent during the 2008-09 season.

Kobe's jersey No. 1 in European sales (AP)
Kobe Bryant's jersey is still more popular in Europe than those belonging to the NBA's European players. Bryant's Los Angeles Lakers jersey was the top-seller in Europe for the second consecutive year, the NBA said Thursday. The list was based on sales from retail locations across the continent during the 2008-09 season.

Rose says he took SAT before attending Memphis
Derrick Rose tutored the top teens in China on a basketball teaching tour with Dwight Howard. He shot a video game commercial with Kobe Bryant, too, so there really were some fun moments during the offseason no matter how bad it looked at times. That photo of him flashing gang signs wasn't one of his finest moments. That scandal at Memphis was another blow to his reputation, even if he insisted several times he did nothing wrong.

Judge: Maid's suit vs. Kobe Bryant can proceed
A judge in California has ruled that Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant's former housekeeper can continue her wrongful discharge case but can't sue for emotional distress. Orange County Superior Court Judge Kirk Nakamura also ruled Thursday that Bryant and his wife Vanessa can pursue their countersuit against Maria Jimenez for violating a confidentiality agreement by talking to reporters about the family.

Judge: Maid's suit vs. Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant to proceed
A judge in California has ruled that Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant's former housekeeper can continue her wrongful discharge case but can't sue for emotional distress.

Judge: Suit against Kobe can proceed (AP)
A judge in California has ruled that Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant's former housekeeper can continue her wrongful discharge case but can't sue for emotional distress. Orange County Superior Court Judge Kirk Nakamura also ruled Thursday that Bryant and his wife Vanessa can pursue their countersuit against Maria Jimenez for violating a confidentiality agreement by talking to reporters...

Mailbag: Zones haven't made defenses stingier
Zone defenses haven't slowed down Kobe Bryant. If anything, defensive rules changes have made his life easier, Charley Rosen says.

Kobe-Shaq on Christmas highlights NBA schedule
The NBA is bringing Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal together again for Christmas - this time joined by LeBron James. Bryant and the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers will host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Dec. 25, one of the highlights of the 2009-10 NBA schedule released Tuesday. It will be the fourth time in the five years since their partnership ended that Bryant and O'Neal will meet on Christmas.

Lakers' Bryant runs drills in Asia visit (AP)

Kobe Bryant ran drills for a group of Hong Kong youngsters as the Los Angeles Lakers star arrived in China for the final leg of his summer Asian tour. "It's great to be back in Hong Kong," Bryant said Friday after walking into a packed basketball stadium in Hong Kong's Wan Chai office district to chants of "Kobe, MVP." After watching a group of local youngsters play in...

Bryant 'optimistic' Odom will stay with Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant is optimistic the NBA champions will re-sign key free agent Lamar Odom. "I'm optimistic that he'll be back," Bryant said Wednesday at a news conference in Singapore as part of a six-country Asian tour. "He makes us a much, much stronger team." Negotiations broke down last week as the Lakers retracted a contract offer to Odom. The Miami Heat are also wooing the 6-foot-10 forward. Odom played a key role off the bench in the Lakers' championship run.

NBA free agents: Kobe Bryant optimistic Lamar Odom will return to Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant is optimistic the NBA champions will re-sign key free agent Lamar Odom.

Kobe 'optimistic' Odom will be back (AP)
Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant is optimistic the NBA champions will re-sign key free agent Lamar Odom. "I'm optimistic that he'll be back," Bryant said Wednesday at a news conference in Singapore as part of a six-country Asian tour. "He makes us a much, much stronger team." Negotiations broke down last week and the Lakers retracted a contract offer to Odom.

With Coach K back, players could follow (AP)
LeBron James and Dwyane Wade could be free agents next summer. Kobe Bryant will turn 32 with plenty of basketball played the last few years. There's many reasons the players who led the U.S. Olympic team to the gold medal in 2008 could change their minds about returning, yet Jerry Colangelo still believes he'll see most of them back in uniform.

Lakers star Bryant begins Asian tour (AP)
Despite a recession and rising unemployment in the United States, Kobe Bryant believes Americans will keep paying to go to basketball games. He says the sacrifices by fans makes him try harder. "(I) get my heart out there in the court to play because this may be the first time or the last time that a kid or a family ever comes to watch us play or perform," he said Tuesday.

Report: Lakers withdraw offer for veteran F Odom
Lamar Odom enjoyed his first NBA championship with Lakers teammates Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol this past June, but the free agent might not be back in Los Angeles next season.

Artest, Lakers reach verbal agreement
Ron Artest is joining Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Agent: Artest to join Kobe, Lakers
Ron Artest will be joining forces with Kobe Bryant. The free agent forward plans to sign with the Lakers, his agent says.

Reports: Artest says he's joining Lakers
Ron Artest says he'll be joining forces with Kobe Bryant and plans to sign with the Lakers next week, according to multiple reports.

Artest agrees to deal with Lakers (AP)
Ron Artest is joining Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers. David Bauman, Artest's agent, told The Associated Press that the Houston Rockets forward has verbally agreed to play for the NBA champions next season. Bauman said the final details are still being worked out, but could be finished as early as Thursday night.

Agent: Artest to weigh title shot in choosing team
If LeBron James or Kobe Bryant are looking for a little help, Ron Artest is talking calls. The Rockets star forward, an unrestricted free agent, will consider a team's chances of winning an NBA championship when deciding where he'll bring his skills next season, his agent says.

Kobe won't opt out of Lakers contract
Kobe Bryant chose not to terminate the final two years of his contract and will remain with the Los Angeles Lakers. Team spokesman John Black on Wednesday confirmed Bryant's decision. The MVP of the NBA finals had until Tuesday to become an unrestricted free agent. Now the Lakers and Bryant's agent will negotiate a contract extension. If they somehow cannot agree, he would earn $23 million next season and could opt out next June.

Kobe Bryant decides not to opt out of contract
Kobe Bryant has chosen not to terminate the final two years of his contract and will remain with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Lakers snap 5-game skid vs. Cavs 105-88 (AP)

Kobe Bryant and LeBron James tussled to a virtual standoff Monday night. But Bryant's supporting cast was far more effective, and that was the difference as the Los Angeles Lakers beat Cleveland 105-88 to snap a five-game losing streak to the Cavaliers. Bryant had 20 points, six rebounds and 12 assists while shooting 9-of-22.

Report: Kobe to play with painful finger injury
Kobe Bryant plans to play through pain despite dislocating his finger on Monday.

Magic top Lakers behind Nelson, Howard (AP)

Jameer Nelson scored 15 of his 28 points in the fourth quarter, Dwight Howard had 25 points and 20 rebounds and the Orlando Magic beat the Los Angeles Lakers 109-103 Friday night. Kobe Bryant had 28 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists for Los Angeles, but missed two jumpers in the waning moments. The triple-double was the 15th of Bryant's career, but his first since April 1, 2005.

Kobe leads Lakers by undermanned Rockets (AP)

Kobe Bryant sank a 3-pointer with 27 seconds left and scored 33 points, and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the undermanned Houston Rockets 105-100 on Tuesday night. Bryant had 13 points in the fourth quarter, finally getting the better of Houston's Von Wafer, who scored a career-high 23 points in place of the injured Tracy McGrady.

Bynum leads Lakers past Heat 108-105 (AP)

Andrew Bynum scored a season-high 24 points, including a go-ahead follow shot with 18.5 seconds remaining, and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Miami Heat 108-105 Sunday night to become the first Western Conference team to reach 30 victories. After Bryant tipped in Kobe Bryant's miss to give the Lakers a 104-102 lead, Chris Quinn missed a baseline jumper.

Bryant's 36 get Lakers by Pacers 121-119 (AP)

Kobe Bryant has become one of the best team players and leaders in the league. Still, when it's winning time, he wants the ball. With the game tied and the clock ticking down, Bryant ran off 23 seconds, then, with defenders lunging at him, coolly hit a turnaround, fadeaway jumper with 3 seconds remaining Friday night to give the Los Angeles Lakers a 121-119 victory over the stubborn Indiana Pacers.

Gasol rallies Lakers by Warriors 114-106 (AP)

Pau Gasol didn't merely bounce back from a bad game 24 hours earlier. He ricocheted violently through the whole fourth quarter, knocking aside Golden State defenders and the Los Angeles Lakers' struggles with the same brute grace. Gasol had 33 points and a career-high 18 rebounds, Kobe Bryant added 21 points and the Lakers rallied from a late deficit for their seventh victory in eight games,...

Lakers extend home win streak to 15 (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 26 points, Pau Gasol added 19 and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Portland Trail Blazers 100-86 Sunday night for their sixth consecutive victory and 15th straight at home. LaMarcus Aldridge led Portland with 22 points and 11 rebounds, as all five starters scored in double figures. But the Blazers shot only 39 percent overall.

Bryant scores 40 as Lakers beat Jazz (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 40 points and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Utah Jazz 113-100 Friday night for their fifth straight win and 17th in 18 home games. Pau Gasol added 21 points, giving him 10,001 for his career, and had 11 rebounds for the Lakers, who were coming off a four-day break. Mehmet Okur had 21 points and 13 rebounds for the Jazz, who have lost four of their six and three in a row on the...

Kobe's 31 help Lakers roll past Warriors (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 31 points, Derek Fisher added 19 and the Los Angeles Lakers rolled to a 130-113 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night. There was no letdown by the Lakers after their intense Christmas Day victory over Boston in the teams' first meeting since the NBA finals last summer, won by the Celtics.

Lakers snap Celtics' 19-game win streak (AP)

Perhaps now the Los Angeles Lakers can put the anguish of losing the NBA finals to Boston and the embarrassment over the way the series ended behind them. Kobe Bryant had 27 points, nine rebounds and five assists, Pau Gasol scored seven of his 20 points in the final three minutes, and the Lakers beat Boston 92-83 Thursday to snap the Celtics' franchise-record 19-game winning streak.

NBA's Christmas slate features Olympians (AP)
Kobe Bryant is still fueled by the memory. He was on a bus in China six months ago after the U.S. Olympic basketball team defeated Spain to win the gold medal at the Beijing Games. Even now, Bryant can close his eyes and see LeBron James, Chris Paul, Dwight Howard, Jason Kidd, whooping and hollering, nary a care in the world.

Lakers cruise to 100-87 win over Hornets (AP)

So much for the Lakers' brief bout with vulnerability. Kobe Bryant scored 26 points, Pau Gasol added 20, and Los Angeles beat the New Orleans Hornets 100-87 on Tuesday night in a performance that was more dominant than the final score indicated. Using swarming defense to bottle up Chris Paul for much of the game, the Lakers stormed to a 19-point halftime lead and led by 20 after Bryant's jumper...

Bryant rallies Lakers past Grizzlies (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 36 points and keyed a late rally to help the Los Angeles Lakers snap a two-game losing streak with a 105-96 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night. The Lakers trailed by 93-88 with 3:08 left, but closed the game on a 17-3 run, including 10 points from Bryant to overtake the Grizzlies down the stretch.

Magic overcome Bryant's 41, top Lakers (AP)

Jameer Nelson had 27 points, and Orlando overcame Kobe Bryant's season-high 41 points in the Magic's 106-103 victory over the Western Conference-leading Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night. Orlando held a lead late in the fourth quarter, and foul-plagued Dwight Howard hit a pair of free throws with just over a minute left.

Bryant unveils new low-cut shoes (AP)
The high-flying Kobe Bryant will now ply his trade in low-cuts. Bryant unveiled his latest Nike signature shoe Friday night -- a low-cut sneaker the league's reigning MVP donned in a game for the first time when his Los Angeles Lakers visited the Miami Heat. At 11.6 ounces, Nike says it's the lightest basketball shoe it has created, and Bryant is convinced the switch makes the most sense for his...

Lakers rally from 15 down to beat Knicks (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored nine of his 28 points in the last 7 1/2 minutes, and the Los Angeles Lakers rallied from a 15-point halftime deficit to beat the New York Knicks 116-114 on Tuesday night. Trevor Ariza scored the go-ahead basket with 1:03 remaining to give the Lakers (21-3) their 14th win in 16 games.

Lakers pull away in 4th to beat Wolves (AP)

Kobe Bryant had 26 points and five assists, and the Los Angeles Lakers pulled away in the fourth quarter to beat the struggling Minnesota Timberwolves 98-86 on Sunday night. Pau Gasol had 18 points, 11 rebounds and six assists, Andrew Bynum added 14 points and nine rebounds, and Trevor Ariza scored 14 points for the Lakers.

Kobe, Gasol help Lakers beat Kings (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 32 points, Pau Gasol had 18 points and 11 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers avenged a loss earlier in the week with a 112-103 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Friday night. The Kings didn't go quietly in the rematch, storming back from a 92-77 deficit early in the fourth quarter to close to 101-98 on Spencer Hawes' 3-pointer with 3:02 remaining.

Lakers struggle to top short-handed Suns (AP)
Pau Gasol scored 28 points, Kobe Bryant had seven of his 18 points in the last 6 1/2 minutes, and the Los Angeles Lakers struggled to a 115-110 victory over the short-handed Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night. Andrew Bynum added 17 points and 11 rebounds, Sasha Vujacic scored a season-high 15 points and Derek Fisher had 13 for the Lakers (18-3), who were coming off a lethargic 113-101 loss at...

Orlando's Howard leads early All-Star voting
Orlando center Dwight Howard leads early balloting for the NBA All-Star game with 775,933 votes and is followed by Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. Bryant, the Los Angeles Lakers' star, has 719,252 votes and Cleveland's James has 643,786, according to early returns released by the league on Thursday. Boston's Kevin Garnett trails James among Eastern Conference forwards. Miami's Dwyane Wade leads the guards (623,311) and is followed by Detroit's Allen Iverson.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/482062126" height="1" width="1"/

Magic's Howard leads early All-Star voting
Orlando center Dwight Howard leads early balloting for the NBA All-Star Game with 775,933 votes and is followed by Kobe Bryant and LeBron James.

Kings snap 8-game skid, stun Lakers (AP)

Kobe Bryant had mastered the art of concentration over cowbells at Arco Arena, where the upstate fans never gave him a moment's peace during the best days of the Lakers' rivalry with their Kings. Now that their clang is pretty much gone from Arco Arena's non-sellout crowds, the Lakers' MVP guard kind of misses the noise -- and in their absence, he missed far too many shots in one of the NBA's most...

