In the News

Lakers will debate overhaul after playoff exit (Yahoo! Sports)

LOS ANGELES (AP) Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol spent the final minutes of the Los Angeles Lakers' final game arguing in Oklahoma City, disagreeing on the best way to run a pick-and-roll play.

Lakers' Brown: Kobe, Pau will get together
The Los Angeles Lakers are facing elimination and after their most recent loss Saturday, Kobe Bryant pegged the Lakers' late-game problems on Pau Gasol, but coach Mike Brown insists the team isn't coming apart.

Gasol shares blame for Lakers' loss to Thunder
Kobe Bryant hoped for more aggressiveness from the Lakers All-Star forward Pau Gasol in the Lakers' loss to the Thunder.

Pau Gasol wins NBA citizenship award
Lakers forward Pau Gasol has won the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award for his extensive charity work as a UNICEF ambassador.

Lakers' Gasol wins award for NBA's top citizen
Lakers forward Pau Gasol has won the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award for his extensive charity work as a UNICEF ambassador.

Lakers' Gasol wins award as NBA's top citizen (Yahoo! Sports)
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) Lakers forward Pau Gasol has won the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award for his extensive charity work as a UNICEF ambassador.

Gasol key as Lakers outlast Nuggets in Game 7
Pau Gasol had 23 points, 17 rebounds and six assists, Metta World Peace scored 15 points in his return from a seven-game suspension, and the Lakers outlasted the Nuggets for a thrilling 96-87 victory in Game 7 on Saturday.

Daily Dime
Pau Gasol and the Lakers showed how size mattered in delivering a Game 7 win

Lakers outlast Nuggets 96-87 in thrilling Game 7 (Yahoo! Sports)

LOS ANGELES (AP) Stretched to the limit in the series and in Game 7, Pau Gasol and Metta World Peace led the Los Angeles Lakers off the brink of collapse and into the second round.

Supporting cast gives Lakers 3-1 edge over Nuggets (Yahoo! Sports)

DENVER (AP) Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum put up their usual big numbers. Their supporting cast came up even bigger, sealing the Los Angeles Lakers' 92-88 victory over Denver on Sunday night that put the Nuggets on the brink of elimination.

Lakers aiming to close out Nuggets quickly (Yahoo! Sports)

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) Although Kobe Bryant's late-game effectiveness has been debated and dissected over the past 16 years, he seems to love it whenever he doesn't have to take the Los Angeles Lakers' last shot.

Supporting casts lifts Lakers past Nuggets 92-88 (Yahoo! Sports)

DENVER (AP) Crunch time for the Los Angeles Lakers usually belongs to Kobe Bryant, Andrew Bynum or Pau Gasol.

Lawson scores 25 as Nuggets beat Lakers 99-84 (Yahoo! Sports)

DENVER (AP) Ty Lawson scored 25 points and the Denver Nuggets raced to an early 24-point lead on their way to a 99-84 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night in Game 3 of their first-round series.

Lakers hold off Nuggets to take 2-0 series lead (Yahoo! Sports)

LOS ANGELES (AP) Kobe Bryant scored 38 points, Andrew Bynum followed up his playoff-opening triple-double with 27 points and nine rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers weathered Denver's late rally for a 104-100 victory over the Nuggets on Tuesday night, taking a 2-0 series lead.

Lakers hold off Nuggets to take 2-0 series lead (Yahoo! Sports)

LOS ANGELES (AP) The Denver Nuggets ran the court and drove the lane with all the intensity they lacked in their playoff opener. They double-teamed Andrew Bynum, harassed Pau Gasol and scored relentlessly in the paint.

Bryant, Gasol partner up on racehorse
Kobe Bryant outbid his Lakers teammate Pau Gasol for a racehorse called Siempre Mio, but the Spaniard was so enamored with the name — which translates to "Always Mine" — that the original owner allowed the pair to become partners.

Lakers' Bryant, Gasol team up to buy horse (Yahoo! Sports)
LOS ANGELES (AP) Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol are more than just teammates on the Los Angeles Lakers. The NBA stars have partnered in owning a racehorse.

Metta World Peace suspended 7 games for elbow (Yahoo! Sports)

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) Metta World Peace harmed much more than his own tattered reputation when he viciously elbowed Oklahoma City's James Harden in the head.

Metta World Peace suspended 7 games for elbow (Yahoo! Sports)

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) Lakers forward Metta World Peace was suspended seven games by the NBA on Tuesday for throwing a vicious elbow at Oklahoma City's James Harden, meaning the Los Angeles starter likely will miss six playoff games.

Lakers bounce back behind Bynum, Gasol
Andrew Bynum had 31 points and nine rebounds, Pau Gasol recorded a triple-double and the Los Angeles Lakers rebounded from their worst loss of the season by beating the undermanned Golden State Warriors 99-87 on Wednesday night.

Bynum, Gasol lead Lakers' 99-87 rout of Warriors (Yahoo! Sports)

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) Andrew Bynum had 31 points and nine rebounds, Pau Gasol recorded a triple-double and the Los Angeles Lakers rebounded from their worst loss of the season by beating the undermanned Golden State Warriors 99-87 Wednesday night.

Bynum, Gasol too much for Warriors
Andrew Bynum had 31 points and nine rebounds, Pau Gasol recorded a triple-double and the Los Angeles Lakers rebounded from their worst loss of the season by beating the undermanned Golden State Warriors 99-87 Wednesday night.

Bynum (23 and 16) lifts Lakers past Mavericks
Andrew Bynum had 23 points and 16 rebounds, Pau Gasol made back-to-back 3-pointers in overtime, and the Los Angeles Lakers won their fourth straight game without Kobe Bryant, 112-108 over the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday.

Kobe-less Lakers hold off Mavs in overtime 112-108 (Yahoo! Sports)

LOS ANGELES (AP) Andrew Bynum had 23 points and 16 rebounds, Pau Gasol made back-to-back 3-pointers in overtime, and the Los Angeles Lakers won their fourth straight game without Kobe Bryant, 112-108 over the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday.

Kobe-less Lakers rally in 4th, fend off Hornets
Pau Gasol had 25 points and nine rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers overcame Kobe Bryant's absence to beat the New Orleans Hornets, 93-91 on Monday night.

Gasol leads Lakers past Hornets, 93-91 (Yahoo! Sports)

NEW ORLEANS (AP) Pau Gasol had 25 points and nine rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers overcame Kobe Bryant's absence to beat the New Orleans Hornets, 93-91 on Monday night.

Gasol leads Lakers past Hornets
Pau Gasol had 25 points and nine rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers overcame Kobe Bryant's absence to beat the New Orleans Hornets, 93-91 on Monday night.

Gasol wary of Lakers' schedule to end season
Pau Gasol has always been a thoughtful fellow to speak to following a Lakers game -- win or lose -- as he's usually able to remove emotion from the moment in order to provide proper perspective.

NBA upgrades Griffin's foul on Gasol to flagrant
Blake Griffin's dunks on Pau Gasol in the Lakers' win over the Clippers were considered legal plays. A foul by Griffin on Gasol in the third quarter has been upgraded to a flagrant-1 foul, the league informed the Lakers on Friday.

Clippers' Griffin adds Lakers' Gasol to dunk list
So, the Los Angeles Clippers had the most exciting dunks and the Los Angeles Lakers eventually won the game.

Lakers blow big lead, hold off Nets 91-87 (Yahoo! Sports)

Kobe Bryant scored 24 points and rattled home a 3-pointer with 6.8 seconds left, and the Los Angeles Lakers blew every bit of a 17-point lead before holding on for a 91-87 victory over the New Jersey Nets on Tuesday night. Pau Gasol had 22 points and 12 rebounds, and Ramon Sessions had 19 points and 11 assists as the Lakers put an ugly finish on their 11th victory in 15 games despite never...

Kobe's 40 points key Lakers' rally by Warriors
Kobe Bryant scored 40 points, Pau Gasol added 26 and the Lakers found themselves rallying for the second straight game against one of the West's worst teams, beating the Warriors 120-112 on Sunday night.



Lakers beat Warriors 120-112 behind Bryant's 40 (Yahoo! Sports)

Kobe Bryant scored 40 points, Pau Gasol added 26 and the Los Angeles Lakers found themselves rallying for the second straight game against one of the West's worst teams, beating the Golden State Warriors 120-112 on Sunday night. Ramon Sessions added 23 points in his best game since being traded to the Lakers two weeks ago.

Bryant's 40 lift Lakers past Warriors
Kobe Bryant scored 40 points, Pau Gasol added 26 and the Los Angeles Lakers found themselves rallying for the second straight game against one of the West's worst teams, beating the Golden State Warriors 120-112 on Sunday night.

Lakers win in Dallas with key 2nd-quarter run
Kobe Bryant scored 30 points, Pau Gasol added 27 points and nine rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers stopped the Dallas Mavericks' four-game winning streak with a 109-93 victory Wednesday night.

Bryant, Gasol lead Lakers over Mavericks (Yahoo! Sports)

Kobe Bryant scored 30 points, Pau Gasol added 27 points and nine rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers stopped the Dallas Mavericks' four-game winning streak with a 109-93 victory on Wednesday night. Ramon Sessions contributed 17 points and nine assists in his fourth game for the Lakers since he was acquired in a trade with Cleveland on March 15.

Lakers continue dominance of Mavs
Kobe Bryant scored 30 points, Pau Gasol added 27 points and nine rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers stopped the Dallas Mavericks' four-game winning streak with a 109-93 victory on Wednesday night.

Sessions debuts, Lakers beat Wolves for 19th time (Yahoo! Sports)

Kobe Bryant scored 28 points, Ramon Sessions had seven points and five assists as a reserve in his Los Angeles debut, and the Lakers beat Minnesota 97-92 Friday night for their 19th consecutive victory over the Timberwolves. Andrew Bynum had 15 points and 14 rebounds, and Pau Gasol added 17 points and 11 rebounds in the Lakers' fifth straight win overall -- and their first game since early...

Bynum, Bryant help Lakers beat Grizzlies in 2 OTs (Yahoo! Sports)

Andrew Bynum had 37 points and 16 rebounds, Kobe Bryant scored 22 of his 34 points after halftime and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Memphis Grizzlies 116-111 in double overtime on Tuesday night. Pau Gasol added 14 points and eight assists for the Lakers, who won their third straight. Bynum and Bryant accounted for the Lakers' last 10 points after Steve Blake connected on a 3-pointer to open...

Sources: Bulls looking to acquire Lakers' Gasol
The Chicago Bulls are exploring avenues to acquire Los Angeles Lakers forward Pau Gasol before Thursday's trade deadline, according to sources close to the situation.

Lakers' Gasol presses on despite trade rumors
Lakers forward Paul Gasol is taking the trade rumors swirling around him again all in stride and with a sense of humor.

Gasol, Lakers GM finally discuss trade rumors
Pau Gasol and Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak had a discussion about trade rumors dogging the center.

Bulls' Rose says he would never push for trade
Derrick Rose's back is letting him play basketball again, and that despite reports, he's not looking to add any general manager responsibilities to his on-court workload.

Lakers take 30-point lead, win 103-92 (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 28 points, Andrew Bynum had 14 points and 19 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers roared to a 30-point lead early in the second quarter before holding on for a 103-92 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night. Pau Gasol had 16 points and 12 rebounds in his first game since Bryant criticized the Lakers' front office for allowing Gasol to dangle amid trade...

Lakers GM understands, but Pau still on table
Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak says he must explore every opportunity to improve his club, even if Kobe Bryant doesn't like it.



Kobe rips Lakers over Gasol trade rumors (AP)
The Los Angeles Lakers' worst performance of the season set the stage for Kobe Bryant to take aim at his team's management, a clear signal that all is not well for the perennial power out West. The issue that surfaced after the Lakers lost to the Phoenix Suns 102-90 on Sunday night was teammate Pau Gasol, and whether he is about to be traded.

Bryant to Lakers: Either trade Gasol or don't
Kobe Bryant upset at Lakers over Pau Gasol trade situation.

Kobe rips Lakers over Gasol trade rumors (AP)
Kobe Bryant has lashed out at Los Angeles Lakers management for leaving teammate Pau Gasol wondering whether he's about to be traded. In a postgame monologue punctuated by a couple of profanities, Bryant says the Lakers either need to trade Gasol or come out and say it won't happen. Bryant's comments came in the aftermath of a 102-90 loss at Phoenix on Sunday night.

Kobe criticizes how Lakers treat Gasol
Kobe Bryant has lashed out at Los Angeles Lakers management for leaving teammate Pau Gasol wondering whether he's about to be traded.

Lakers' Gasol: Possible trade 'out of my hands'
With the NBA's March 15 trade deadline now less than a month away, Los Angeles Lakers forward Pau Gasol admits he's not sure if his future lies in Los Angeles.

Gasol, Bynum double-doubles lead Lakers
Pau Gasol scored seven of his 20 points in the final 5:20 and grabbed 13 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Atlanta Hawks 86-78 on Tuesday night.

Pau Gasol comes up big as Lakers beat Hawks
Pau Gasol comes up big as Lakers beat Hawks

Gasol, Bynum lead Lakers over Hawks (AP)

Pau Gasol scored seven of his 20 points in the final 5:20 and grabbed 13 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Atlanta Hawks 86-78 on Tuesday night. Andrew Bynum had 15 points and 15 rebounds for the Lakers, who returned from a 3-3 road trip and improved to 12-2 at home -- compared to 5-10 away.

Pau Gasol combats soft label with tough-guy efforts for Lakers
Gasol combats soft label with seventh straight double-double as Lakers win.

Gasol, Bynum lead Lakers past Hawks
Pau Gasol scored seven of his 20 points in the final 5:20 and grabbed 13 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Atlanta Hawks 86-78 on Tuesday night.

Lin scores 38 to lead Knicks over Lakers (AP)

Jeremy Lin had the most astounding performance of his remarkable week, scoring a career-high 38 points and outdueling Kobe Bryant as the New York Knicks held off the Los Angeles Lakers 92-85 on Friday night. Buried deep on the bench a little more than a week ago, Lin led the Knicks to their fourth straight win, tying their longest streak of the season.

Lakers hold on, top Celtics 88-87 in OT (AP)

Paul Pierce's shot rimmed out in the final seconds of overtime, and Pau Gasol knew the game wasn't over yet. The ball bounced to Ray Allen, who gave it a two-handed push back toward the basket. "That shot that Ray Allen took was good, in my opinion," Los Angeles Lakers coach Mike Brown said.

Gasol, Lakers swat Celtics, snap losing streak
Pau Gasol blocked Ray Allen's putback attempt at the buzzer in overtime and the Los Angeles Lakers held on to beat the Boston Celtics 88-87 on Thursday night.

Lakers beat weary Nuggets to open trip (AP)

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

Lakers hand Bobcats ninth straight loss (AP)

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

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



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

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

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

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

Fisher's late 3 lifts Lakers past Mavs (AP)

Derek Fisher hit a tiebreaking 3-pointer with 3.1 seconds to play and the Los Angeles Lakers survived a dismal offensive game by both teams for a 73-70 victory over the Mavericks on Monday night, snapping Dallas' five-game winning streak. Vince Carter missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer for the defending champion Mavericks, who swept Los Angeles out of the second round of the postseason last...

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

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

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

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

Lakers beat Memphis despite 27 turnovers (AP)

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

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

Bryant scores 39 as Lakers beat Warriors (AP)

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

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

Bryant, Bynum lead Lakers over Rockets (AP)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Magic: Lakers' title shot rests on Gasol, Bynum
Magic Johnson looks for Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum to step up for Los Angeles Lakers.

Morey won't talk about nixed 3-team deal (AP)
Rockets general manager Daryl Morey is refusing to answer questions about the three-team deal rejected by the NBA a week ago. The Rockets would have received Pau Gasol in the proposed deal that also would have sent All-Star guard Chris Paul to the Lakers. Lamar Odom was headed to the NBA-owned Hornets.