Lakers improve to 17-2, defeat Bucks (AP)

Kobe Bryant had 20 points and a season-high eight assists, Derek Fisher added 19 points and the Los Angeles Lakers beat Milwaukee 105-92 on Sunday, improving their record to 17-2 and equaling the best 19-game start in the franchise's 61-year history. The Lakers also started the 1985-86 season 17-2. This was the sixth time the team has won 17 of its first 20 games, including the championship seasons...

Bryant lifts Lakers by Wizards 106-104 (AP)

On a poor shooting night, Kobe Bryant came through when the Los Angeles Lakers needed him the most. And then he nearly blew it about 10 seconds later. Bryant banked in a running 12-foot jumper over Caron Butler with 25 seconds left Friday night, then went 1-for-2 on foul shots 10 seconds later, but the best-in-the-West Lakers eked out a 106-104 victory over the worst-in-the-East Washington Wizards.

Bryant scores 32 to beat hometown 76ers (AP)
Kobe Bryant tormented his hometown team again, scoring 32 points to help the Los Angeles Lakers rebound from a last-second loss with a 114-102 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night. Lakers coach Phil Jackson said before the game that the thrill of playing in his home city has worn off for Bryant.

Murphy's tip-in at buzzer stuns Lakers (AP)
Danny Granger scored 32 points and led Indiana back from a 15-point fourth-quarter deficit, and Troy Murphy tipped in a missed shot at the buzzer to complete an improbable 118-117 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night. The Lakers came into the game with seven straight wins, the league's best record and reigning MVP Kobe Bryant.

Lakers beat Raptors, improve to 14-1 (AP)
Pau Gasol had 24 points and nine rebounds, Kobe Bryant had 23 points and seven assists before sitting out the fourth quarter, and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Toronto Raptors 112-99 on Sunday night to improve their league-best record to 14-1. Bryant came 15 points shy of reaching the 22,000-point mark faster than any other player.

Kobe has 35 as Lakers top Mavs, now 13-1 (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored a season-high 35 points, and the Los Angeles Lakers used a 17-0 run in the second half Friday night to beat the Dallas Mavericks 114-107 and improve the NBA's best record to 13-1. Andrew Bynum, playing on a sore right foot, had 18 points and 10 rebounds in the Lakers' sixth straight victory.

Lakers improve to 12-1, rip Nets 120-93 (AP)

Pau Gasol had 26 points and eight rebounds before sitting out the fourth quarter, and the Los Angeles Lakers overcame a poor shooting performance by Kobe Bryant to rout the New Jersey Nets 120-93 on Tuesday night and improve the NBA's best record to 12-1. Bryant had difficulty most of the game with Vince Carter's defense, going 5-for-17 from the field in 28 minutes and finishing with 12 points in...

Lakers go to 11-1, beat Kings 111-101 (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 24 points, Andrew Bynum had 15 points and 10 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers improved the NBA's best record to 11-1 with a 118-108 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Sunday night. All five Lakers starters reached double figures in points by the third quarter, and eight players finished with 10 or more as the defending Western Conference champions won for the fourth...

Lakers defeat Nuggets, improve to 10-1 (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 11 of his 29 points in the third quarter before sitting out the fourth, Andrew Bynum had 13 points and 13 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Denver Nuggets 104-90 on Friday night. The defending Western Conference champion Lakers (10-1) are off to their best start through 11 games since the 2001-02 championship season, when they won 16 of their first 17.

Lakers overwhelm Suns, improve to 9-1 (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 24 points and Vladimir Radmanovic made all five of his 3-pointers to lead the Los Angeles Lakers past the Phoenix Suns, 105-92 on Thursday night. Bryant shot only 8-of-23, but the Lakers overwhelmed Phoenix with their depth. Six players reached double figures as Los Angeles improved its record to a league-best 9-1.

Different stars have greatness in common
With Kobe Bryant passing Larry Bird on the NBA scoring list, Charley Rosen takes the opportunity to compare superstars.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/457785297" height="1" width="1"/

Pistons hand Lakers first loss, 106-95 (AP)

Rasheed Wallace had 25 points and 13 rebounds, Allen Iverson added 25 points and the Detroit Pistons handed the Los Angeles Lakers their first loss of the season, 106-95 Friday night. Kobe Bryant scored 29 points for the Lakers, but went 12-of-30 from the floor. The Lakers, who won their first seven and were outscoring opponents by an average of 18 points, had been the only team in the NBA without...

Lakers beat Mavericks, improve to 6-0 (AP)

Down after one quarter, two and even three, the Los Angeles Lakers found themselves in an unfamiliar place. Yet even with the Dallas Mavericks getting terrific games out of Jason Kidd and Erick Dampier, Kobe Bryant and friends found a way to pull out another one. Trevor Ariza turned an offensive rebound into an emphatic, go-ahead dunk early in the fourth quarter and added an equally emphatic block...

Wrist injury sidelines Mavs' Howard vs. Lakers
Mavericks forward Josh Howard missed a second straight game Tuesday night, keeping Dallas without one of its top defenders against Kobe Bryant and the Lakers.

Mavs F Howard out with sprained wrist (AP)
Mavericks forward Josh Howard missed a second straight game Tuesday night, keeping Dallas without one of its top defenders against Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers. Howard sprained his left wrist against Denver on Friday night. Without him, the Mavs were trampled 103-92 Sunday by the previously winless Los Angeles Clippers.

Lakers improve to 5-0, rout Rockets (AP)

Shocking as it might sound, the Los Angeles Lakers broke out of a shooting slump Sunday night. Shocking because they haven't lost a game so far this season. Kobe Bryant scored 23 points, Pau Gasol added 20 points, 15 rebounds and three blocked shots, and the Lakers shot 65.8 percent in the second half in a 111-82 victory over the Houston Rockets.

Lakers improve to 4-0, drop Clips to 0-5 (AP)
Kobe Bryant scored 27 points, and the unbeaten Los Angeles Lakers used a 22-0 run in the fourth quarter to beat the Los Angeles Clippers 106-88 Wednesday night, giving them six straight wins over their crosstown rivals. Cuttino Mobley scored five straight points to give the Clippers an 81-79 lead with 8:16 remaining when the Lakers suddenly took command.

Bryant's 33 help Lakers top Nuggets (AP)
Kobe Bryant scored 33 points and the Los Angeles Lakers nearly became the first team in three years to hold Carmelo Anthony to single digits in a 104-97 win over the Denver Nuggets on Saturday night. Coming off a two-game suspension, Anthony scored 11 of his 13 points in the fourth quarter. He made two 3-pointers with under a minute left.

Lakers notch second straight blowout win (AP)
Kobe Bryant had 16 points and eight rebounds, Andrew Bynum added 12 points and nine rebounds, and the Lakers spoiled the Clippers season opener with a 117-79 rout Wednesday night. The Lakers began their season with a similar blowout a night earlier, breezing to a 96-76 win at home against Portland on Tuesday.

Oden hurts foot, Blazers lose to Lakers (AP)

Kobe Bryant had 23 points, 11 rebounds and five assists Tuesday night, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 96-76 season-opening victory over the Portland Trail Blazers and spoiling rookie Greg Oden's debut, which was cut short by another injury. Bryant orchestrated a well-balanced offense for the Lakers, who also played tenacious defense.

Bryant plays briefly as Lakers win (AP)

Kobe Bryant, coming back from a knee injury, made a brief appearance at the start of Los Angeles' final preseason game Friday night and appeared to be moving fine in the Lakers' 105-94 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. "Just making sure my rhythm was good, making sure my knee was good," Bryant said.

NBA predictions: Postseason honors
After finally winning his first MVP award, will Kobe Bryant earn another? John Galinsky predicts who will claim all the NBA hardware.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/432125546" height="1" width="1"/

Kobe misses game because of swelling in knee
Kobe Bryant was held out of the Lakers' preseason game Thursday night because of residual swelling in his right knee following a collision with teammate Josh Powell on Tuesday night against Charlotte.

Kobe Bryant sidelined by swelling in knee
Kobe Bryant was held out of the Lakers' preseason game Thursday night because of residual swelling in his right knee following a collision with teammate Josh Powell on Tuesday night against Charlotte. "I've got a little bit of puffiness in the back of the knee. It's just from the trauma of landing the way I landed," Bryant said about an hour before his teammates faced Charlotte again. "So we'll just knock that out and make sure the swelling's out of there, which should be soon. Then I'm OK.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/430293812" height="1" width="1"/

Bryant leaves preseason game with knee injury
Kobe Bryant hyperextended his right knee in the second quarter of the Los Angeles Lakers' exhibition game Tuesday night. Bryant, who scored four points in 14 minutes against the Charlotte Bobcats, did not come out with the team for the second half. The Lakers announced Bryant will be re-examined Wednesday. Bryant injured his knee jumping for a rebound with 3:08 left in the first half. The reigning NBA MVP limped off the court favoring his right leg.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/428206655" height="1" width="1"/

Kobe in 'a better mood' after good news about knee
Lakers fans can rest easy. Kobe Bryant's right knee was a bit sore Wednesday, but the injury isn't serious and it's possible he won't miss any playing time. "I'm all right, a little bit better today, a better mood, anyway," Bryant said after sitting out practice due to the hyperextended right knee he suffered Tuesday night in the second quarter of the Lakers' 102-98 preseason victory over the Charlotte Bobcats in San Diego.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/429029015" height="1" width="1"/

Lakers' Bryant hyperextends right knee (AP)
Kobe Bryant hyperextended his right knee in the second quarter of the Los Angeles Lakers' exhibition game Tuesday night. Bryant, who scored four points in 14 minutes against the Charlotte Bobcats, did not come out with the team for the second half. The Lakers announced Bryant will be re-examined Wednesday.

Farmar sparks Lakers past Raptors 112-89 (AP)

Jordan Farmar scored 16 points and sparked a fourth-quarter surge with an electrifying dunk over Chris Bosh, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 112-89 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Sunday night. Kobe Bryant had 13 points and six assists in 24 minutes before sitting out the fourth quarter. Trevor Ariza also was a factor in the final period, scoring six of his 14 points.

Lakers top Pau Gasol's old Spanish team (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 28 points and the Los Angeles Lakers beat FC Barcelona, Pau Gasol's old team, 108-104 on Saturday night in an exhibition game. Gasol, who was born in Barcelona and lives there during the offseason, spent five years with the team he helped beat at Staples Center. He finished with 13 points and five rebounds in 19 minutes.

Kobe has quiet night in Lakers' win (AP)

Pau Gasol had 12 points and six rebounds to help the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Sacramento Kings 94-89 in exhibition play Sunday night. Kobe Bryant scored nine points in 25 minutes on 4-of-12 shooting for the Lakers (1-2), Andrew Bynum had nine points, five rebounds and three blocks, and Vladimir Radmanovic also finished with nine points and had seven rebounds.

Ailing Jackson misses Lakers' loss (AP)

Ronnie Brewer and Paul Millsap each scored 13 points, Deron Williams had 11 points and eight assists, and the Utah Jazz beat the Los Angeles Lakers 99-90 on Tuesday night in the preseason opener for both teams. Kobe Bryant played 24 minutes for the Lakers, finishing with eight points, five rebounds and five assists after sitting out the entire second and fourth quarters.

VIDEO: Lakers are team to beat?
With Andrew Bynum back on the court, Kobe Bryant says the Lakers are "the favorites for a reason." Watch L.A.'s media day.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/406954073" height="1" width="1"/

Bryant, Gasol might miss some preseason games
Olympians Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol might sit out some of the Los Angeles Lakers' preseason games after a hectic offseason. Bryant helped lead the United States to a victory over Gasol and Spain in the gold medal game in the Beijing Olympics. Bryant and Gasol each took only a few weeks off before reporting for the first day of training camp on Tuesday. Bryant and Gasol played a carefree game of one-on-one near the end of the first of the Lakers' two practices.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/407698564" height="1" width="1"/

Kobe, Gasol may sit out some Lakers exhibitions
Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol might sit out some of the Los Angeles Lakers' preseason games after a hectic offseason.

The best two-way players in NBA history
Excelling on both ends of the court, Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett rank among the best two-way players ever, Charley Rosen says.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/407431742" height="1" width="1"/

Oden's no crossover artist, and knows it (AP)
Greg Oden can dunk, but he can't carry a tune. The 7-foot Trail Blazer has gotten a lot of attention for his rendition of N'Sync's "It's Gonna Be Me." A video of the performance has made the rounds on the Internet. This much is clear: There's no danger of Oden testing the "crossover" waters a la Kobe Bryant or Ron Artest.

Kobe's decision is selfless, but is it smart?
By not having finger surgery, Kobe Bryant may be jeopardizing his health. But you can't call him selfish anymore, Mike Kahn says.

Kobe decides to forgo surgery to repair pinkie
Kobe Bryant will not have surgery on his right pinkie because recovery would take too long.

Kobe won't have surgery due to long rehab time
Kobe Bryant will not have surgery on his right pinkie because recovery would take too long. Bryant has played with damaged ligaments in the finger since February, but said Tuesday that he won't have surgery after seeking opinions from hand specialists. "When the doctors told me recovery from a procedure could be 12 weeks, I just decided now was not the time to have surgery," Bryant said on the Web site kb24.com.

Bryant: No surgery on injured pinkie (AP)
Kobe Bryant will not have surgery on his right pinkie because recovery would take too long. Bryant has played with damaged ligaments in the finger since February, but said Tuesday that he won't have surgery after seeking opinions from hand specialists. "When the doctors told me recovery from a procedure could be 12 weeks, I just decided now was not the time to have surgery," Bryant said on the Web...

Kobe decides to forgo surgery to repair pinkie
Lakers star Kobe Bryant said Tuesday on his Web site that he plans to forgo surgery to repair ligament damage in his right pinkie finger.

Question is when? Kobe to undergo pinkie surgery
Lakers guard Kobe Bryant announced Monday he will undergo surgery to repair ligament damage in his right pinky finger.

Team USA holds off Spain for gold
The United States won the gold medal in Olympic men's basketball Sunday with a 118-107 victory over Spain. The Americans won their first gold medal since the 2000 Olympics, but not without a fight. They led by just four points with less than 2 1/2 minutes remaining before pulling away to beat the same team they handled by 37 points in pool play. Dwyane Wade scored 27 points and Kobe Bryant added 20 for the Americans.