Gasol hoping to stay with Lakers (AP)
Pau Gasol has no idea whether his first practice of the season will be his last with the Los Angeles Lakers. The four-time All-Star realizes the club is trying to trade him in a three-team megadeal for New Orleans point guard Chris Paul, but Gasol is still hoping he'll somehow manage to stay with the Lakers.

Lakers' Gasol practices but trade talk not 'easy'
Pau Gasol went through a full practice with the Lakers on Saturday, pushing aside the uneasiness of the unsettled state of the three-team trade between L.A., New Orleans and Houston.

Rockets' Scola, Martin report after failed trade
Kevin Martin and Luis Scola joined the Houston Rockets for their first full practice Friday, hours after the NBA nixed a three-way trade that would have sent them to New Orleans and brought Pau Gasol to town.

Angry Odom not at camp, Gasol shows up (AP)
Lakers forward Lamar Odom didn't show up for Los Angeles' first workout of training camp, apparently still furious about the club's aborted attempt to trade him in a megadeal for Chris Paul. Pau Gasol, the four-time All-Star forward also included in the deal, showed up for practice at the Lakers' training complex Friday.

NBA nixes trade of Hornets' Paul to Lakers
The Lakers have agreed to surrender Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom in a trade for Hornets point guard Chris Paul, sources tell ESPN.com's Marc Stein, with Gasol going to the Rockets in return for three players and a draft pick.

Sources: Lakers agree on Odom, Gasol for Paul
The Lakers have agreed to surrender Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom in a trade for Hornets point guard Chris Paul, sources tell ESPN.com's Marc Stein.

Report: Lakers close to acquiring Paul
The Los Angeles Lakers are on the verge of landing star point guard Chris Paul in a three-team trade that would see power forwards Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom leave LA, league sources told Yahoo! Sports on Thursday.

Sources: Gasol, Paul part of 3-way trade talks
The Hornets are engaged in trade talks with the Lakers and Rockets about a three-team trade that would send Chris Paul to the Lakers and Pau Gasol to the Rockets, sources said.

Gasol brushes off trade rumors, ready to play
Pau Gasol brushed off rumors that he could be traded.

Gasol: To win, Lakers have to work the hardest
Pau Gasol doesn't think he'll be a question mark for the Lakers this year.

Lakers' Gasol: Spain 'best option' if games lost
Los Angeles Lakers star Pau Gasol practiced for the first time with Barcelona, his team until the NBA lockout ends.

Pau Gasol joins Barcelona for practice (AP)
Los Angeles Lakers star Pau Gasol practiced for the first time with Barcelona, his team until the NBA lockout ends. Gasol says Spain would be the "best option" if he had to look for another league. He says it would be a "catastrophe" if the NBA lockout leads to the season being canceled.

Gasols to practice with Barcelona (AP)
Barcelona says Pau and Marc Gasol will practice with the Spanish basketball club during the NBA lockout. Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol will start practice on Tuesday, with his older brother Pau set to join on Thursday. Barcelona says the Gasols can practice with their former club "while the NBA lockout lasts." The Los Angeles Lakers' Pau Gasol told Catalan radio RAC1 that...

Gasols to practice with Barcelona during lockout
Barcelona says Pau and Marc Gasol will practice with the Spanish basketball club during the NBA lockout.

Navarro, Pau Gasol lead Spain to Euro semis
Juan Carlos Navarro scored 17 of his 26 points in the third quarter to help defending champion Spain beat Slovenia 86-64 Wednesday and advance to the semifinals of the European basketball championship.

Pau Gasol powers Spain into Euro semis (AP)
Juan Carlos Navarro scored 17 of his 26 points in the third quarter to help defending champion Spain beat Slovenia 86-64 Wednesday and advance to the semifinals of the European basketball championship. Spain outscored Slovenia 36-14 in the third after getting off to a slow start, with former Memphis Grizzly Navarro sparking the run with four 3-pointers.

Nowitzki, Germany knocked out of EuroBasket
Without Tony Parker and Joakim Noah, France was no match for Pau Gasol's Spain at the European basketball championship.

With stars resting, France gets ripped by Spain
Without Tony Parker and Joakim Noah, France was no match for Pau Gasol's Spain at the European basketball championship.

Pau powers Spain by Parker-less France (AP)
Without Tony Parker and Joakim Noah, France was no match for Pau Gasol's Spain at the European basketball championship. Spain broke open the game with a 27-4 run in the third quarter and won 96-69 Sunday to claim first place in their second-round group. Guard Juan Carlos Navarro hit all four of his 3-point attempts and finished with 16 points, while Rudy Fernandez had 15 for Spain.

Gasols power Spain to rout in Euros (AP)

Pau and Marc Gasol combined for 46 points and 18 rebounds Friday to help Spain rout Serbia 84-59 and advance to the quarterfinals of the European Championship. The brothers dominated in the paint, scoring 42 of their points from close range. In one stretch in the second quarter, Pau Gasol scored seven points and Marc Gasol added four in an 11-0 run.

EuroBasket: Gasols, Spain beat Dirk, Germany
Brothers Marc and Pau Gasol combined for 43 points to lead defending champion Spain past Germany 77-68 Wednesday at the European basketball championship.

Spain tops Germany behind Gasol brothers
Brothers Marc and Pau Gasol combined for 43 points to lead defending champion Spain past Germany 77-68 Wednesday at the European basketball championship.

Pau Gasol, Nowitzki meet again at Euros (AP)
Pau Gasol faces Dirk Nowitzki again, this time in their national team colors at the start of the second round of the European Championship. Nowitzki's Dallas Mavericks swept Gasol's Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA's Western Conference semifinals. This time, Gasol is favored to come out ahead.

Spain expects Pau Gasol to be OK for 2nd round
Los Angeles Lakers forward Pau Gasol is expected to be fit for the second round of EuroBasket in Lithuania, despite sitting out Spain's 65-57 defeat on Turkey on Monday.

Pau Gasol powers unbeaten Spain over Britain
Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol scored 21 points Friday, powering unbeaten and defending champion Spain to an 86-69 victory over Britain at the European Championship.

Gasol brothers combine for 30 points at Euros
Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol scored 20 points for defending champion Spain, which won its second game in two days at the European Championship by beating Portugal 87-73 on Thursday.

Pau Gasol helps Spain win again at Euros (AP)
Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol scored 20 points for defending champion Spain, which won its second game in two days at the European Championship by beating Portugal 87-73 on Thursday. Spain pulled away early in the Group A game against the team that was the last to qualify for the tournament. Juan Carlos Navarro scored 19 points for Spain and Marc Gasol had 10 points and nine rebounds.

Lakers' Gasol scores 29, leads Spain at Euros
Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol scored 29 points to help defending champion Spain beat Poland 83-78 in its opening match at the European Championship.

Pau Gasol's 29 lift Spain at Euros (AP)
Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol scored 29 points to help defending champion Spain beat Poland 83-78 in its opening match at the European Championship. Serbia, which lost to Spain in the title match two years ago, shook off a slow start to beat Italy 80-68. Montenegro scored the last five points in overtime to beat Macedonia 70-65, and Georgia routed Belgium 81-59 at the start of the 24-team...

Mavs' Dirk scores 25 as Germany wins at Euros
Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol scored 29 points to help defending champion Spain beat Poland 83-78 in its opening match at the European Championship.

Gasol's 29 points lead Spain past Poland
Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol scored 29 points to help defending champion Spain beat Poland 83-78 in its opening match at the European Championship.

Lakers' Gasol wants to play for Spain at Euros
Lakers forward Pau Gasol says he wants to play for Spain at this summer's European Championship.

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

Lakers' Gasol clarifies rumor; Refs irk Jackson
Pau Gasol responds to some internet rumors as to why his production is down during the playoffs.

Mavs stun Lakers again, lead series 2-0 (AP)

Dirk Nowitzki scored 24 points, Shawn Marion added 14 and the Dallas Mavericks stunned the erratic Los Angeles Lakers 93-81 in Game 2 on Wednesday night, taking a 2-0 second-round lead over the two-time defending champions with consecutive road wins. Jason Kidd scored 10 points for the Mavericks, who pushed the Lakers halfway to playoff elimination with Nowitzki's stellar shooting, another...