US basketball players prepare for finale (AP)
LeBron James finished his free throw contest with Chris Paul, then hustled over to the media surrounding Kobe Bryant. Two more questions for Mr. Bryant, James told reporters. It was time to practice. For the last time. More than three years after coming together in Las Vegas as the inaugural U.S. national team program, James and teammates worked out for the final time Saturday.

US pulls away from Aussies, makes semis (AP)
Don't doubt this U.S. men's basketball team -- and sure don't challenge them, either. Especially if it's going to make Kobe Bryant flash his NBA MVP form. Bryant scored 25 points in his best game in Beijing, and the men's U.S. Olympic team advanced to the semifinals by beating Australia 116-85 on Wednesday night.

US overwhelming opponents with depth (AP)
BEIJING -- Kobe Bryant picked up two fouls in the first five minutes against Spain. Another starter, Carmelo Anthony, had three fouls midway through the second quarter. No problem. U.S. coach Mike Krzyzewski went to his bench and overwhelmed the defending world champions. What was billed as a possible preview of the gold medal game turned into a showcase of American depth -- and that has proved the...

Lakers agree to terms with Chinese guard Sun
The Los Angeles Lakers agreed to terms with guard Sun Yue, who is playing for China and will face Kobe Bryant and the U.S. men's team Sunday in the Beijing Olympics. Lakers spokesman John Black declined Saturday to discuss details of the terms and said it could be some time before a contract is signed. "It could be weeks, it could be days," he said. The 6-foot-9, 212-pound Sun was the Lakers' second-round draft pick last year.

Lakers agree to terms with 2nd-round draft pick
- The Los Angeles Lakers agreed to terms with guard Sun Yue, who is playing for China and will face Kobe Bryant and the U.S. men's team Sunday in the Beijing Olympics.

Lakers agree to terms with Chinese G Sun (AP)
The Los Angeles Lakers agreed to terms with guard Sun Yue, who is playing for China and will face Kobe Bryant and the U.S. men's team Sunday in the Beijing Olympics. Lakers spokesman John Black declined Saturday to discuss details of the terms and said it could be some time before a contract is signed.

On Redeem Team, Kobe has most to gain
They call it the Redeem Team, but Ian O'Connor says none of the American stars has more on the line than Kobe Bryant.

Kobe and Co. arrive to heroes' welcome in Beijing
With their Olympics opener scheduled for Sunday against the host Chinese, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and the rest of the team arrived amid near pandemonium after fans waited hours for a glimpse of their basketball heroes.

Bryant scores 19, helps U.S. win defensive struggle
Kobe Bryant provided the offense in the U.S. Olympic basketball team's first defensive struggle. Bryant scored 19 points, Carmelo Anthony added 17, and the Americans beat Russia 89-68 Sunday in what was by far their most competitive tuneup yet for the Beijing Games. The United States had been scoring 118 points per game while winning its first three exhibitions by an average of 41 points. Russia allowed far fewer fast-break baskets than the previous U.S.

Team USA beats Russia 89-68 (AP)
Kobe Bryant provided the offense in the U.S. Olympic basketball team's first defensive struggle. Bryant scored 19 points, Carmelo Anthony added 17, and the Americans beat Russia 89-68 Sunday in what was by far their most competitive tuneup yet for the Beijing Games. The United States had been scoring 118 points per game while winning its first three exhibitions by an average of 41 points.

Bryant scores 19, helps US win defensive struggle
Kobe Bryant provided the offense in the U.S. Olympic basketball team's first defensive struggle. Bryant scored 19 points, Carmelo Anthony added 17, and the Americans beat Russia 89-68 Sunday in what was by far their most competitive tuneup yet for the Beijing Games. The United States had been scoring 118 points per game while winning its first three exhibitions by an average of 41 points. Russia allowed far fewer fast-break baskets than the previous U.S.

US rolls to 120-84 win over Lithuania (AP)
Kobe Bryant harassed longtime nemesis Sarunas Jasikevicius into a miserable night and helped the U.S. Olympic basketball team roll to a 120-84 exhibition victory over Lithuania on Friday night. Dwyane Wade scored 19 points, Dwight Howard had 17 and LeBron James 15 for the Americans, who raced to a big early lead, then pulled away again after Lithuania got within single digits early in the second...

James joins ranks of hurting US players (AP)
LeBron James limped from the trainer's table to a nearby folding chair, careful not to put any pressure on his sprained right ankle. A few feet away, Dwyane Wade conducted interviews with ice packs on both knees, with Kobe Bryant striking the same pose to his right. To Wade's left, Carmelo Anthony was getting his shoulder wrapped by a trainer.

Coach K: U.S. players not 'going to sell shoes'
Mike Krzyzewski has piled up the national championships, coaching awards and conference titles during nearly three decades at Duke. The Hall of Fame coach insists there's plenty of room in his trophy case for an honor of even higher significance. "Someone asked (Kobe Bryant), on your mantle, what (awards) would have the highest place? The gold medal," Krzyzewski said Wednesday. "And all the guys would say, and have said, 'What's more important? The gold medal. Playing for our country.

Woods, Brady, Bryant, A-Rod top ESPY nominees
Tiger Woods, Tom Brady, Kobe Bryant and Alex Rodriguez are the contenders for best male athlete as the ESPY nominees have been announced.

The best of Shaq vs. Kobe
Shaq's recent rap on Kobe Bryant is just the latest shot to be fired in the ex-teammates' feud. Jeff Gordon recaps the highlights.

Shaq loses another badge for rap about Kobe
Shaquille O'Neal's raunchy rap in which he mocked former teammate Kobe Bryant is costing him another of his lawman badges. Bedford County Sheriff Mike Brown said Wednesday that he has asked the Phoenix Suns center to return a badge he was given for his work with the southwest Virginia county's Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

Bad rap: Shaq loses another lawman's badge
Shaquille O'Neal's raunchy rap in which he mocked former teammate Kobe Bryant is costing him another of his lawman badges.

Shaq to lose another police badge (AP)
Shaquille O'Neal's raunchy rap in which he mocked former teammate Kobe Bryant is costing him another of his lawman badges. Bedford County Sheriff Mike Brown said Wednesday that he has asked the Phoenix Suns center to return a badge he was given for his work with the southwest Virginia county's Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

Shaq gets slapped by sheriff for Kobe rap
Shaquille O'Neal will lose his special deputy's badge in Maricopa County because of language he used in a rap video that mocks former teammate Kobe Bryant. Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio said the Phoenix Suns center's use of a racially derogatory word and other foul language left him no choice. Arpaio made Shaq a special deputy in January and promoted him to colonel of his largely ceremonial posse earlier this month.

Sheriff wants Shaq's badges back after Kobe rap
Shaquille O'Neal will lose his special deputy's badge in Maricopa County because of language he used in a rap video that mocks former teammate Kobe Bryant.

No surprises: LeBron, Kobe top Team USA roster
LeBron James will get another shot at Olympic gold, and this time, he'll have reigning MVP Kobe Bryant.

Shaq takes swipe at Kobe in rap (AP)
Just in case anybody had forgotten that Kobe Bryant has never won an NBA title without Shaquille O'Neal, the big man sent out a reminder. The Phoenix Suns center can be seen rapping that "Kobe couldn't do without me" in a video posted online at celebrity news and gossip site TMZ.com During the two-minute video, a grinning O'Neal lurches through an improvised rap in which he skewers the Lakers'...

Shaq takes shots at Kobe in rap
Just when you thought the war of words between Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant had finally been laid to rest, the battle now appears to be back on.

Not music to Kobe's ears: Shaq rap rips Bryant
In a rap song on Sunday night, Shaquille O'Neal ripped Kobe Bryant.

James, Bryant to lead US team
LeBron James will get another shot at Olympic gold, and this time, he'll have reigning MVP Kobe Bryant. James and Bryant, making his first Olympic appearance, will lead a U.S. team that hopes to capture the gold medal in Beijing in August after a third-place showing in Athens four years ago. They'll have plenty of help. Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony and Jason Kidd were among the 12 players placed on the team Monday.

Kobe satisfied with Lakers roster, looking forward
Kobe Bryant says he's satisfied with the roster the Lakers have and with their future prospects for a championship, according to Los Angeles-area media reports.

Bynum, Kobe to help Lakers contend again (AP)
Although the Lakers' season ended with a thud, they have Andrew Bynum coming back and youth and Kobe Bryant on their side, so they can say "Wait 'til next year" and be taken seriously. Since Shaquille O'Neal left town with three championship rings following the 2003-2004 season, Los Angeles has been vulnerable inside on both ends of the floor.

Kobe's play less than legendary in Finals
A season of redemption ended in disappointment for Kobe Bryant. His Finals performance won't help his legacy, Jeff Goodman says.

Kobe, Lakers don't have enough vs. Celtics
The best player was no match for the best team. Even Kobe Bryant couldn't solve Boston's suffocating defense in the NBA finals, which ended Tuesday night when the Celtics crushed the Los Angeles Lakers 131-92 in Game 6. Bryant knew all along the Celtics were going to force someone besides him to beat them, and there was nobody else in purple and gold up for the job.

Lakers send NBA finals back to Boston (AP)

Pack up the championship trophy and book a flight back to Boston, the NBA finals aren't over yet. The Los Angeles Lakers are headed East to try a historic comeback of their own. Kobe Bryant scored 25 points, including a decisive dunk in the final minute -- and Lamar Odom added 20 as the Lakers, playing with pride on their star-studded stage, prevented the Celtics from winning a 17th title with a...

Kobe not feeling pressure, says Finals 'ain't over'
Faced with long odds, Kobe Bryant and the Lakers returned to the practice floor Saturday for the first time since Game 4, when the Boston Celtics stormed back from a 24-point deficit to win and take a 3-1 lead in this reborn rivalry.

Kobe says series is far from over
With the same purpose as one of his in-your-face jumpers, Kobe Bryant leaned into the microphone. He promised more NBA finals games to come. "The series ain't over," he said. "It's far from over." Faced with long odds, Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers returned to the practice floor Saturday for the first time since Game 4, when the Boston Celtics stormed back from a 24-point deficit to win and take a 3-1 lead in this reborn rivalry. The Lakers have run out of time and tomorrows.

Bryant says NBA finals 'ain't over' (AP)
With the same purpose as one of his in-your-face jumpers, Kobe Bryant leaned into the microphone. He promised more NBA finals games to come. "The series ain't over," he said. "It's far from over." Faced with long odds, Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers returned to the practice floor Saturday for the first time since Game 4, when the Boston Celtics stormed back from a 24-point deficit to win and take...

Sorry Phil, this series is over
Phil Jackson can deny it. Kobe Bryant can too. But make no mistake: With the Lakers down 3-1, this series is over, Todd Behrendt says.

Kobe, Lakers suffer gutting loss in Game 4
Even Kobe Bryant couldn't save the Los Angeles Lakers, who find themselves on the brink of elimination after one of the biggest collapses in NBA finals history. The Lakers led Boston by as many as 24 points in the second quarter and by 20 midway through the third before the Celtics rallied for a 97-91 victory Thursday night and a 3-1 series lead. No team has ever come back from such a deficit in the finals. "We let a huge opportunity slip away," Bryant said.

Kobe, Laker suffer gutting loss in Game 4
Even Kobe Bryant couldn't save the Los Angeles Lakers, who find themselves on the brink of elimination after one of the biggest collapses in NBA finals history. The Lakers led Boston by as many as 24 points in the second quarter and by 20 midway through the third before the Celtics rallied for a 97-91 victory Thursday night and a 3-1 series lead. No team has ever come back from such a deficit in the finals. "We let a huge opportunity slip away," Bryant said.

Down 24, Celtics top Lakers to go up 3-1 (AP)

In their comeback season, the Celtics saved the biggest one of all for the NBA finals. Boston rallied from a 24-point deficit and beat the Los Angeles Lakers 97-91 on Thursday night to take a commanding 3-1 lead in this history-rich series and move within one victory of a 17th championship that seemed impossible a year ago.

LIVE: Celtics, Lakers playing Game 4
Kobe Bryant and Sasha Vujacic carried the Lakers in Game 3. They might need assistance to tie the Finals. Follow Game 4 LIVE.

Kobe's star illuminates Lakers' victory in Game 3
As stars for both teams came up short, Kobe Bryant rose to the occasion when the Lakers needed him in Game 3, Charley Rosen says.

Ref's charges of conspiracy linger over NBA finals
If Tim Donaghy's latest allegations are true, Kobe Bryant won his last championship with the help of an NBA conspiracy. And Scot Pollard is still ringless because some guys in suits determined it would be that way. Even with Bryant chasing another title in a marquee NBA finals matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics, the league still can't escape the Donaghy mess, now nearly a year after learning the former referee bet on games he officiated.

Donaghy's charges linger over NBA finals (AP)
If Tim Donaghy's latest allegations are true, Kobe Bryant won his last championship with the help of an NBA conspiracy. And Scot Pollard is still ringless because some guys in suits determined it would be that way. Even with Bryant chasing another title in a marquee NBA finals matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics, the league still can't escape the Donaghy mess, now nearly a...

Bryant scores 36, Lakers pull within 2-1 (AP)

On his floor and on his game, Kobe Bryant revived the Los Angeles Lakers -- and the NBA finals. With his team one loss from having to make an impossible climb, Bryant was close to MVP form, scoring 36 points on an assortment of spins, drives and jumpers and reserve Sasha Vujacic added 20 points as the Lakers beat the Boston Celtics 87-81 in Game 3 on Tuesday night.

Lakers edge Celtics in Game 3
It wasn't pretty, but the Lakers will take it. Kobe Bryant scored 36 points as L.A. sliced Boston's lead to 2-1 in the NBA Finals.

Jackson: Jump shot Jesus has returned
Jump shot Jesus is back, but it is his defense on Kobe Bryant that has marked Ray Allen's return, Scoop Jackson writes.

Lakers head home in need of wins
Home better be sweet for the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 3 of the NBA finals or they'll be faced with a challenge that's never been met. Yep, they're in a must-win situation, any way you cut it. After their Kobe Bryant-led fourth-quarter comeback from a 24-point deficit fell just short Sunday night, the Lakers headed home from Boston trailing the Celtics 2-0 and aware that an NBA team has never recovered from a 3-0 deficit to win a best-of-seven series.

NBA Finals Preview: Game 2
Kobe Bryant can bounce back in Game 2, but he needs to change his offensive approach against Boston, Marques Johnson says.

Celtics hold off Lakers, lead finals 2-0 (AP)

Banner No. 17 is halfway to the rafters. The Celtics are two wins from another NBA championship. And maybe a little lucky to be there. Paul Pierce, darting around the parquet floor with ease, scored 28 points, Boston's defense mobbed Kobe Bryant long enough and unknown Leon Powe scored 21 points as the Celtics held off a remarkable Los Angeles rally for a 108-102 win over the Lakers on Sunday night.

Bryant looks to bounce back in Game 2 (AP)
One sub-par performance can happen to anyone. Another, perhaps just a fluke. Could three be a trend? Nah, not in the case of Kobe Bryant. "I get those looks again, I'm foaming at the mouth," the Los Angeles star said Friday. "I want those looks again. I would never be bashful, you know that." Bryant's remarks came in the wake of a horrendous -- for him -- shooting performance Thursday night, when he...

Celtics 'D' stifles Bryant, Lakers again (AP)
Coach Doc Rivers vowed he wouldn't change the way the Celtics did anything on defense in the NBA finals. And why should he? Boston's defense was too good for Los Angeles in the regular season, and it still is so far now. The Celtics shook off a poor defensive effort in the first half to contain Kobe Bryant and his sidekicks in the second half, pulling away for a 98-88 victory Thursday night in Game...

Lakers: 'Good luck' not doubling Bryant (AP)
The Celtics practiced and met with the media first Wednesday. So not long after the Los Angeles Lakers took the floor, they became aware of what could be the key defensive strategy in the NBA finals. The Celtics don't plan to double-team Kobe Bryant. Good luck with that, Lakers players responded. "Well, that's their problem if they don't want to double-team Kobe," forward Vladimir Radmanovic said.

Garnett provides big challenge to Lakers (AP)
While Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers used an explosive offense to reach the NBA finals, their defensive adjustments were critical as well. Now, after getting past the likes of Utah's Carlos Boozer and San Antonio's Tim Duncan in the Western Conference playoffs, they face perhaps their most daunting challenge in Boston's Kevin Garnett, a versatile 7-footer who can do damage from the inside...

NBA to auction off game-worn jerseys from finals
Basketball star Kobe Bryant shoots, scores, and all the while fans can bid online on the NBA Most Valuable Player's jersey in real-time.

West: Bryant the NBA's 'ultimate closer' (AP)
Jerry West has had a front-row seat to watch the evolution of Kobe Bryant: precocious teenager, three-time NBA champion, angry superstar and beloved MVP. One of the game's all-time greats himself, West can relate to some of what Bryant has experienced. And the man known as Mr. Clutch understands what separates Bryant from the rest.

Tony Allen back at practice for Celtics (AP)
Boston backup guard Tony Allen is back on the practice court as the Celtics prepare for the NBA finals against the Los Angeles Lakers. Coach Doc Rivers said Allen was only supposed to go through the first part of practice on Tuesday, but he was jumping and dunking. Allen had some success guarding Lakers star Kobe Bryant in the regular season, holding the NBA MVP to 22 points on 6-for-25 shooting.

Allen back at practice for Celtics
Boston backup guard Tony Allen is back on the practice court as the Celtics prepare for the NBA finals against the Los Angeles Lakers. Coach Doc Rivers said Allen was only supposed to go through the first part of practice on Tuesday, but he was jumping and dunking. Allen had some success guarding Lakers star Kobe Bryant in the regular season, holding the NBA MVP to 22 points on 6-for-25 shooting.

Celts' Tony Allen doubtful for finals with foot injury
Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers says Tony Allen might not be back from an injury to guard Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant when the NBA Finals begin Thursday night.

Allen 'doesn't look good' for NBA finals
Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers says Tony Allen might not be back from an injury to guard Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant when the NBA finals begin Thursday night. "It doesn't look good," Rivers said after practice on Monday. "He couldn't get through even the walkthrough portion." Allen had some success against Bryant in the regular season, but the Celtics guard injured his Achilles tendon in a post-practice pickup game during the Eastern Conference finals and hasn't played since.

Celtics G Allen doubtful for NBA finals (AP)
Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers says Tony Allen might not be back from an injury to guard Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant when the NBA finals begin Thursday night. "It doesn't look good," Rivers said after practice on Monday. "He couldn't get through even the walkthrough portion." Allen had some success against Bryant in the regular season, but the Celtics guard injured his Achilles tendon in a...

Bryant leads Lakers back to NBA finals (AP)

Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers dispatched the defending champions, and are headed to the NBA finals for the first time in four years. Bryant scored 17 of his 39 points in the fourth quarter, and the Lakers rallied from an early 17-point deficit to beat the San Antonio Spurs 100-92 on Thursday night and win the Western Conference finals in five games.

Lakers put Spurs on brink of elimination (AP)

Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers are one win away from returning to the NBA finals. Bryant had 28 points and 10 rebounds and the Lakers beat the San Antonio Spurs 93-91 on Tuesday night to take a 3-1 lead in the Western Conference finals. It was the Spurs' first home loss this postseason, and the defending champions face elimination when Game 5 is played in Los Angeles on Thursday.

Lakers beat Spurs in Game 4
Kobe Bryant and the Lakers held off the Spurs in San Antonio, putting the defending champs in a 3-1 hole in the West finals.

Lakers beat Spurs 101-71, take 2-0 lead (AP)

There would be no blown lead in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals. Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers saw to that. Bryant scored 22 points, Lamar Odom added 20 points and 12 rebounds, and the Lakers took command late in the second quarter to rout San Antonio 101-71 Friday night for a 2-0 lead over the Spurs.

Lakers rally from 20 down to stun Spurs (AP)

Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers waited until the third quarter to get going. Once they did, the San Antonio Spurs couldn't stop them. Bryant scored all but two of his 27 points after halftime, including a go-ahead, 10-foot jumper in the lane with 23.9 seconds remaining, and the Lakers rallied from a 20-point deficit to beat the Spurs 89-85 on Wednesday night in Game 1 of the Western...

Lakers rally to beat Spurs in Game 1
After a lethargic first half, Kobe Bryant led the way as the Lakers rallied from 20 down to stun the Spurs in Game 1 of the West finals.

LIVE: Spurs, Lakers playing Game 1
To get to the NBA Finals, Kobe Bryant and the Lakers have to get past the defending champs. Follow Game 1 of the West finals (LIVE).

Lakers wait again for next opponent (AP)
The time has come for another Los Angeles Lakers' team dinner and viewing party. The question is, will Kobe Bryant pick up the tab again? "As MVP, I think he's going to step up," Sasha Vujacic said. "He's got to, you can't break tradition," Jordan Farmar said. Added Luke Walton: "I don't know, he doesn't have to, he's already picked up two in a row.

Lakers reach West finals, hold off Jazz (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 34 points and Los Angeles held off a furious rally by the Utah Jazz for a 108-105 victory Friday night, putting the Lakers in the Western Conference finals for the first time in four years. The Jazz trailed by 19 at halftime and 16 at the end of the third quarter, but hit a flurry of 3-pointers to get within two points in the final minute.

Lakers beat Jazz 111-104 for 3-2 lead (AP)

So much for Kobe Bryant's sore lower back. Bryant scored 26 points, his teammates kept Utah at bay down the stretch, and Los Angeles Lakers extended the stunning home success by NBA teams in the second round of the playoffs, beating the Jazz 111-104 on Wednesday night to take a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference semifinals.

LIVE: Lakers, Jazz battling in Game 5
The Lakers lost two games in Utah and Kobe Bryant hurt his back. Will everything be better in L.A.? Follow Game 5 LIVE right here.

Kobe, still nursing aching back, sits out practice
Kobe Bryant walked a bit gingerly as he emerged from the training area at Lakers headquarters to speak with reporters Tuesday, remaining on his feet since sitting is not a preferred option because of his sore lower back.

Kobe says he'll play in Game 5 (AP)
Kobe Bryant walked a bit gingerly as he emerged from the training area at Lakers headquarters to speak with reporters Tuesday, remaining on his feet since sitting is not a preferred option because of his sore lower back. "Quite a bit (of pain), but it's a lot better than it was yesterday," Bryant said with a smile -- his mood clearly positive.

Bryant says sore back remains a problem
Kobe Bryant met the media Monday with a new companion - an electronic stimulating device hooked up to his sore lower back. Plans call for the two to spend a lot of time together for the next couple of days, or longer. The Los Angeles Lakers' star tweaked his back in the opening minutes of Sunday's 123-115 overtime loss at Utah that tied the Western Conference semifinals 2-2. "It's pretty sore right now," Bryant said Monday. "It's tight. It's to be expected the next day, I guess.

Bryant says sore back remains problem (AP)

Kobe Bryant met the media Monday with a new companion -- an electronic stimulating device hooked up to his sore lower back. Plans call for the two to spend a lot of time together for the next couple of days, or longer. The Los Angeles Lakers' star tweaked his back in the opening minutes of Sunday's 123-115 overtime loss at Utah that tied the Western Conference semifinals 2-2.

Kobe says he'll play in Game 5 despite sore back
Kobe Bryant said the back injury that sent him to the locker room, dropped him to his knees and had him wincing in pain throughout the Lakers' loss to Utah in Game 3 won't keep him out of Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals Wednesday night.

Bryant, Garnett lead All-Defensive Team
League MVP Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett were selected to the NBA All-Defensive Team on Monday, along with Marcus Camby, Bruce Bowen and Tim Duncan. Garnett, who helped the Boston Celtics to the league's best record, was chosen for the ninth time. The forward was chosen Defensive Player of the Year last month. Bryant, who earned his eighth selection, and Garnett each received 24 first-place votes from the league's 30 coaches. Coaches were not permitted to vote for their own players.

Garnett, Bryant selected to All-Defensive Team
League MVP Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett were selected to the NBA All-Defensive Team, along with Marcus Camby, Bruce Bowen and Tim Duncan.

Bryant, Garnett lead All-Defensive Team (AP)
League MVP Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett were selected to the NBA All-Defensive Team on Monday, along with Marcus Camby, Bruce Bowen and Tim Duncan. Garnett, who helped the Boston Celtics to the league's best record, was chosen for the ninth time. The forward was chosen Defensive Player of the Year last month.

Jazz beat Lakers in OT, tie series at 2 (AP)

Andrei Kirilenko blocked Kobe Bryant twice in overtime and converted a three-point play with 35 seconds remaining as the Utah Jazz beat the Los Angeles Lakers 123-115 on Sunday, tying the Western Conference semifinals at 2-2. The Jazz went 9-for-9 from the foul line in overtime and outscored the Lakers 15-7 in the extra 5 minutes.

MVP Bryant scores 34 as Lakers go up 2-0 (AP)

The Los Angeles Lakers celebrated Kobe Bryant's MVP award the best way possible. Bryant had 34 points, eight rebounds and six assists Wednesday night, and the Lakers beat the Utah Jazz 120-110 to take a 2-0 lead in the Western Conference semifinals and remain the NBA's only unbeaten team in the postseason.

Kobe, Lakers beat Jazz in Game 2
Kobe Bryant enjoyed his first MVP ceremony before Wednesday's game. Then he led the Lakers to a 2-0 series lead over the Jazz.

Bryant unanimous pick for All-NBA team (AP)
Kobe Bryant added another honor Thursday to go with his MVP award, becoming the only unanimous selection to the All-NBA team. The Lakers star was voted to the first team for the third straight season and sixth time in his career. He led Los Angeles to the best record in the Western Conference and was presented with the MVP trophy Wednesday before helping the Lakers to a 120-110 victory over Utah in...

Kobe unanimous pick for All-NBA team
Kobe Bryant added another honor Thursday to go with his MVP award, becoming the only unanimous selection to the All-NBA team. The Lakers star was voted to the first team for the third straight season and fifth time in his career. He led Los Angeles to the best record in the Western Conference and was presented with the MVP trophy Wednesday before helping the Lakers to a 120-110 victory over Utah in Game 2 of the conference semifinals.

Kobe only unanimous pick for All-NBA first team
Kobe Bryant added another honor to go with his MVP award, becoming the only unanimous selection to the All-NBA team.

Kobe receives MVP in ceremony before Game 2
Lakers star Kobe Bryant received his MVP trophy from NBA commissioner David Stern in a brief ceremony before Los Angeles faced Utah in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals Wednesday night.

LIVE: Lakers playing Jazz in Game 2
Kobe Bryant got his first MVP award. Now he and the Lakers are trying to take a 2-0 lead on the Jazz. Follow it LIVE right here.

Bryant expected to be named MVP today
The NBA has scheduled a news conference for Tuesday at a Los Angeles hotel, where Kobe Bryant is expected to be announced as winner of his first Most Valuable Player award. Neither NBA spokesman Mark Broussard nor the Lakers would discuss the subject of the news conference, although the league did refer to it as an NBA Awards Announcement. The Los Angeles Times reported last Friday that the 29-year-old Bryant had won the award.

Kobe wins first career MVP award
Kobe Bryant has won his first MVP award after leading the Los Angeles Lakers to the best record in the Western Conference. He will receive the trophy Wednesday night from commissioner David Stern before the Lakers face Utah in Game 2 of their conference semifinal. Bryant was followed in the voting Tuesday by Chris Paul, Kevin Garnett and LeBron James. Bryant entered the season as the league's two-time defending scoring champion but had finished only as high as third in MVP voting.

Bryant expected to be named MVP on Tuesday
The NBA has scheduled a news conference for Tuesday at a Los Angeles hotel, where Kobe Bryant is expected to be announced as winner of his first Most Valuable Player award. Neither NBA spokesman Mark Broussard nor the Lakers would discuss the subject of the news conference, although the league did refer to it as an NBA Awards Announcement. The Los Angeles Times reported last Friday that the 29-year-old Bryant had won the award.

Bryant to be named NBA MVP Tuesday afternoon
The NBA has scheduled a news conference for Tuesday at a Los Angeles hotel, where Kobe Bryant is expected to be announced as winner of his first Most Valuable Player award.

Bryant's 38 get Lakers by Jazz in opener (AP)

Kobe Bryant, celebrating what is expected to be his first NBA MVP award, did just enough to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to another postseason victory. Bryant had 38 points, six rebounds and seven assists Sunday, and the Lakers made it five straight playoff wins by beating the Utah Jazz 109-98 to begin the second round.

Report: Kobe wins first career MVP award
Kobe Bryant has been selected the NBA's most valuable player for the first time in his 12-year career, the Los Angeles Times reported Friday.