Mavs rally to take Game 1 from Lakers (AP)

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

Lakers' size advantage negated by Mavs (AP)

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

Lakers oust Hornets with dominant win (AP)

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

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

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

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

Bryant, Gasol lift Lakers in New Orleans (AP)

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

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

Bynum, Odom help Lakers bounce back (AP)

Andrew Bynum had 17 points and 11 rebounds, Lamar Odom scored 16 points, and the Los Angeles Lakers survived poor games from their two biggest stars to even their first-round playoff series with an 87-78 victory over the New Orleans Hornets in Game 2 on Wednesday night. Ron Artest added 15 points as the two-time defending champions rebounded from a stunning nine-point loss in the series opener...

Confident Hornets get sellout vs. Lakers (AP)
If Pau Gasol can't get comfortable in a city once ruled by his native Spain, the Los Angeles Lakers could be in for a long series. The Hornets already are showing signs of making the first round of the playoffs more than a mere formality for the two-time defending champs, having seized home advantage with a 1-1 split of the series' first two games in Los Angeles.

2011 NBA playoffs: Los Angeles Lakers' Pau Gasol takes blame for his Game 1 performance
Pau Gasol takes the fault for his Game 1 performance.

Hornets C Gray uncertain for Game 2 (AP)
New Orleans center Aaron Gray isn't sure whether he'll be able to play in the Hornets' next postseason game on his sprained right ankle. Gray scored a season-high 12 points in the Hornets' 109-100 upset victory over the Lakers on Sunday, but had to be helped off the court by teammates with 1:07 to play after Pau Gasol accidentally stepped on his foot.

Los Angeles Lakers teammates defend Pau Gasol over latest 'soft' talk from Amare Stoudemire
Knicks' Stoudemire is latest to label Lakers' center "soft," triggering some to speak up

Report: Lakers come to Gasol's defense
Pau Gasol and his Lakers teammates have laughed off jabs from New York Knick Amar'e Stoudemire describing the four-time All-Star as 'soft,' the Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday.

Los Angeles Lakers' Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum healthy enough to play
Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol will be on the floor for the Lakers Tuesday despite tweaking their knees.

Los Angeles Lakers' Pau Gasol to get MRI; Andrew Bynum likely in Tues.
Lakers' Pau Gasol will have an MRI on his hurt knee, and Andrew Bynum (knee) expects to play against the Jazz on Tuesday after both players were hurt during Sunday's game.

Lakers roll to seventh straight victory (AP)

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

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

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

Bryant, Gasol help Lakers continue surge (AP)

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

Clippers can't contain Kobe in loss
Pau Gasol turned the Lakers' sixth straight win into a humanitarian venture, pledging to donate $1,000 for each point he scored to Japan relief.

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

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

Gasol: Lakers getting into playoff form
Center Pau Gasol says consistent defense is key to the Lakers rounding into playoff form.

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

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

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

Bryant tweaks ankle but Lakers beat Mavs (AP)

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

Lakers rip Spurs, win seventh straight (AP)

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

Lakers end struggles versus Bobcats (AP)

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

Lakers push winning streak to 5 (AP)

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

Lakers do enough to win fifth straight
Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum and the Los Angeles Lakers' towering front line overwhelmed Kevin Love on the boards in a 90-79 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night.

Lakers hold off Thunder 90-87 (AP)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Los Angeles Lakers' Pau Gasol 2nd to Milos Teodosic for Europe award
Serbia guard Milos Teodosic edged Pau Gasol for European player of the year.

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

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

Bryant scores 33 as Lakers cruise at MSG (AP)

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

Kobe pep talk does the trick for Pau
Was Kobe's pep talk responsible for firing up Pau Gasol?

Gasol scores 34, Lakers beat Hornets (AP)

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

Gasol, Bryant too much for banged-up Hornets
Pau Gasol had 34 points and 10 rebounds, helping the Los Angeles Lakers beat the New Orleans Hornets 101-95 on Saturday night.

Lakers turn away shorthanded Hornets
Pau Gasol had 34 points and 10 rebounds, helping the Los Angeles Lakers beat the New Orleans Hornets 101-95 on Saturday night.

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

Bynum-less Lakers outlast Rockets in OT (AP)

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

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

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

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



Lakers miss late FTs but get by Thunder (AP)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kobe, Lakers rip Knicks in testy affair (AP)

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

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

Bryant moves up scoring list, Lakers win (AP)

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

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

Lakers bounce back by blowing out Pistons
Pau Gasol scored 21 points and the Lakers finally found a sub.-500 team they could beat easily, winning 108-83 against the Pistons on Tuesday night.



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

Lakers cruise in win over Pistons
Pau Gasol scored 21 points and the Los Angeles Lakers finally found a sub.-500 team they could beat easily, winning 108-83 against the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday night.

Source: Pau Gasol missed shootaround prior to Los Angeles Lakers' loss Sunday
A team official confirmed Tuesday that Pau Gasol missed the Lakers' morning shootaround prior to the team's embarrassing loss Sunday to the Grizzlies without permission and later claimed to have overslept.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kobe struggles as Lakers outlast 76ers
Lamar Odom scored 28 points, Pau Gasol had 19 points and 13 rebounds and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Philadelphia 76ers 93-81 on Friday night.

Odom ignites Lakers' explosion in 4th vs. 76ers
Lamar Odom scored 28 points, Pau Gasol had 19 points and 13 rebounds and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Philadelphia 76ers 93-81 on Friday night.

Odom has 28, Lakers win fourth straight (AP)

Lamar Odom scored 28 points, Pau Gasol had 19 points and 13 rebounds and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Philadelphia 76ers 93-81 on Friday night. Matt Barnes had 15 points and 10 rebounds for the Lakers, who rallied and broke the game open in the fourth quarter to win their fourth straight game. The Lakers trailed by four when Barnes and Odom sparked them during a 27-8 run.

Lakers lead throughout, beat Pacers (AP)

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

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

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

Fisher's layup at buzzer lifts Lakers (AP)

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

Lakers win eighth straight vs. Wizards (AP)

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

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

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

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

Los Angeles Laker' Andrew Bynum plays 5-on-5; Pau Gasol sits
Andrew Bynum made his season debut Saturday in a full court, 5-on-5 scrimmage after undergoing surgery on his right knee more than four months ago.

Los Angeles Lakers' Pau Gasol 'overworked,' resting hamstring
The Lakers went back to work Thursday after the Houston Rockets boosted L.A.'s losing streak to the first four-game slide for the team since April 2007.

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

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

Los Angeles Lakers' Phil Jackson frustrated by Andrew Bynum's lengthy absence
Phil Jackson said that Andrew Bynum's extended absence is starting to really take a toll on big men Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom.

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

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

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

Gasol goes 10 for 10 as Lakers roll (AP)

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

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

Barnes picks up slack in Lakers' win (AP)

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

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

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

Nuggets rally to hand Lakers first loss (AP)

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

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

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

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

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

Although Pau Gasol was caught a bit by surprise when Steve Blake lobbed a pass off the backboard to him during a 2-on-nobody fast break, the 7-foot Spaniard still snagged it and slammed it home with gusto. Not much is getting past Gasol or the Los Angeles Lakers -- and the two-time defending champions' opponents haven't stood much of a chance during a sublime start to the season.

Lakers dominate Blazers, stay unbeaten
Although Pau Gasol was caught a bit by surprise when Steve Blake lobbed a pass off the backboard to him during a 2-on-nobody fast break, the 7-foot Spaniard still snagged it and slammed it home with gusto.

Gasol's triple-double helps Lakers crush Blazers
Pau Gasol had 20 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists while completing his fourth career triple-double by the third quarter, and the Lakers improved to 7-0 with a 121-96 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday night.

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

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

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

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

Gasol, Bryant keep Lakers perfect (AP)

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

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

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

Lakers 4-0 after rout of Grizzlies (AP)

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

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

Gasol talks after Lakers' win over Grizzlies
Pau Gasol shows his brother Marc what it takes to win.