Report: Lakers' Bryant earns first NBA MVP
Kobe Bryant has won the NBA's MVP award for the first time, the Los Angeles Times reported on its Web site Friday night, citing anonymous sources familiar with the outcome of voting by media members.

Bryant leads Lakers into Game 1 vs. Jazz (AP)
When the Staples Center crowd chants "MVP! MVP" in Kobe Bryant's direction Sunday, it won't simply be based on sentiment. While the Los Angeles Lakers' players were watching the finale of the Houston-Utah first-round playoff series Friday night at a Hollywood restaurant, Bryant received an e-mail informing him he had won his first Most Valuable Player award.

Report: Kobe wins MVP award
Kobe Bryant has been selected the NBA's most valuable player for the first time in his 12-year career, the Los Angeles Times reported Friday.

Report: Bryant wins first NBA MVP award (AP)
Kobe Bryant has won the NBA's MVP award for the first time, the Los Angeles Times reported on its Web site Friday night, citing anonymous sources familiar with the outcome of voting by media members. The newspaper reported that commissioner David Stern will be in Los Angeles next week to present the trophy to Bryant.

Bryant leads Lakers to sweep of Nuggets (AP)

No surrender on this night. No matter, the Los Angeles Lakers dispatched the tempestuous Denver Nuggets anyway. Kobe Bryant scored 14 of his 31 points over the final 5 1/2 minutes Monday night, leading the Lakers to a 107-101 victory over the Nuggets and a sweep of their first-round series. Pau Gasol added 21 points in the Lakers' first sweep of a playoff series since whitewashing New Jersey in the...

Lakers storm to 3-0 lead on Nuggets (AP)

Once again, the Denver Nuggets couldn't keep their emotions or Kobe Bryant in check. Bryant scored 22 points and the Los Angeles Lakers took a 3-0 lead in their first-round series, routing the flustered Nuggets 102-84 on Saturday. Game 4 is Monday night, and the Nuggets are going to have to get more out of their All-Star duo of Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson if they hope to take the series back...

Nuggets hope to keep cool vs. Lakers (AP)
The Denver Nuggets realize they need to keep their cool if they're going to rediscover their winning ways before the Los Angeles Lakers bounce them from the playoffs. In their two losses in L.A., the Nuggets never quit barking at Kobe Bryant and got called for a half-dozen technical fouls, including a double-whammy on All-Star Allen Iverson, who was tossed from Game 1.

Bryant's 49 lift Lakers past Nuggets (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored big at the start and finish Wednesday night. In between, he set up his teammates for easy baskets. It turned out to be a winning formula. Bryant had 49 points and 10 assists, and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Denver Nuggets 122-107 to take a 2-0 lead in their first-round playoff series.

Nuggets glad to be back home (AP)
The Denver Nuggets couldn't defend Pau Gasol in Game 1 or Kobe Bryant in Game 2. So, what makes them think they can turn things around in their first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers? "We're home, man," Allen Iverson said. "They got a chance to play in front of their home crowd, and we want that same type of advantage playing in front of ours." The homecourt is about the only...

With Lakers rolling, Kobe wants to stick around
Kobe Bryant made clear Monday what's been, at the very least, a bit ambiguous for nearly a year: He wants to stay with the Los Angeles Lakers and is open to finishing his career with them.

Bryant says he wants to stay with Lakers (AP)

Kobe Bryant made clear Monday what's been, at the very least, a bit ambiguous for nearly a year: He wants to stay with the Los Angeles Lakers and is open to finishing his career with them. "Absolutely," Bryant said the day after the Lakers beat the Denver Nuggets 128-114 in their playoff series opener.

Lakers secure No. 1 seed in West (AP)

The Los Angeles Lakers began the season in chaos 5 1/2 months ago. They finished it as the Western Conference champions. Pau Gasol had 22 points, leading MVP candidate Kobe Bryant added 20, and the Lakers beat the short-handed Sacramento Kings 124-101 Tuesday night to clinch the No. 1 seed in the West and home-court advantage throughout the conference playoffs.

West winner should determine MVP
Kobe Bryant or Chris Paul? Chris Paul or Kobe Bryant? Peter Vecsey says you really can't go wrong with either one as MVP.

Lakers rout Spurs, sit alone atop West (AP)

The Los Angeles Lakers took sole possession of the Western Conference lead Sunday. MVP candidate Kobe Bryant had 20 points, five rebounds and five assists before sitting out the fourth quarter, and the Lakers routed the defending NBA champion San Antonio Spurs 106-85 for their seventh win in eight games.

Lakers clinch Pacific, beat Hornets (AP)

The Los Angeles Lakers are Pacific Division champions for the first time in four years and have a shot at the Western Conference title after winning their most important game of the season. But they had to survive a tremendous scare, blowing all but one point of a 30-point lead. Kobe Bryant, making a push for his first MVP award, had 29 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists, and the Lakers held off...

Lakers narrow Hornets' lead in West
Kobe Bryant and the Lakers built a big lead and then held off the Hornets, tightening the race at the top of the Western Conference.

Lakers win, gain ground on idle Hornets (AP)

Luke Walton scored 13 of his 18 points in the fourth quarter and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the short-handed Clippers 106-78 Thursday night for their fifth win in six games. The victory moved the Lakers (54-25) within 1 1/2 games of the Western Conference-leading New Orleans Hornets entering Friday night's showdown between the teams.

Happy Bryant a leading MVP candidate (AP)

Just last spring, an incensed Kobe Bryant was the NBA's most vocal player, demanding to be traded by the Los Angeles Lakers. Now, nearing the end of what he calls his most satisfying regular season, Bryant is among the leading candidates for another MVP moniker: Most Valuable Player. "It would be special.

Blazers snap Lakers' 4-game win streak (AP)

Though the Trail Blazers are out of the playoffs, that doesn't mean they're going quietly. With the crowd at the Rose Garden chanting "Beat L.A!" Portland held off the Los Angeles Lakers 112-103 on Tuesday night. Brandon Roy scored 23 points and matched his career high with 12 assists for Portland, which snapped a five-game losing streak.

Taking baby steps
Even Tracy McGrady and Kobe Bryant weren't immediate stars, which is why Mike Kahn likes bumping the minimum age to 20.

Lakers down Mavs, secure playoff spot (AP)

Lamar Odom scored a season-high 31 points, Kobe Bryant added 25 points and 10 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers clinched a playoff berth Friday night with a 112-108 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. The Lakers have qualified for the playoffs in 55 of their 60 seasons as a franchise, winning 14 NBA championships and 27 division titles -- hoping for a 28th with a magic number of five.

Gasol returns as Lakers defeat Blazers (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 14 of his 36 points in the fourth quarter, Pau Gasol added 10 points in his first game in nearly three weeks and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Portland Trail Blazers 104-91 on Wednesday night. Bryant also had 13 rebounds and seven assists for the Lakers (51-24), who trail New Orleans by 1 1/2 games and San Antonio by one game in the Western Conference standings.

Bryant rallies Lakers past Wizards in OT (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored six of his 26 points in overtime, and the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Washington Wizards 126-120 Sunday night to snap a two-game losing skid. Sasha Vujacic scored 20 points, Luke Walton added 19, Vladimir Radmanovic 18 and Lamar Odom had 10 points and 13 rebounds as the Lakers notched their 50th victory for the 29th time in franchise history.

Bryant scores 53, Lakers lose to Memphis (AP)

Rudy Gay led five players in double figures with 28 points and the Memphis Grizzlies beat the Los Angeles Lakers 114-111 despite 53 points by Kobe Bryant against the NBA's worst road team Friday night. The Lakers lost their second in a row to another of the NBA's lesser teams, having been beaten by Charlotte on Wednesday night.

Bryant ejected as Bobcats stun Lakers (AP)

Jason Richardson and Raymond Felton got sick Wednesday morning, putting their status in question for the Charlotte Bobcats' game against the high-flying Los Angeles Lakers. Unfortunately for the Lakers, they recovered in time to play. Richardson had 34 points and 10 rebounds, Felton added 13 points and 10 assists, and the lowly Bobcats stunned the Lakers 108-95 on Wednesday night in a game where...

Michael Jordan jersey still NBA's best seller
Michael Jordan is still on top as the NBA's leading salesman five years after he retired. Jordan has the best-selling jersey in the history of the NBA Store, the league announced on Wednesday in kicking off plans for its anniversary celebration. Kobe Bryant was second, followed by Allen Iverson. Like Jordan, they also changed uniform numbers or teams, creating more interest in their jerseys. LeBron James was fourth and Shaquille O'Neal rounded out the top five.

Odom's OT layup lifts Lakers by Warriors (AP)

Lamar Odom made the go-ahead layup with 9 seconds left in overtime, and the Los Angeles Lakers shook off the Golden State Warriors' frantic regulation rally to hang on for a 123-119 victory Monday night, concluding an immensely entertaining miniseries. Kobe Bryant scored 23 of his 30 points after halftime, while Odom finished with 23 points and 21 rebounds as the Lakers reclaimed the Western...

Lakers send Sonics to 10th straight loss (AP)
Kobe Bryant scored 23 points, seven of his teammates also scored in double digits, and the Los Angeles Lakers beat Seattle 130-105 on Friday night, sending the SuperSonics to their 10th straight loss and completing a sweep of the four-game season series. The Western Conference-leading Lakers returned to Staples Center from an arduous 2-2 road trip that concluded with victories over Dallas and Utah...

Lakers end Jazz's 19-game home streak (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 27 points, Lamar Odom had 21 points and 12 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers ended Utah's 19-game home winning streak with a 106-95 victory over the Jazz on Thursday night. Derek Fisher added 11 points and Vladimir Radmanovic scored 13 for the Lakers, who are the first team to win in Utah in 2008.

Up 25, Lakers hold off Mavs 102-100 (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 29 points and Vladimir Radmanovic scored 10 of his season-high 21 in the final quarter, giving the Los Angeles Lakers just enough to hold off the Dallas Mavericks, 102-100, Tuesday night. The Lakers led by 25 points midway through the third quarter, but were up only 101-100 with 4.8 seconds left.

Rockets' win streak to 22, beat Lakers (AP)

The Houston Rockets did more than extend their winning streak on Sunday. They validated it. Rafer Alston scored 31 points and hit eight 3-pointers, both career highs, and the Rockets beat the Los Angeles Lakers 104-92 to extend their winning streak to 22 and claim sole possession of first place in the Western Conference.

Lakers take down Toronto
Kobe Bryant scored 34 points as the Lakers beat the visiting Raptors 117-108. Bryant talked about the victory with FSN after the game.

Kobe helps Lakers regain lead in West (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 10 of his 34 points in the final 8 1/2 minutes, Lamar Odom added 20 points and nine rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Toronto Raptors 117-108 on Tuesday night to regain the top spot in the Western Conference. Now, they'll face a major challenge staying there, playing their next four games on the road against New Orleans, Houston, Dallas and Utah, who have a...

Late FTs get Kings by Lakers 114-113 (AP)

Sacramento's Beno Udrih made two free throws with 4 seconds remaining, and Los Angeles' Kobe Bryant missed an 18-foot jumper at the buzzer Sunday night in the Kings' 114-113 victory over the Lakers. Udrih finished with 25 points and 10 assists for Sacramento, winning for just the second time in nine games in a stretch that included a defeat by the Lakers in Sacramento on Tuesday.

Lakers' 12 2nd-half 3s sink Clippers (AP)

Derek Fisher scored 17 points, Kobe Bryant had 16 and the Los Angeles Lakers went on a 3-point shooting spree in the second half of a 119-82 rout of the Clippers on Friday night. The Pacific Division-leading Lakers went 12-of-17 from 3-point range in the second half after making just two of six from beyond the arc in the first two quarters.

Bryant's 34, Gasol's 31 keep Lakers hot (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 17 of his 34 points in an electric fourth-quarter performance, and Pau Gasol added 31 points in the Los Angeles Lakers' 12th victory in 13 games, 117-105 over the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday night. Bryant scored all of his fourth-quarter points in the final 5:56, including 11 straight as the Lakers took their first lead in a mean-spirited game between longtime rivals.

Bryant's 52 lift Lakers over Mavs in OT (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 30 of his 52 points in the fourth quarter and overtime Sunday to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 108-104 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. Bryant hit the 50-point mark for the 22nd time in his career and first time this season. He went 15-of-27 from the floor and, constantly driving and drawing fouls, was 20-of-27 from the line.

Blazers end Lakers' 10-game win streak (AP)

Brandon Roy launched a rally for the Portland Trail Blazers' final 24 games. He told his teammates: "Let's make a push, you guys!" Portland responded with a 119-111 victory Friday night over the Los Angeles Lakers. Roy had 20 points and a career-high 12 assists after missing the previous two games with a sprained right ankle.

Lakers beat Heat for 10th straight win (AP)

Jordan Farmar scored a career-high 24 points, Kobe Bryant added 21 and the Los Angeles Lakers extended their winning streak to a season-best 10 games Thursday night with a 106-88 victory over the Miami Heat. The Lakers (41-17) maintained their one-game lead over the defending champion San Antonio Spurs for best record in the Western Conference, and lead Phoenix and New Orleans by two.

Bryant scores 30, Lakers run streak to 9 (AP)

Kobe Bryant established the tone for this season from opening night: He's going for his fourth championship instead of his third consecutive NBA scoring title. Bryant got 11 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter and the Los Angeles Lakers held Portland to 36 percent field goal shooting, beating the Trail Blazers 96-83 Tuesday night for their ninth straight victory.

Kobe tossed, Lakers win eighth straight (AP)

Kobe Bryant made it look too easy scoring, distributing and leading the Los Angeles Lakers back to the top of the Western Conference. Even if he didn't get to see the final 16 minutes. Bryant scored 21 points in just 26 minutes, handed out 10 assists, and picked up his first ejection of the season in Los Angeles' 111-91 win -- its season-high eighth straight -- over the Seattle SuperSonics on...

Kobe loses cool, ejected with Lakers leading by 31
Kobe Bryant was ejected during the third quarter of Sunday night's game in Seattle after picking up a pair of technical fouls while the Los Angeles Lakers led by 31 points.

Kobe ejected for arguing with refs in rout
Kobe Bryant was ejected during the third quarter of Sunday night's game in Seattle after picking up a pair of technical fouls while the Los Angeles Lakers led by 31 points. Bryant was given his first technical by Brian Forte with 4 minutes left in the quarter after Bryant complained about a foul not being called as he chased an offensive rebound. Forte retreated into backcourt, but Bryant followed, continuing his complaints.

Lakers roll to seventh straight victory (AP)

Kobe Bryant was just one of the guys Saturday night. That's how simple it was for the Los Angeles Lakers against their short-handed crosstown rivals. Pau Gasol had 23 points, five rebounds, six assists and three blocked shots, five teammates including Bryant scored in double figures, and the surging Lakers beat the Los Angeles Clippers 113-95 for their seventh straight victory.

Kobe's 41 trump Shaq's debut with Suns (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 41 points to help the Los Angeles Lakers spoil Shaquille O'Neal's Phoenix debut with a 130-124 victory over the Suns on Wednesday night. Pau Gasol added 29, including a breakaway dunk that put Los Angeles up 123-117 with 1:15 to play. Lamar Odom added 22 for the Lakers, who won their sixth in a row to move into a tie with Phoenix atop the Pacific Division.

Bryant, Gasol power Lakers in rout (AP)

Kobe Bryant's sore pinkie wasn't an issue. As a result, Pau Gasol's first home game with the Los Angeles Lakers was a snap. Bryant and Gasol each scored 23 points before sitting out the fourth quarter, and the Lakers coasted to a 122-93 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night after building a 41-point lead late in the first half.

O'Neal says he's ready to run with Suns (AP)

Shaquille O'Neal says he is ready to run with the Phoenix Suns. Really. "I'm going to be looking to get out like Randy Moss and Terrell Owens," he said Tuesday after going through his final workout before making his debut with the Suns on Wednesday night against his old team, the Los Angeles Lakers. The prospect of the 7-foot-1, 325-pound O'Neal, at age 35, fitting in with the high-octane Suns has...

Kobe misses All-Star practice, still expects to start
Wearing a black brace on his injured right hand, Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant sat out the Western Conference's light practice on Saturday but still expects to start in Sunday's NBA All-Star game. Bryant, the MVP in last year's game, has a torn pinkie ligament from dislocating the finger on Feb. 5 in a game against New Jersey. Although surgery has been recommended, Bryant wants to keep playing and postpone any operation until after the Beijing Olympics in August.

Bryant expects to start All-Star game (AP)
Wearing a black brace on his injured right hand, Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant sat out the Western Conference's light practice on Saturday but still expects to start in Sunday's NBA All-Star game. Bryant, the MVP in last year's game, has a torn pinkie ligament from dislocating the finger on Feb.

Injured Kobe will suit up for NBA All-Star Game
Despite suffering a complete tear of the radial collateral ligament and an avulsion fracture in his pinkie, Kobe Bryant will play in Sunday night's NBA All-Star Game, according to a Lakers spokesperson.

Lakers hoping ailing Kobe can skip All-Star Game
An injured finger may keep Kobe Bryant out of the All-Star Game.

Bryant out of 3-point event
Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki will replace Kobe Bryant in the 3-point shooting contest Saturday night because the Los Angeles Lakers' star has a dislocated pinkie on his right hand.

Dirk replaces Kobe in 3-point contest (AP)
Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki will replace Kobe Bryant in the 3-point shooting contest Saturday night because the Los Angeles Lakers' star has a dislocated pinkie on his right hand. Bryant's injury will not keep him out of Sunday night's All-Star game in the New Orleans Arena. Nowitzki, the NBA MVP last season, won the 3-point shootout in 2006.

Bryant, Kidd await fates as All-Star Game nears
Kobe Bryant will start for the Western Conference in the All-Star game, and Jason Kidd will be in the lineup for the East.

All-Stars Bryant and Kidd in limbo (AP)
Kobe Bryant will start for the Western Conference in the All-Star game, and Jason Kidd will be in the lineup for the East. Probably. But with Bryant's right pinkie in a splint and Kidd stuck somewhere between New Jersey and Dallas in the midst of a trade on hold, nothing was a guarantee for either player Friday.

Nowitzki will replace Bryant in 3-point shooting contest
Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki will replace Kobe Bryant in the 3-point shooting contest Saturday night because the Los Angeles Lakers' star has a dislocated pinkie on his right hand. Bryant's injury will not keep him out of Sunday night's All-Star game in the New Orleans Arena. Nowitzki, the NBA MVP last season, won the 3-point shootout in 2006. He will compete in the event for the fifth time.

Lakers hope Bryant can skip All-Star Game
An injured finger may keep Kobe Bryant out of the All-Star Game.

Kobe has injured finger, won't undergo surgery
Kobe Bryant was diagnosed with a torn ligament in his right pinkie finger Thursday and the Lakers All-Star has decided not to undergo surgery that could sideline him for six weeks.

Bryant hopes to put off surgery until after Olympics
Kobe Bryant was diagnosed with a torn ligament in his right pinkie finger Thursday and the Lakers All-Star has decided not to undergo surgery that could sideline him for six weeks. The damage occurred when Bryant dislocated the finger at New Jersey on Feb. 5, and was aggravated in Wednesday night's game at Minnesota. The team said Thursday that the damage was more extensive than first believed.

Dirk to replace Kobe in 3-point contest (AP)
Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki will replace Kobe Bryant in the 3-point shooting contest Saturday night because the Los Angeles Lakers' star has a dislocated pinkie on his right hand. Bryant's injury will not keep him out of Sunday night's All-Star game in the New Orleans Arena. Nowitzki, the NBA MVP last season, won the 3-point shootout in 2006.

Swollen finger has Kobe 's All-Star status uncertain
Kobe Bryant's finger is still bothering him. The Lakers star will see a doctor in Los Angeles to determine whether he'll play in the All-Star game this weekend. Bryant, who dislocated his right pinky last week, scored 29 points in 35 minutes in Wednesday's easy win at Minnesota. Bryant sat out the fourth quarter and had an X-ray after the game. Coach Phil Jackson says he'd prefer Bryant not play in the All-Star game.

Bryant, Gasol help Lakers end trip 7-2 (AP)
After two weeks on the road, the Los Angeles Lakers are going home with Pau Gasol and an impressive record. Kobe Bryant scored 29 points, Gasol pitched in another well-rounded game, Lamar Odom patched together a triple-double, and the Lakers breezed past the Minnesota Timberwolves 117-92 on Wednesday night to finish their road trip 7-2.

Bryant, Gasol prove too much for Bobcats (AP)

Kobe Bryant drove into the lane, met heavy traffic and flipped the ball behind his back toward the corner for Pau Gasol, who was cutting the opposite way. After the ball bounced harmlessly out of bounds, Bryant smiled at Gasol, who smiled back. It was one of their few mistakes in a dominating first half Monday night that provided a glimpse of what the Los Angeles Lakers were hoping for when they...

Bryant, Lakers spoil Marion's Heat debut (AP)

Shawn Marion's debut was strong. It just wasn't enough for the Miami Heat to stop Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers. Bryant scored 33 points, and the Lakers used a 16-2 second-half run to pull away and beat the skidding Heat 104-94 Sunday in Miami's first home game of its post-Shaquille O'Neal era.

Bryant, Gasol get Lakers past Magic (AP)

Kobe Bryant had 36 points, 10 rebounds and six assists, and Pau Gasol scored 30 points, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a wild 117-113 victory over the Orlando Magic on Friday night. Derek Fisher added 14 points and seven assists for the Lakers, who gave up a season-high 44 points in the first quarter, but had enough defense at the end to win for the fourth time in the last five games.

NBA Tip-Off: Power of Pau
Pau Gasol should be getting used to Kobe Bryant and the triangle offense. Marques Johnson likes the Lakers' chances in Orlando.

Kobe, Gasol struggle in loss to Hawks (AP)

With the game on the line, Kobe Bryant was betrayed by his pinkie. Give an assist to Joe Johnson's tight defense. Johnson scored 28 points, including four free throws in the final 23 seconds, and he forced a key turnover by Bryant with 8 seconds left as the Atlanta Hawks beat the Los Angeles Lakers 98-95 on Wednesday night.

Kobe, Nash headline 3-point contest participants
Kobe Bryant will take part in the 3-point shooting contest at All-Star weekend against a field that includes defending champ Jason Kapono and Peja Stojakovic.

Kobe, Nash to play in 3-point contest (AP)
Kobe Bryant will take part in the 3-point shooting contest at All-Star weekend against a field that includes defending champion Jason Kapono and the last repeat winner, Peja Stojakovic. Steve Nash, Detroit All-Star Richard Hamilton and Cleveland's Daniel Gibson also were chosen Wednesday to take part in the event, which will be held Feb.

Gasol picks up Kobe in Lakers' debut (AP)

Pau Gasol was a winner in his Lakers debut, without even much help from Kobe Bryant. Gasol had 24 points and 12 rebounds, and the Lakers beat the New Jersey Nets 105-90 on Tuesday night despite a season-low six points from Bryant, his first single-digit effort in more than a year. Derek Fisher matched a season high with 28 points to lead the Lakers, who improved to 3-1 on their nine-game road trip.

No Gasol, but Bryant lifts Lakers to win (AP)

Kobe Bryant outscored the Washington Wizards all by himself in the first quarter Sunday. Then he let his Los Angeles Lakers teammates in on the fun. Bryant put up 19 points in the opening period on his way to finishing with 30 on 10-of-15 shooting, and the Lakers had no need for the newly acquired Pau Gasol in a 103-91 victory over the Wizards.

Bryant's 46 power Lakers over Raptors (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 46 points and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Toronto Raptors 121-101 on Friday night, hours after acquiring Pau Gasol in a trade with Memphis. The Lakers gave up Kwame Brown, rookie Javaris Crittenton and two first-round draft picks to get Gasol, who will play center until Andrew Bynum (left knee) is ready to return.

Prince's late 3 lifts Pistons by Lakers (AP)

Tayshaun Prince's 3-pointer with 4.4 seconds left lifted the Detroit Pistons to a 90-89 victory over the Los Angles Lakers on Thursday night, overcoming Kobe Bryant's big night. Bryant had 39 points and 10 rebounds, but didn't get a shot on the final possession, which ended with Lamar Odom's airball.

Bryant, Vujacic lead Lakers over Knicks (AP)

Kobe Bryant had 24 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists, Sasha Vujacic scored 12 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter, and the Los Angeles Lakers rallied for a 120-109 victory over the New York Knicks on Tuesday night. The Lakers trailed 99-91 when Vujacic made a pair of 3-pointers to get them going.

James' 41 lift Cavs over Lakers 98-95 (AP)

LeBron James and Kobe Bryant went back and forth throughout an intense fourth quarter. James and his Cleveland Cavaliers won out in the end, even surviving a few raindrops at Staples Center. James scored 14 of his 41 points in the final period, and the Cavaliers beat the short-handed Lakers 98-95 Sunday for their 12th win in 15 games.

Let it rain: Roof leak delays Cavs-Lakers game
Mother nature found a way to stop LeBron James and Kobe Bryant on Sunday -- at least for a little while.

Leaky Staples roof delays Cavs-Lakers (AP)
A leaky roof stopped LeBron James and Kobe Bryant on Sunday -- at least for a while. The Cavaliers-Lakers game was delayed 12 minutes because of a small leak in the Staples Center roof. The steady flow of raindrops fell under the north basket, dropping out of bounds but less than a foot from the baseline.

Howard helps Mavs overcome Kobe's 40 (AP)

Josh Howard had 26 points and played tough defense on Kobe Bryant during a game-changing third quarter, and the Dallas Mavericks held off a furious finish by Bryant for a 112-105 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night. Bryant scored 14 of the Lakers' final 16 points, including the last 10.

Iverson surges late to earn All-Star start
With a late rally, Allen Iverson is an All-Star starter again. Iverson surged from behind in the fan voting to earn a starting spot in next month's game when the vote totals were released Thursday night. Denver Nuggets teammate Carmelo Anthony will join him in New Orleans after earning his first starting nod. Lakers star Kobe Bryant will team with Iverson in the Western Conference backcourt.

Iverson surges late to earn All-Star start
With a late rally, Allen Iverson is an All-Star starter again. Iverson surged from behind in the fan voting to earn a starting spot in next month's game when the vote totals were released Thursday night. Denver Nuggets teammate Carmelo Anthony will join him in New Orleans after earning his first starting nod. Lakers star Kobe Bryant will team with Iverson in the Western Conference backcourt.

Duncan leads Spurs over Lakers 103-91 (AP)

Tim Duncan had 28 points and 17 rebounds to lead the San Antonio Spurs to a 103-91 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night. Ime Udoka added a season-high 18 points and four other Spurs scored in double digits to give San Antonio its second straight victory. Kobe Bryant led the Lakers with 29 points and 12 rebounds, and Ronny Turiaf scored 14 points.

Anthony hurt in Nuggets' loss to Lakers (AP)

Derek Fisher scored a season-high 28 points, Jordan Farmar added 19, and the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers broke open a tight game late in the third quarter to beat the Denver Nuggets 116-99 on Monday night for their 18th win in 22 games. Kobe Bryant, attempting only seven shots and making five, had 17 points and a season-high 11 assists and Lamar Odom added 15 points, 11 rebounds and seven...

From trade bait to willing to wait
Shawn Marion, Andrei Kirilenko and Kobe Bryant all wanted trades last summer. Randy Hill says they seem settled in now.

Bryant's 48 lift Lakers by Sonics in OT (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 48 points and capped his season-best offensive outburst by swishing an 18-footer with 4.3 seconds left in overtime to help the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Seattle SuperSonics 123-121 on Monday night. The Lakers were playing their first game without injured center Andrew Bynum. Bryant returned to being an offensively-focused scorer, taking 44 shots and scoring the Lakers last six...

Bynum's loss a big blow to Lakers
In Andrew Bynum's absence, Kobe Bryant will find out how valuable his once-unwanted teammate has become, Mike Kahn says.

NBA China may lead to bolstered league (AP)
The NBA formed NBA China on Monday, strengthening its business interests in the region and perhaps paving the way for a bolstered professional league in the country. The new entity arrives seven months before the summer Olympics in Beijing, when basketball will be one of the showcase events. American players such as LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade are well known in China, and the Chinese...

Lakers lose Bynum, but defeat Grizzlies (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 37 points, Kwame Brown made a foul shot with 9.2 seconds remaining, and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Memphis Grizzlies 100-99 Sunday night, but they might have lost outstanding young center Andrew Bynum in the process. The Lakers extended their winning streak to six, their longest since they won 11 straight late in the 2003-04 season before going on to reach the NBA finals.