Lakers 4-0 after rout of Grizzlies (AP)
Pau Gasol dipped his shoulder and spun, taking two steps and throwing down a vicious reverse dunk from the other side of the rim. Sure, it was probably the most delicious moment in another game full of treats for the unbeaten Los Angeles Lakers. But Gasol insisted the move wasn't any sweeter because the posterized defender was his kid brother.

Los Angeles Lakers' Pau Gasol earns Western Conference Player of the Week honors
Less than a week into the 2010-11 season, honors are already rolling in for the 3-0 Lakers. Monday afternoon, forward Pau Gasol was named Western Conference Player of the Week.

Video: Warriors-Lakers highlights
Thanks to Pau Gasol's 34 points and 21 boards, the Lakers barely break a sweat vs. the Warriors.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lakers raise banner, rally past Rockets (AP)

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

Lakers win without Bryant, Jackson (AP)

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

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

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

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

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

Gasol, Artest power Lakers to 1st preseason win
Pau Gasol and Ron Artest each scored 18 points to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 98-95 win over the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night.

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

Lakers lose to Euro champion Barcelona (AP)
Juan Carlos Navarro scored 25 points to help Barcelona beat the NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers 92-88 in an exhibition on Thursday. Spanish center Pau Gasol led the Lakers with 24 points but had only one field goal in the second half. His homecoming was spoiled by the Euroleague champion in a game that lived up to the billing of an informal intercontinental showdown.

Lakers lose to Euro champion Barcelona (AP)
Juan Carlos Navarro scored 25 points to help Barcelona to a 92-88 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in an exhibition Thursday. Spanish center Pau Gasol led the NBA champions with 24 points, but his homecoming was spoiled by the European champion in a game that was billed as an informal intercontinental showdown.

Gasol to take on former team Barcelona (AP)

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

Bryant and Lakers set for European trip (AP)
Pau Gasol has traveled to Spain twice during previous NBA preseasons with the Memphis Grizzlies, so the 7-footer knows all about being a tour guide for a bunch of American hoopsters. Gasol says his third trip back home is a whole lot bigger. After all, he's with the two-time defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers now.

Lakers sign C Ratliff to 1-year contract (AP)
Veteran center Theo Ratliff has agreed to a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers. Ratliff said Thursday he'll join the two-time defending NBA champions as a backup to 7-foot stars Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum. The 15-year pro played 49 games last season with San Antonio and Charlotte, averaging 3.6 points and 3.2 rebounds.

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.

Pau Gasol upset with media over Kevin Garnett comments
Pau Gasolwas upset with how his comments about Kevin Garnett were portrayed in the media.





2010 NBA Finals: Doc Rivers says Kevin Garnett is fine; Pau Gasol says he's lost a step
Celtics coach Doc Rivers says Kevin Garnett is fine, but the Lakers' Pau Gasol says he's lost a step.

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.

2010 NBA Playoffs: Lakers coach Phil Jackson points to Pau Gasol-Kevin Garnett matchup as key
Lakers head coach says Celtics forward is the center of Boston's defense.

Gasol to miss worlds for champion Spain (AP)
Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol says he will not help Spain defend its title at the world basketball championships because doctors say he needs a rest. Gasol says "present circumstances advise against my participation" in the championship in Turkey from Aug. 29-Sept. 12. Gasol and the Lakers face the Boston Celtics in the NBA finals.

Gasol to miss basketball worlds
Pau Gasol will not help Spain defend its title at the world basketball championship because doctors say he needs a rest.

Doctors' orders: Pau Gasol of Los Angeles Lakers to miss world basketball championships
Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol says he will not help Spain defend its title at the world basketball championships because doctors say he needs a rest.

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.

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.

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...

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.

Lakers and Thunder Game 6 highlights
Pau Gasol follows Kobe's miss with the winning put-back. Watch highlights of a thrilling Game 6 in OKC.

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.

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 limit Durant to pull out win over Thunder
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.

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...

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...

Lakers win, clinch No. 1 seed in West (AP)
Pau Gasol had 29 points and 15 rebounds, and the Kobe-less Los Angeles Lakers locked up home court throughout the Western Conference playoffs with a 97-88 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night. Lamar Odom had 13 points and 12 rebounds for the defending champions, who have the No. 1 seed in the West for the third straight season.

Gasol powers Kobe-less Lakers past Wolves
Pau Gasol had 29 points and 15 rebounds, and the Kobe-less Los Angeles Lakers locked up home court throughout the Western Conference playoffs with a 97-88 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night.

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...

Lakers rebound to beat undermanned Rockets
Pau Gasol scored 30 points and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Houston Rockets 109-101 on Saturday night, getting back on track a night after a terrible outing in Oklahoma City.

Lakers bounce back, beat Rockets 109-101 (AP)
Pau Gasol scored 30 points and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Houston Rockets 109-101 on Saturday night, getting back on track a night after a terrible outing in Oklahoma City. The short-handed Rockets, playing without Kevin Martin and Shane Battier, stayed with Los Angeles early, but were simply outmanned and soon faded in their fourth consecutive loss.

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.

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...

Pau Gasol will be in lineup for Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
Pau Gasol, who missed practice Thursday, will be for the Lakers on Friday against Minnesota.

Pau Gasol (throat) and Derek Fisher (hip) miss Lakers practice
Pau Gasol (throat) and Derek Fisher (hip) miss Lakers practice

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.

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.

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.

Phil Jackson, Lakers coach, on Pau Gasol: 'He's been weak and sickly'
Coach takes a jab at power forward

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...

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.

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.

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.

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 beat Spurs with Kobe, Bynum on bench
Pau Gasol had 21 points and 19 rebounds to lead five players in double figures, and the Lakers beat the Spurs 101-89 Monday night.

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...

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.

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...

Pau Gasol, 9 others donate $1,000 per point to Haiti
Los Angeles Lakers forward Pau Gasol was one of 10 NBA players donating $1,000 for every point he scored Friday night to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund.

Pau Gasol, 9 others donate $1,000 per point to Haiti
Los Angeles Lakers forward Pau Gasol was one of 10 NBA players donating $1,000 for every point he scored Friday night to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund.

10 players donate $1K per point to Haiti (AP)
Los Angeles Lakers forward Pau Gasol was one of 10 NBA players donating $1,000 for every point he scored to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund on Friday. The players taking part, all clients of the Wasserman Media Group, included rookie of the year Derrick Rose, Atlanta All-Star Joe Johnson, rookie Tyreke Evans of Sacramento and veteran Antawn Jamison of Washington.

Brown's career-high 22 lift Lakers past Magic
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.

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...

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.

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.

Pau Gasol to join Los Angeles Lakers on road, hopes to practice
Injured Pau Gasol plans to join the Los Angeles Lakers on their upcoming Texas trip, hoping he can return to practice on the road.

Pau Gasol sits but feels better about hammy strain
Pau Gasol was out Wednesday, but he said this hamstring injury isn't has serious as the one at the beginning of the season.

Pau Gasol sits but feels better about hammy strain
Pau Gasol was out Wednesday, but he said this hamstring injury isn't has serious as the one at the beginning of the season.

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...

Hamstring could sideline Lakers F Gasol (AP)
Los Angeles Lakers forward Pau Gasol of Spain has a mild to moderate strained left hamstring and is doubtful for Tuesday night's game against Houston. The Lakers said Monday that Gasol was examined by the team doctor and an ultrasound test and MRI showed the strain he sustained in Sunday night's win over the Dallas Mavericks.

Tests show Gasol has strained hamstring
Los Angeles Lakers forward Pau Gasol has a mild to moderate strained left hamstring and is doubtful for Tuesday night's game against Houston.

Pau Gasol doubtful for Tuesday with hammy strain
Pau Gasol has a strained hamstring and is doubtful for Tuesday's game.

Los Angeles Lakers lose Pau Gasol early to strained hamstring
Lakers forward Pau Gasol left Sunday's game with a strained hamstring.