Kobe shakes off illness in Lakers' win (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 16 of his 37 points in the fourth quarter despite a viral upper respiratory infection, Andrew Bynum had 25 points and a career-high 17 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Milwaukee Bucks 110-105 Friday night for their season-high fifth straight victory. Bryant's under-the-weather performance wasn't quite as over-the-top or as significant as Michael Jordan's in Game 5...

Bryant helps Lakers rout Hornets 109-80 (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 19 points, Andrew Bynum added 17 and the Los Angeles Lakers won their fourth straight game, 109-80 over the New Orleans Hornets on Wednesday night. With balanced scoring and stifling defense, the Lakers turned what was supposed to be a marquee matchup between two of the NBA's hottest teams into a lopsided affair that left the home crowd groaning.

Lakers continue surge, down Grizzlies (AP)

Derek Fisher scored 26 points and Kobe Bryant added 25 to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 117-101 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night. It was the 13th win in 16 games for the Lakers, who have won six of their last eight road games. The Grizzlies, who never led in the game, were paced by Mike Miller with 19 points.

Lakers stay hot, beat Pacers 112-96 (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 12 of his 26 points in the third quarter, Andrew Bynum had 23 points and 13 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Indiana Pacers 112-96 Sunday night for their 12th win in 15 games. Derek Fisher scored 22 points, Lamar Odom had 13 points and 13 rebounds, and Luke Walton added 10 points and seven assists for the Lakers (21-11), who moved a season-high 10 games over .500 in...

Lakers' Jackson ties Auerbach in wins (AP)

Phil Jackson pulled even with Red Auerbach in regular-season victories, 5 1/2 seasons after tying the Boston Celtics coach for the most NBA championships won. Kobe Bryant had 31 points and seven assists before sitting out the fourth quarter and the Lakers beat the Utah Jazz 123-109 Friday night, giving Jackson his 938th career win and a share of seventh place on the career list.

Bryant, Bynum lead Lakers over Suns (AP)

Kobe Bryant asked to be traded last spring in part because he wanted to play for a team that could contend for a championship. He just might have gotten his wish by staying put. Bryant scored 26 of his 38 points in the second half, Andrew Bynum had a career-high 28 points to go with 12 rebounds and a season-high four assists, and the Lakers beat the Phoenix Suns 122-115 on Tuesday for their ninth...

Bryant youngest player with 20,000 points
Kobe Bryant became the youngest player in NBA history to reach 20,000 points when he made a 3-pointer Sunday early in the third quarter of the Los Angeles Lakers' game against the Knicks. The basket gave Bryant 20 points and allowed him to reach the milestone at 29 years, 122 days. Before him, only Wilt Chamberlain (29, 134) and Michael Jordan (29, 326) had gotten there before turning 30. Bryant needed 811 games to reach 20,000 points, 15th-fastest in league history.

Kobe becomes youngest to reach 20,000 points
Kobe Bryant became the youngest player in NBA history to reach 20,000 points when he made a 3-pointer Sunday early in the third quarter of the Lakers' game against the Knicks.

Kobe youngest to score 20,000, LA wins (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 39 points, becoming the youngest player in NBA history to reach 20,000, and the Los Angeles Lakers held off the New York Knicks 95-90 Sunday. Bryant added 11 rebounds and eight assists in his first game at Madison Square Garden in nearly two years. His 3-pointer in the opening minute of the third quarter allowed him to reach the milestone at 29 years, 122 days.

Bynum, Odom lead Lakers past Sixers (AP)

Dr. J roused the Philly diehards into an appreciation for the city's last championship team. Kobe Bryant riled up those Sixers fans simply by touching the ball. The 76ers could only wish to matter as much as those two greats. On a night Julius Erving and Philadelphia's 1983 championship team was honored, Andrew Bynum and the Lakers stole the show.

Week 8 Fantasy Stockwatch
Kevin Garnett and Kobe Bryant have slowed down after fast starts while Sebastian Telfair is enjoying a rebirth in Minnesota, says our Jamey Eisenberg.

Vujucic, Odom lift Lakers over Bulls (AP)

Sasha Vujacic scored 19 points, Lamar Odom added 17 points and 16 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Chicago Bulls 103-91 Tuesday night. Slowed by a groin injury, Kobe Bryant scored 18 points for the Lakers, but was a non-factor for long stretches against the team he targeted as a possible destination during the offseason.

Bryant's 32 help Lakers roll by Clippers (AP)
Kobe Bryant scored 32 points and Sasha Vujacic scored all of his 14 points in the fourth quarter, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 113-92 victory over the Clippers on Sunday night. Andrew Bynum, ejected from last Thursday's win over San Antonio after a couple of run-ins with Spurs center Fabricio Oberto, channeled his aggression in a constructive manner with 14 points, nine rebounds and six...

Report: Kobe is game-time decision for Clippers
Kobe Bryant will be a game-time decision Sunday for the Los Angeles Lakers' home game against the cross-town Clippers, the Los Angeles Times reports.

Bryant gets Lakers by short-handed Spurs (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 30 points and the Los Angeles Lakers broke open a tight game in the late going to beat the short-handed San Antonio Spurs 102-97 on Thursday night for their fourth straight victory. The defending NBA champion Spurs (17-5), losers of two straight for the first time this season, played without stars Tim Duncan and Tony Parker.

Kobe 'happy' with Lakers, glad he wasn't traded
It's time to do away with the image of Kobe Bryant playing under protest. After completing a Lakers practice Wednesday afternoon, Bryant said he's glad he hasn't been traded.

Lakers extend dominance of Warriors (AP)

Kobe Bryant had 20 of his 28 points in the second half, six teammates scored in double figures, and the Los Angeles Lakers beat Golden State 123-113 Sunday night for their ninth straight win over the Warriors. The win was the third straight for the Lakers (12-8), who have won 14 of their last 15 games over Golden State and have a 16-1 record against the Warriors at Staples Center since the...

Bryant overcomes flu as Lakers cruise (AP)

Even with a bout of the stomach flu, Kobe Bryant was too much for the NBA's worst team. Bryant scored 15 of his 20 points in the first half to help Los Angeles jump out to a big lead, and the Lakers cruised the rest of the way to a 116-95 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night. Trevor Ariza added 15 points and five rebounds, and Bryant also had five assists for the Lakers, who...

Kobe, Bynum come down with stomach flu on road
Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum of the Lakers both came down with a stomach illness while in Minnesota to face the Timberwolves.

Bryant, Bynum battling stomach illnesses (AP)
Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum of the Los Angeles Lakers both came down with a stomach illness while in Minnesota on Tuesday to face the Timberwolves. Bryant remained in the starting lineup, but Bynum did not dress after spending some time during the day at a Minneapolis hospital to receive IV fluids. "I don't think it's life-threatening," Lakers coach Phil Jackson deadpanned.

Kirilenko, Williams help Jazz by Lakers (AP)

Andrei Kirilenko had his third career triple-double and Deron Williams scored a career-high 35 points to help the Utah Jazz overcome injuries to two starters and beat the Los Angeles Lakers 120-96 on Friday night. Kirilenko finished with 20 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists, along with six steals and four blocks.

Vujacic powers Lakers past Nuggets (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 24 points and reserve guard Sasha Vujacic dominated the fourth quarter, scoring 19 of his career-high 22 points and powering the Los Angeles Lakers to a 127-99 rout of the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night. Vujacic shot 6-for-14 in 21 minutes of action. Andrew Bynum had 12 points and 13 rebounds and Luke Walton added a career-high 14 points in 27 minutes.

Bryant's 35 helps Lakers beat Sonics (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored six of his 35 points in the final 3:51 and the Los Angeles Lakers beat Seattle 106-99 Tuesday night, snapping a three-game skid and sending the SuperSonics to their fifth straight loss. Rookie Kevin Durant had 25 points for the Sonics, who are league-worst 2-13 in their first season under coach P.J.

Sonics no match for Kobe
Kobe Bryant took turns abusing various Seattle defenders and finished with 35 points. Dime was watching and taking names.

Kidd helps Nets edge Lakers 102-100 (AP)

The New Jersey Nets have taken to heart Jason Kidd's comments about the team's desire to win. There was no giving in against Los Angeles on Sunday night. Kidd had 15 points, 14 assists and seven rebounds leading the Nets to a 102-100 victory over the Lakers and Kobe Bryant, who had 31 points. During New Jersey's recent six-game losing streak, Kidd was quoted in New York papers as saying that the...

NBA Tip-Off: Games of the Week
Kobe Bryant will need plenty of help from his teammates tonight when the Lakers take on Boston's Big 3, says Marques Johnson.

KG's double-double gets Celts by Lakers (AP)

Kevin Garnett had 21 points and 11 rebounds to lead the new Big Three in its first game against the rival Lakers, and Paul Pierce added 20 points and nine assists to help the Boston Celtics beat Los Angeles 107-94 on Friday night. Kobe Bryant scored 28 points for Los Angeles, which got no help from having California Gov.

Redd limits Bryant, Bucks top Lakers (AP)

Michael Redd scored 26 points and helped hold Kobe Bryant in check as the Milwaukee Bucks beat the Los Angeles Lakers 110-103 Wednesday night for their fourth straight victory. The Bucks held Bryant to a relatively quiet 27 points on 7-of-18 shooting, including only six points in the fourth quarter. After a slow start, Bryant scored 15 points in the third, ending the quarter with a 3-pointer and...

Bryant, Lakers win fourth straight (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 32 points, and the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers beat the Indiana Pacers 134-114 Tuesday night for their fourth straight win. Jordan Farmar had a career-high 18 points, Andrew Bynum added 17 points and 10 rebounds and the Lakers rolled to a season-high point total. Los Angeles acquired forward Trevor Ariza from the Orlando Magic for forward Brian Cook and swingman Maurice Evans...

Bryant, bench lead Lakers past Bulls (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 10 of his 18 points in the third quarter, five Los Angeles reserves finished in double figures and the Lakers beat the Chicago Bulls 106-78 on Sunday night for their third straight victory. Los Angeles blew the game open by scoring 18 straight points to finish the third quarter and start the fourth for an 81-60 lead with 9:45 remaining.

Odom, Bryant key Lakers' win over Pistons
Lamar Odom had 25 points and 15 rebounds, and Kobe Bryant and Jordan Farmar made key plays down the stretch to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 103-91 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Friday night. The Lakers trailed 74-72 with eight minutes remaining, but took control from there. Bryant went just 6-of-18 from the floor, but he made two 3-pointers and had a three-point play to score 11 points in the last 5:38. He finished with 19 points.

Lakers beat short-handed Pistons 103-91 (AP)

Lamar Odom had 25 points and 15 rebounds, and Kobe Bryant and Jordan Farmar made key plays down the stretch to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 103-91 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Friday night. The Lakers trailed 74-72 with eight minutes remaining, but took control from there. Bryant went just 6-of-18 from the floor, but he made two 3-pointers and had a three-point play to score 11 points in...

McGrady leaves game with strained elbow
The Houston Rockets may have lost more than a game on Wednesday night. Kobe Bryant scored 30 points and the Los Angeles Lakers took advantage of Tracy McGrady's injury to beat the Rockets 93-90 on Wednesday night. McGrady, the league's leading scorer coming into the game, strained his right elbow late in the first half when he reached in on Luke Walton. He was taken to a hospital for tests and his status beyond Wednesday's game wasn't immediately known.

Olympic men's draw final after late-April tourney
Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and the rest of Team USA will have to wait until late April to find out who their first-round opponents will be at the 2008 Olympics.

McGrady hurt in Rockets' loss to Lakers (AP)

The Houston Rockets may have lost more than a game on Wednesday night. Kobe Bryant scored 30 points and the Los Angeles Lakers took advantage of Tracy McGrady's injury to beat the Rockets 93-90 on Wednesday night. McGrady, the league's leading scorer coming into the game, strained his right elbow late in the first half when he reached in on Luke Walton.

Parker, Bowen lead Spurs over Lakers (AP)

Not only did Bruce Bowen successfully guard Kobe Bryant, he even outscored him. Bowen went 6-of-6 from 3-point range, sinking them from his favorite spot in the corner, and the San Antonio Spurs cruised to a 107-92 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night. Bowen finished with 23 points in the Spurs' fourth straight victory.

Parker's 26 points, nine assists do trick
Tony Parker had 26 points and nine assists, and the San Antonio Spurs beat the Los Angeles Lakers 107-92 Tuesday night for their fourth straight victory. Bruce Bowen went 6-of-6 from 3-point range for the Spurs and finished with 23 points. Manu Ginobili added 17 points. Kobe Bryant led the Lakers with 18 points, well below the 30.4 he was averaging before the game. Jordan Farmar added 16 and Lamar Odom had 12.

Odom returns with double-double for Lakers
Kobe Bryant scored 30 points and Lamar Odom had 18 points and 10 rebounds in his season debut Friday night to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 107-93 victory over the winless Minnesota Timberwolves. The Lakers were well-balanced. Andrew Bynum and Chris Mihm each had 10 points and 10 rebounds. Derek Fisher had 11 points and nine assists, and Ronny Turiaf scored 11 points. Bryant chipped in with seven assists.

Bryant, Odom lead Lakers over 0-4 Wolves (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 30 points and Lamar Odom had 18 points and 10 rebounds in his season debut Friday night to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 107-93 victory over the winless Minnesota Timberwolves. The Lakers were well-balanced. Andrew Bynum and Chris Mihm each had 10 points and 10 rebounds. Derek Fisher had 11 points and nine assists, and Ronny Turiaf scored 11 points.

Bulls have problems; is Kobe the answer?
Some are blaming the Kobe Bryant trade rumors for Chicago's slow start. Randy Hill says the real problem is on the court.

Average Lakers ticket is nearly $90
Lakers fans will pay big bucks for tickets this season, whether Kobe Bryant remains in Los Angeles or not. The average price of a Lakers season ticket is $89.24, highest in the NBA, according to Team Marketing Report's survey released Tuesday. That was an increase of 4.5 percent from last season. Lakers owner Jerry Buss said last month the team would look to trade Bryant, who criticized management and asked to be dealt last spring.