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...

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...

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.

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...

'Peace of mind': Lakers give Gasol 3 more years
Pau Gasol knows he surprised nobody by agreeing to a three-year contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers nearly two seasons before it kicks in.

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.

Los Angeles Lakers' Pau Gasol signs $64M extension, according to report
All-Star forward Pau Gasol has signed a three-year extension with the Lakers that could be worth up to $64.7 million, the Los Angeles Times reports.

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...

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...

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...

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 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.

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.

Gasol's double-double leads Lakers vs. Warriors
Pau Gasol scored 22 points to lead seven players in double figures and also had 12 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers won their fifth straight game with a 130-97 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Saturday night.

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...

Power Rankings: Pau's back, so are Lakers
Pau Gasol is back and that's good news for the Lakers. See how much difference it makes in John Galinsky's Power Rankings.

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.

Los Angeles Lakers big man Pau Gasol to make season debut vs. Chicago Bulls
Los Angeles Lakers forward Pau Gasol is set to make his long awaited return to the court on Thursday when the defending NBA champions host the Chicago Bulls.

Nuggets pull away in 3rd, rout Lakers (AP)
The Denver Nuggets served notice on two fronts with their dismantling of the Los Angeles Lakers: Last year was no fluke and this year they're legit. The Nuggets (7-3), overlooked by prognosticators after everybody else in the West seemed to sign a superstar over the summer, whipped the Pau Gasol-less Lakers 105-79 Friday night.

Report: Jackson calls Gasol injury 'mysterious'
Pau Gasol may not be back for the Los Angeles Lakers until around Christmas, Phil Jackson said Wednesday, according to the Los Angeles Daily News.

Report: Los Angeles Lakers' Pau Gasol may sit until Christmas
Pau Gasol could reportedly be out until Christmas, according to Lakers coach Phil Jackson.

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.

Fantasy Fast Break: Already seeing Redd
What are the main storylines that Fantasy owners should be made aware this week? Our Sergio Gonzalez touches on the impact of Allen Iverson, the return of Pau Gasol and the injury to Michael Redd in his Fantasy Fast Break.




Fantasy Fast Break: Already seeing Redd
What are the main storylines that Fantasy owners should be made aware this week? Our Sergio Gonzalez touches on the impact of Allen Iverson, the return of Pau Gasol and the injury to Michael Redd in his Fantasy Fast Break.




Los Angeles Lakers' Pau Gasol out again, frustrated by recovery
Pau Gasol missed another Lakers game and is frustrated by his recovery from a hamstring injury.

Lakers' Gasol misses third straight game (AP)
Lakers forward Pau Gasol is getting frustrated by the slow pace of his recovery from a strained right hamstring after missing his third straight game Sunday night. Gasol has been out of action for three weeks since injuring his leg early in the defending NBA champions' preseason schedule. He didn't suit up for Los Angeles' game against Atlanta, putting Lamar Odom in the starting lineup...

Paul Gasol misses Los Angeles Lakers' opener with hamstring strain
Forward Pau Gasol is sitting out the Lakers' season opener to rest his strained right hamstring.

Rookie Lawson's 29 get Nuggets by Lakers (AP)

Rookie Ty Lawson had 29 points, six assists and five steals to help the Denver Nuggets beat the Los Angeles Lakers 119-105 on Friday night in the exhibition finale for both teams. The Nuggets (4-4) played without Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups after coach George Karl gave them the night off, while the Lakers (6-2) were without 7-footers Pau Gasol (strained right hamstring) and Andrew Bynum...

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.

Pau Gasol's 19 points help Spain beat Lithuania
Los Angeles Lakers star Pau Gasol scored 19 points and had eight rebounds Monday to lead world champion Spain over Lithuania 84-70 in the second round of the European basketball championship.

Turkey tops Paul Gasol-led Spain at Euro championship
Turkey remained undefeated at the European basketball championship with a 63-60 victory over a Spanish team led by NBA stars Pau Gasol and Rudy Fernandez.

Turkey tops Paul Gasol-led Spain at Euro championship
Turkey remained undefeated at the European basketball championship with a 63-60 victory over a Spanish team led by NBA stars Pau Gasol and Rudy Fernandez.

Serbia upsets Spain at Euro championship (AP)
Serbia used a stingy defense to upset world champion Spain 66-57 Monday on the opening day of the European basketball championship. Looking like one of the formidable Yugoslav teams of old, the young Serbian squad without any NBA stars thoroughly outplayed a lackluster Spain, clamping down on a Spanish attack led by Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol.

Spain again favored to win Euro title (AP)
The European basketball championship opens Monday with Spain once again starting out as the favorite. The Spaniards enter the tournament with a squad laden with NBA talent and the motivation to win a European title after losing in the final at home two years ago. Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol leads the team, which lost to the United States 118-107 in the gold medal game at last year's...

Lakers' Gasol out at least 3 weeks after surgery
Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol had surgery on his left index finger after an injury during practice with Spain's national team. He will be sidelined at least three weeks.

Lakers C Gasol has surgery on finger (AP)
Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol had surgery on his left index finger after an injury during practice with Spain's national team. He will be sidelined at least three weeks. The Spanish basketball federation said Tuesday that Gasol damaged a ligament Monday while blocking a shot. He will wear a splint for 20 days, but the federation did not say if he will play in the European Championship in...

Lakers' Gasol breaks finger, undergoes surgery
Lakers forward Pau Gasol had surgery Monday after breaking the middle finger of his left hand while preparing for the European championships, the team confirmed.

Pau Gasol of Los Angeles Lakers has surgery after hurting left hand during practice with Spain
Lakers center Pau Gasol had surgery on a damaged finger ligament in his left hand and will be out of action for 20 days, the Spanish basketball federation said Tuesday.

Nuggets trade Hunter, 2010 first pick to Grizzlies
The Denver Nuggets swapped Steven Hunter, a protected 2010 first-round pick and cash to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for a future conditional second rounder, Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace said Friday. The trade could give Memphis three first-round selections in the 2010 draft. The Grizzlies already are owed the Lakers' 2010 pick to complete the February 2008 trade that sent Pau Gasol to Los Angeles. Memphis drafted No.

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.

Gasol to play for Spain at Euro Championship
Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol will play for Spain in September in the European Basketball Championship. Gasol said Friday that it was an easy decision after winning the NBA finals. "The season went really well for me and now I want to defend our country," Gasol said. "We're really hopeful about the team we have, but we can't go there with a mentality that we'll be playing the final just because we're really good.

Lakers' Gasol to play for Spain at Euro Championship
Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol will play for Spain in September in the European Basketball Championship. Gasol said Friday that it was an easy decision after winning the NBA finals. "The season went really well for me and now I want to defend our country," Gasol said. "We're really hopeful about the team we have, but we can't go there with a mentality that we'll be playing the final just because we're really good.

Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol suiting up for Spain in European Basketball Championship
Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol will play for Spain in September in the European Basketball Championship.

Lakers' Gasol to play for Spain at Euros (AP)
Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol will play for Spain in September in the European Basketball Championship. Gasol said Friday that it was an easy decision after winning the NBA finals. "The season went really well for me and now I want to defend our country," Gasol said. "We're really hopeful about the team we have, but we can't go there with a mentality that we'll be...

Spurs beat Lakers in West finals rematch (AP)

Roger Mason hit a jumper with 10 seconds left and made a free throw after being fouled by Derek Fisher, and the San Antonio Spurs beat the Los Angeles Lakers 112-111 on Wednesday night in the first meeting between the teams since the Western Conference finals. After Mason's three-point play, the Lakers failed to get a shot off when Trevor Ariza was called for traveling.

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...

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.

Lakers host Celtics in marquee matchup (AP)

The Lakers have been waiting more than six months for another shot at the Boston Celtics. Now that they'll get it, they might not like it. The Celtics, winners of a franchise-record 19 straight games and off to the best two-loss start in NBA history, visit Staples Center on Thursday for a Christmas Day matchup with the Lakers.

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...

Wade scores 35 as Heat stifle Lakers (AP)

Dwyane Wade got his offensive touch back. More importantly, the Miami Heat brought a level of defense that the Los Angeles Lakers simply hadn't seen this season. Wade scored 35 points, including a desperation 3-pointer to close the third quarter, and the Heat held the Lakers to their lowest scoring total this season in knocking off the reigning Western Conference champions 89-87 on Friday night.

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...

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.

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...

Gasol's 34 lift Lakers by Bulls 116-109 (AP)

Losing a game didn't sit well with the Los Angeles Lakers. They took out their anger on the Chicago Bulls. Pau Gasol scored 24 of his season-high 34 points in the first half, and the Lakers rebounded from their first setback of the season with a 116-109 victory over the Bulls on Tuesday night. His previous season high was 22 points.

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 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.

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.

Gasol powers Spain into gold medal game
Pau Gasol had 19 points as Spain defeated Lithuania 91-86 on Friday night to advance to the Olympic gold medal game for the first time since 1984. Rudy Fernandez bounced back from a third-quarter head injury to score 18 for the Spaniards, who will face either the U.S. or Argentina for the gold medal on Sunday. The U.S. drubbed Spain 119-82 in pool play. Spain is looking to add an Olympic title to the world championship it won two years ago in Japan.

Spain men's hoops top Lithuania, US next (AP)
Already the defending world champion, Spain is one victory away from an Olympic gold medal. Pau Gasol scored 19 points as Spain defeated Lithuania 91-86 on Friday night to advance to the Olympic gold medal game for the first time since 1984. Rudy Fernandez bounced back from a third-quarter head injury to score 18 for the Spaniards, who will face either the U.S.

Gasol leads Spain into Olympic semis (AP)
Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol scored 20 points to lead world champion Spain to a 72-59 win against Croatia Wednesday in men's basketball. Felipe Reyes added 13 points for Spain, while Toronto Raptors point guard Jose Calderon added 10. Gasol also had a game-high 10 rebounds. Marko Banic had 15 points to lead Croatia.

Spain downplays photo, defeats Germany (AP)
Spain and Pau Gasol had said too much was being made about a controversial photo the team did for an ad campaign and Thursday they played like it in a convincing 72-59 victory against Germany. Gasol, the Los Angeles Lakers center, scored 13 points for Spain, which was cheered by the crowd at the basketball arena.

Spain downs Germany behind Gasol
Pau Gasol scored 13 points to help lead world champions Spain to a 72-59 victory over Dirk Nowitzki and Germany in Olympic basketball men's Group B play. Gasol, of the NBA's San Antonio Spurs, scored 13 points Thursday, while the Toronto Raptors' Jose Manuel Calderon led Spain with 15 points and Alex Mumbru shot 67 percent from the floor for 14 points, draining all three of his three pointers.

NBA Finals Preview: Game 6
The Lakers need two wins in Boston. For that to happen, Kobe must get lots of help from Pau Gasol, Marques Johnson says.

Analysis: Game 5
How did the Lakers avoid elimination? Because Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom stepped up with Kendrick Perkins out, Randy Hill says.

Starter that shows up could determine Game 4
Pau Gasol has been soft all series, but KG has been timid, too. Marques Johnson says if one plays like a 7-footer, his team will win.

Critics aside, Gasol is in much better place now
Pau Gasol is taking some shots this series, from the Celtics and the critics. But Mike Kahn says he's handling both just fine.

Gasol plays tough for Lakers in Game 3 (AP)
This was hardly a soft performance by Pau Gasol. Unable to find the ball in the second halves of the first two games of the NBA finals, Gasol went out and got it Tuesday night in Game 3 of the NBA finals, right when it mattered most. Gasol scored only nine points, but five came during the decisive stretch of the game, helping the Lakers to an 87-81 victory that cut Boston's lead to 2-1.

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.

Lakers lead Celtics 51-46 at halftime (AP)
NBA finals veteran Derek Fisher and newcomer Pau Gasol helped Los Angeles overcome Kobe Bryant's quiet start, and the Lakers led the Boston Celtics 51-46 at halftime Thursday night in the renewal of the league's greatest rivalry. Fisher scored 13 points and Gasol added 12 for Los Angeles, which was shooting 50 percent against the team that held opponents to the lowest field goal percentage during...

Lakers look to bounce back vs. Spurs (AP)
Lamar Odom had a sleepless night after the Lakers' Game 3 loss to the San Antonio Spurs. Pau Gasol said it's always hard to get shut eye after a tough loss and Derek Fisher said he slept "decent enough." Los Angeles coach Phil Jackson wasn't surprised. "I like players to get their rest, there's no doubt," Jackson said Monday.

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...

Kobe can't save Lakers in Salt Lake City
This time Carlos Boozer dominated and Pau Gasol was soft. That's why the Jazz finally stopped the Lakers, Charley Rosen says.

Lakers try to rebound better vs. Jazz (AP)
Pau Gasol had a simple explanation for Utah's staggering 58-41 rebounding advantage over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals. "We were a little slow reacting to the ball," the Lakers' center said Monday. Kobe Bryant's reaction? "It was either that or the two hands in the back," he said.

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.

Looking back, deadline deals were duds
Face it, Pau Gasol is the exception. Other trade-deadline deals this season were panic moves that obviously didn't help, says Mike Kahn.

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...

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...

Lakers look for Nuggets to adjust (AP)
The layups and dunks just kept on coming for the Los Angeles Lakers in their playoff opener against Denver. Pau Gasol, the main offender, figures the Nuggets will do whatever they can to change that in Game 2. Gasol had seven dunks and five layups, and his teammates added 16 more baskets from point-blank range in the Lakers' 128-114 victory over the Nuggets on Sunday.

Gasol's 36 key Lakers' win over Nuggets (AP)

Pau Gasol finally discovered how it feels to be on the winning side in a postseason game. The 7-foot Spaniard had a whole lot to do with his first victory. Gasol established playoff highs with 36 points and eight assists and had 16 rebounds as well Sunday as the Los Angeles Lakers took command early in the third quarter and beat the Denver Nuggets 128-114.

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.

Bryant's 29 help Lakers top Kings 114-92 (AP)

Kobe Bryant's injured finger is no problem, as he proved while waving goodbye to Sacramento. Pau Gasol is doing fine on his sprained ankle, and Derek Fisher's right foot isn't slowing him down. Even Vladimir Radmanovic's head is screwed on straight as the healing Los Angeles Lakers roll toward the playoffs.

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.

Lakers' Gasol likely to play tonight against Blazers
The sprained left ankle is not 100 percent healed, but Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol, who missed nine games because of the injury, is expected to be on the court Wednesday night against the Portland Trail Blazers.

Team reports: Lakers need Gasol back
Kobe scores 53 and the Lakers still lose at home to the Grizzlies? Los Angeles needs Pau Gasol back if it wants to win the West.

Gasol (sprained ankle) to miss at least 3 games
Even the Houston Rockets acknowledge they've had some good luck during their 21-game winning streak. They are getting more heading into their biggest regular-season game in years. Pau Gasol will sit out with a sprained left ankle when the Rockets play the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday for first place in the Western Conference. Gasol was injured in Friday's loss to New Orleans and left the arena on crutches.

Hornets beat Lakers, West, Gasol injured (AP)

Chris Paul had 27 points and 17 assists to help the New Orleans Hornets beat the Los Angeles Lakers 108-98 Friday night in what could prove to be a costly game for both teams. Paul hobbled to the finish after hurting his left ankle on a failed drive to the hoop with 2:31 to go. Lakers center Pau Gasol and David West, however, did not make it to the final horn.

Gasol leaves Lakers' game with sprained ankle
Pau Gasol sprained his left ankle and needed help limping off the court in the first quarter of the Los Angeles Lakers' game against the New Orleans Hornets on Friday night.

Gasol helped off the court during game vs. Hornets
Pau Gasol sprained his left ankle and needed help limping off the court in the first quarter of the Los Angeles Lakers' game against the New Orleans Hornets on Friday night. Gasol was running into the lane looking for a potential offensive rebound when he appeared to step on teammate Vladimir Radmanovic's foot. Gasol came up lame, favoring his left leg, as the Hornets took the ball the other way, then was helped to the locker room after New Orleans scored and the Lakers called timeout.