Kobe scores 33 as Lakers top Jazz
Kobe Bryant scored six of his 33 points in the final 4 1/2 minutes after blocking an attempted dunk by Andrei Kirilenko, and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Utah Jazz 119-109 on Sunday night. Playing their second straight game against a reigning division champion, the Lakers made it two in a row after humbling the Suns 119-98 at Phoenix on Friday night. Bryant was 13-for-19 from the field and fellow guard Derek Fisher added 19 points, including a career-high 13 free throws.

Bryant scores 33 as Lakers beat Jazz (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored six of his 33 points in the final 4 1/2 minutes after blocking an attempted dunk by Andrei Kirilenko, and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Utah Jazz 119-109 on Sunday night. Playing their second straight game against a reigning division champion, the Lakers made it two in a row after humbling the Suns 119-98 at Phoenix on Friday night.

Kobe leads Lakers past Suns
Vladimir Radmanovic made all four of his 3-pointers and scored 19 points, and Kobe Bryant added 16 points and 11 rebounds, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a stunning 119-98 rout of listless Phoenix in the Suns' home opener on Friday night. The capacity crowd at US Airways Center booed the home team, often, for the first time in recent memory as the Suns lost at home to the Lakers for the first time since Steve Nash came to Phoenix in 2004.

Suns lose home opener, 119-98 to Lakers (AP)

Vladimir Radmanovic made all four of his 3-pointers and scored 19 points, and Kobe Bryant added 16 points and 11 rebounds, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a stunning 119-98 rout of listless Phoenix in the Suns' home opener on Friday night. The capacity crowd at US Airways Center booed the home team, often, for the first time in recent memory as the Suns lost at home to the Lakers for the first...

Still some possibilities in Kobe derby
Would you put Carmelo Anthony in a trade package to bring Kobe Bryant to Denver? Charley Rosen says it would be interesting.

Paxson: No Kobe deal
Bulls GM John Paxson basically squashed the notion that Kobe Bryant will wind up in Chicago, saying the teams were never on the verge of a deal and talks were over for now.

Sheridan: Kobe objecting to Deng's inclusion in Bulls-Lakers trade
Luol Deng has never been an All-Star, but he is the key piece in the Kobe Bryant trade talks between the Lakers and the Bulls, reports Chris Sheridan.

Bulls GM Paxson shoots down Kobe rumors (AP)
Kobe Bryant won't be joining the Chicago Bulls anytime soon. General manager John Paxson basically squashed the notion that the Los Angeles Lakers' superstar will wind up in Chicago, saying the teams were never on the verge of a deal and talks were over for now. "There's not a deal done," he said Thursday.

Bulls GM: Kobe will not be a Bull
Kobe Bryant will not be a Chicago Bull. After days of rampant speculation that the Lakers were set to ship their star player, Bulls GM John Paxson put to rest those rumors on Thursday. "There's not a deal to be done," Paxson was quoted as saying in The Chicago Tribune after Thursday's practice.

Cuban: No Kobe in Dallas
The Mavericks are not part of talks to acquire Kobe Bryant.

Battier trey seals road win for Rockets
Shane Battier made a 3-pointer with 2.5 seconds left, and the Houston Rockets withstood a furious rally from Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers in a 95-93 victory on Tuesday night. Bryant scored 45 points, 18 in the fourth quarter, in a rally that came up just short. Tracy McGrady scored 30 points, Yao Ming had 25 points and 12 rebounds, and the Rockets made Rick Adelman's debut as their coach a success.

Kobe scores 45, but Rockets edge Lakers (AP)

Shane Battier made a tiebreaking 3-pointer with 2.5 seconds left, and the Houston Rockets withstood a furious rally from Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers in a 95-93 victory on Tuesday night. Bryant scored 45 points, 18 in the fourth quarter, in a comeback that fell just short. Tracy McGrady scored 30 points, Yao Ming had 25 points and 12 rebounds, and the Rockets made Rick Adelman's debut as...

Could Detroit be Kobe's destination?
The Kobe Bryant trade talk is still focusing on Chicago. Peter Vecsey thinks there would be a better fit in the same division.

Barkley calls out Kobe for lack of effort
Charles Barkley is calling out Kobe Bryant again for dogging it. Barkley criticized Bryant on Monday for the way he asked the Lakers to trade him, then for not appearing to give his full effort since owner Jerry Buss said he would consider a deal. So when Barkley goes on the air Tuesday night for TNT's season-opening doubleheader, he will probably have some strong words about Bryant for the second time in three years.

Barkley likely to criticize Kobe again (AP)
Charles Barkley is calling out Kobe Bryant again for dogging it. Barkley criticized Bryant on Monday for the way he asked the Lakers to trade him, then for not appearing to give his full effort since owner Jerry Buss said he would consider a deal. So when Barkley goes on the air Tuesday night for TNT's season-opening doubleheader, he will probably have some strong words about Bryant for the second...

Uncertainty reigns for Bryant and Lakers (AP)
Kobe Bryant remains a Laker -- for now. Because of the difficulty involved in trading an NBA superstar, Bryant could play in a Los Angeles uniform for days, weeks or months, no matter how much he wants out or those in charge wish to move him. Bryant professes to be very close to his coach and quite fond of his teammates.

Something's behind Bryant's Vegas void
Kobe Bryant passed up a trip to Las Vegas? Peter Vecsey says there's got to be more to this story than a sprained wrist.

Bryant sits out Lakers practice, should play
Kobe Bryant didn't practice with the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday because of the sprained right wrist that kept him out of Friday night's final exhibition game against the Sacramento Kings in Las Vegas. Bryant didn't travel to Las Vegas with the team and his status was day-to-day, Lakers spokesman John Black said Coach Phil Jackson said he expected Bryant to play Tuesday night in the season opener against the Houston Rockets.

Wrist injury to Kobe not considered serious
Kobe Bryant will miss the Los Angeles Lakers' exhibition game against the Sacramento Kings on Friday night because of a sprained right wrist - an injury that isn't considered to be serious. Lakers spokesman John Black said Bryant didn't travel to Las Vegas for the team's seventh and final exhibition game. "We'll have an update Saturday when he comes to practice," Black said. Lakers coach Phil Jackson said Thursday that Bryant told him a day earlier that he thought his wrist would be OK.

Bryant to miss Lakers' exhibition finale (AP)
Kobe Bryant will miss the Los Angeles Lakers' exhibition game against the Sacramento Kings on Friday night because of a sprained right wrist -- an injury that isn't considered to be serious. Lakers spokesman John Black said Bryant didn't travel to Las Vegas for the team's seventh and final exhibition game.

Report: Kobe's wrist injury adds to Lakers' woes
The difficulties Kobe Bryant has had prior to the upcoming NBA season have been mostly limited to the issues surrounding trade talk swirling around the Lakers' star.

Kobe has off night as Jazz rout Lakers
Ronnie Brewer scored 10 of his 18 points in the third quarter, and five of his Utah Jazz teammates also scored in double digits in a 102-81 rout of the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night at Honda Center. Kobe Bryant played 28 minutes and scored a team-high 15 points on 4-for-16 shooting - including an airball from the top of the 3-point arc with 1:52 left in the third and Los Angeles trailing 72-54.

Lakers' Odom could miss first two weeks
Los Angeles Lakers forward Lamar Odom, sidelined since the start of training camp after undergoing surgery on his left shoulder, could miss the first two weeks of the season. "It could be five games, it could be one or two games. We don't know," Lakers coach Phil Jackson said Tuesday night before a game against the Utah Jazz at Honda Center. Last year, the Lakers began the season without Kobe Bryant in the lineup.

Business is becoming personal in L.A.
Kobe Bryant is still a Laker, but for how long? Peter Vecsey says Kobe's poor relationship with owner Jerry Buss may force a deal.

Lakers reserves put away Bobcats
Vladimir Radmanovic scored 14 points and the rest of the Los Angeles Lakers' bench also made a sizable contribution in a 113-93 rout of the Charlotte Bobcats on Saturday night. Kobe Bryant had six points and four assists in 21 minutes and did not play in the fourth quarter after the Lakers built a 23-point lead. Luke Walton had 10 assists.

Smack: Kobe toys with Sonics
Once Kobe Bryant decided to turn it on against the Sonics, there was no stopping him. Dime felt bad for the poor guy guarding him.

Adande: Kobe puts on a good face ... for now
Kobe Bryant got off the bus in Bakersfield and played an exhibtion game. But the drama of his life in Laker limbo continues, J.A. Adande writes.

Report: Cuban won't trade Nowitzki to get Kobe
Mark Cuban has been known as a risk-taker during his tenure as the owner of the Dallas Mavericks. But Cuban won't risk trading reigning MVP Dirk Nowitzki in an effort to acquire disgruntled Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant.

Jackson won't be coddling Kobe
Why is Kobe Bryant back on the court after sitting out several practices? Because Phil Jackson insisted, says Peter Vecsey.

Bryant returns, leads Lakers over Sonics (AP)
Kobe Bryant returned to the lineup and scored 20 points, 16 in the third quarter, to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 126-106 victory over the Seattle SuperSonics on Thursday night. Bryant, who skipped some practices this week to rest his legs, sat out the second and fourth quarters but scored 12 straight for the Lakers in the third.

Kobe: 'Wherever I'm at, I'm ready to go'
Kobe Bryant appeared upbeat when he spoke to reporters before the Los Angeles Lakers faced Seattle on Thursday night in an exhibition game. Bryant has mostly ignored the media since Lakers owner Jerry Buss stated last week that he "would certainly listen" to trade offers for the two-time defending NBA scoring champion.

Kobe upbeat before exhibition game with Seattle
Kobe Bryant appeared upbeat when he spoke to reporters before the Los Angeles Lakers faced Seattle on Thursday night in an exhibition game.

Kobe denies reports
Hear from Lakers guard Kobe Bryant on reports that he cleaned out his locker.

All signs point to Kobe being traded
So reporters jumped the gun on the whole locker cleaning episode. Randy Hill finds plenty of signs that Kobe Bryant is leaving L.A.

Kobe returns to practice amid trade rumors
Kobe Bryant returned to practice after sitting out the previous three days, and coach Phil Jackson said he expects the disgruntled Los Angeles Lakers' star to play in an exhibition game Thursday night. "Yeah, we'll probably play him, get him out there," Jackson said after practice Wednesday. "He seemed all right, sure did." The Lakers face Seattle in Bakersfield on Thursday night in the first of six exhibition games in nine days.

Bryant denies report he cleaned out locker
Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant sat out practice for the third straight day Tuesday, then denied a report that he had cleaned out his locker - a story carried by several local news outlets. Bryant spoke for less than two minutes in the parking lot of the team's practice facility. Previously, he had said very little to reporters since Jerry Buss stated last week in Honolulu that he "would certainly listen" to trade offers for the NBA's scoring leader. "I don't know, talk to Mitch and Mr.

Kobe misses second straight practice to rest legs
Kobe Bryant sat out practice for the second straight day Monday because of a sore knee, and said he didn't know if he'd play in the Los Angeles Lakers' next exhibition game.

Kobe misses second straight practice
Kobe Bryant sat out practice for the second straight day Monday because of a sore knee, and said he didn't know if he'd play in the Los Angeles Lakers' next exhibition game. The Lakers face the Seattle SuperSonics on Thursday night in Bakersfield - the first of six exhibition games in nine days. Los Angeles coach Phil Jackson said Bryant asked to rest his legs, adding that treatment included ice and massage.

Kobe's defense less than intense
Kobe Bryant was praised for his defense this summer with the U.S. team. That didn't carry over to the preseason, Peter Vecsey says.

Buss still willing to listen to trade offers for Kobe
Months after Kobe Bryant demanded a trade, Lakers owner Jerry Buss openly talked about the possibility of dealing his star player this past offseason or even before February's trade deadline.

Buss says he'd consider trading Kobe
Kobe Bryant may get his wish after all. Los Angeles Lakers owner Jerry Buss said he would consider trading Bryant, the NBA's scoring leader the past two seasons, under the right circumstances. "I would certainly listen," Buss told three Los Angeles-area beat writers covering training camp in Honolulu on Wednesday. "At any time, I think you have to do that with anybody. It's just part of the game, to listen to somebody who has a dissatisfied player that you think is going to fit.

Lakers owner would consider trading Kobe (AP)
Kobe Bryant may get his wish after all. Los Angeles Lakers owner Jerry Buss said he would consider trading Bryant, the NBA's scoring leader the past two seasons, under the right circumstances. "I would certainly listen," Buss told three Los Angeles-area beat writers covering training camp in Honolulu on Wednesday.

Hudson helps Warriors hold off Lakers (AP)

Troy Hudson hit a jumper with less than 1 second to play to lift the Golden State Warriors to a 111-110 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night in the teams' preseason opener. The Lakers' ensuing inbound pass was deflected by Golden State's Austin Croshere. Kelenna Azubuike scored 27 points on 9-for-16 shooting from the field and 7-for-11 from the free-throw line for the Warriors.

Hudson leads Warriors to win over Lakers (AP)

Troy Hudson hit a 3-pointer with less than 1 second to play to lift the Golden State Warriors to a 111-110 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night in the teams' preseason opener. The Lakers' ensuing inbound pass was deflected by Golden State's Austin Croshere. Kelenna Azubuike scored 27 points on 9-for-16 shooting from the field and 7-for-11 from the free-throw line for the Warriors.

Kobe rests sore knee; Walton may move to bench
Kobe Bryant and Luke Walton sat out the Lakers' morning workout Saturday as they recovered from minor injuries.

10 things: Can Kobe stay happy in L.A.?
Kobe Bryant is back with the Lakers and singing an uplifting tune. Mike Kahn wonders in his training camp preview how long it'll last.

Kobe at Lakers media day ready to play
There was some uncertainty regarding Kobe Bryant's presence at media day Monday, and it increased after the entire Los Angeles Lakers' roster except Bryant hit the floor for preseason promos and interviews shortly after the scheduled 10 a.m. start.

Kobe Bryant, G - LAK
Kobe appears ready for Lakers' training camp Visit Rotoworld.com for more analysis on this update.

Lakers: 'No reason' to believe Kobe will miss camp
The time has come for Kobe Bryant to end months of silence regarding the Los Angeles Lakers.

Bryant expected to be at Lakers camp (AP)
The time has come for Kobe Bryant to end months of silence regarding the Los Angeles Lakers. That's assuming he joins his teammates Monday at media day in suburban El Segundo and then on the flight to Hawaii for the start of training camp Tuesday. Although Bryant is expected, his spokesperson Catherine Sebring declined comment when asked about his plans, lending a bit of intrigue.