Lakers C Gasol suffers sprained ankle (AP)
Pau Gasol sprained his left ankle and needed help limping off the court in the first quarter of the Los Angeles Lakers' game against the New Orleans Hornets on Friday night. Gasol was running into the lane looking for a potential offensive rebound when he appeared to step on teammate Vladimir Radmanovic's foot.

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.

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.

New day, new showdown: LA-Dallas (LIVE)
Pau Gasol has made the Lakers a title threat. Does Jason Kidd do the same for the Mavs? Follow LIVE and see what you think.

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.

NBA Tip-Off: Duel in the desert
Though the Kobe-Shaq reunion will get the attention tonight in Phoenix, Marques Johnson says Pau Gasol may play the biggest role.

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.

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.

Walton on NBA's big trades
Gregg Popovich complained about the Grizzlies giving away Pau Gasol. Bill Walton is surprised to hear the Spurs coach whining about anything.

Warrick's big game lifts Grizzlies (AP)

Hakim Warrick had 24 points and 13 rebounds -- both season-high totals -- to lead the Memphis Grizzlies to a 107-94 victory over the Sacramento Kings Tuesday night. The victory snapped a six-game losing streak for the Grizzlies and was Memphis' first win since trading Pau Gasol to the Lakers on Feb. 1.

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...

In retrospect, Timberwolves deal not that bad
After seeing what Memphis got for Pau Gasol, Peter Vecsey has renewed respect for what the T'wolves received in the Garnett deal.

Iavaroni responds to Popovich's stinging criticism
Grizzlies head coach Marc Iavaroni has heard the critics lambasting Memphis' management for the Pau Gasol trade to the Lakers, most notably the strong words from San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich. He just chooses to ignore them.

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.

Gasol's game looks like a nice fit for Lakers
Pau Gasol's already thriving in the triangle offense. Just ask the Magic. How about his defense? Charley Rosen takes a look.

Nowitzki, Mavericks beat Grizzlies 92-81 (AP)

Dirk Nowitzki scored 21 points while also getting some rest and a lot of help in the Dallas Mavericks' 92-81 victory Friday night over the Memphis Grizzlies, who played on the road for the first time without Pau Gasol. The result was pretty much the same for the Grizzlies. Coming off four straight losses at home, the last two after Gasol was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis lost its...

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.

Gasol struggles as Hawks hold off Lakers
Pau Gasol cooled down in his second game as a Laker while Kobe was equally tepid in a surprise loss to the Hawks.

Team Reports: Another look at Gasol
Even with early foul trouble, Pau Gasol had a great L.A. debut. Sports Xchange expects even more tonight vs. the Hawks.

Ford: Ten teams that had the goods to get Gasol
Plenty of teams could have made competitive offers for Pau Gasol, Chad Ford writes.

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.

Gasol not quite ready to play for Lakers
Pau Gasol sat out the Los Angeles Lakers' game at the Washington Wizards on Sunday, not quite ready to play for his new team because of a sore back, a whirlwind 48 hours and an unfamiliarity with the triangle offense. "We want him to practice first. He traveled back and forth across the country, up all night, short hours of sleep. This isn't a fair situation for him," Lakers coach Phil Jackson said before Sunday's game. "We'll practice tomorrow and see how he feels," Jackson said.

Sore back prevents Gasol's Lakers debut (AP)

Pau Gasol sat out the Los Angeles Lakers' game at the Washington Wizards on Sunday, not quite ready to play for his new team because of a sore back, a whirlwind 48 hours and an unfamiliarity with the triangle offense. "We want him to practice first. He traveled back and forth across the country, up all night, short hours of sleep.

What were Grizzlies thinking?
Are the Grizzlies giving up? Peter Vecsey wondered why they didn't get more for Pau Gasol, so he asked them and got an answer.

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.

Grizzlies begin life without Gasol (AP)
The face of the Memphis Grizzlies franchise is gone, and so is some of the proof that he was a major part of the team. The Grizzlies officially started their rebuilding Saturday night against the Utah Jazz, a day after trading Pau Gasol, the team's all-time leading scorer, to the Los Angeles Lakers for a trio of players and draft picks.

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.

Getting Gasol a good move for Lakers
The Lakers made a splash by trading for Pau Gasol, but will he be a good fit? Charley Rosen examines the deal with Memphis.

Lakers acquire F Gasol from Grizzlies (AP)

The Los Angeles Lakers bolstered their banged-up frontline Friday with a key acquisition -- 7-footer Pau Gasol of the Memphis Grizzlies. The Lakers gave up Kwame Brown, rookie Javaris Crittenton and two first-round draft picks for Gasol. The Spaniard is certain to help a Lakers team reeling from recent injuries to inside players, including blossoming center Andrew Bynum.

Fantasy Extra: Lake Show returns
Our Sergio Gonzalez analyzes the Fantasy impact of the trade that sent Pau Gasol to the Lakers on Thursday.

Needing inside help, Lakers get Gasol from Grizz
The Los Angeles Lakers bolstered their banged-up frontline Friday by acquiring 7-footer Pau Gasol of the Memphis Grizzlies. The Lakers gave up Kwame Brown, rookie Javaris Crittenton and two first-round draft picks for Gasol.

Gasol sits vs. Wizards
Memphis forward Pau Gasol missed the Grizzlies' game on Friday night against the Washington Wizards because of a sore back.

Grizzlies F Gasol out with sore back (AP)
Memphis forward Pau Gasol missed the Grizzlies' game on Friday night against the Washington Wizards because of a sore back. Early in the third quarter, point guard Mike Conley joined Gasol on the sideline because of a contusion in the right side of his chest and rib cage. Gasol, the Grizzlies' second-leading scorer with 19.1 points per game, warmed up with the team, but was ruled out about 30...

Magic hit 18 3s in rout of Grizzlies (AP)

Hedo Turkoglu scored 26 points, and the Orlando Magic made a team-record 18 3-pointers in a 112-85 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night. Turkoglu was 6-of-8 outside the arc for Orlando, which hit 55 percent of its 3s. The Magic's previous record for 3-pointers was 16 against the Atlanta Hawks on April 18, 1996.

Grizzlies extend Sonics' skid to 9 (AP)

Pau Gasol had 24 points and 12 rebounds, Mike Miller added 25 points and the Memphis Grizzlies sent the Seattle SuperSonics to their ninth straight loss, 124-100 on Friday night. Seattle had not lost nine straight since early in the 1972-73 season. Memphis, meanwhile, snapped a five-game skid. Gasol had four blocks and connected on 11 of 19 shots as Memphis shot 52 percent.

Week 12 Fantasy Stockwatch
Another week, another edition of Fantasy Stockwatch from Jamey Eisenberg. Ray Allen, Kevin Durant and Hedo Turkoglu are declining while Pau Gasol and Kwame Brown are suddenly extremely valuable.

Week 12 Fantasy Stockwatch
Another week, another edition of Fantasy Stockwatch from Jamey Eisenberg. Ray Allen, Kevin Durant and Hedo Turkoglu are declining while Pau Gasol and Kwame Brown are suddenly extremely valuable.

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.

Grizzlies deal Heat seventh loss in row (AP)

Pau Gasol had 28 points and 13 rebounds, Mike Miller added 25 points, and the Memphis Grizzlies sent the Miami Heat to their seventh straight loss with a 101-94 victory Sunday. Memphis outscored Miami 9-2 in the final 2 minutes for its second win in the last three. Rudy Gay finished with 22 points for Memphis, and Mike Conley scored 11.

Duncan, Parker lead Spurs by Grizzlies (AP)

Tony Parker and Tim Duncan each scored 24 points and the San Antonio Spurs beat Memphis 111-87 on Sunday night, handing the Grizzlies their fifth straight loss. Duncan also grabbed 17 rebounds and Parker had nine assists. Michael Finley scored 22 points, including five 3-pointers, for the Spurs. Pau Gasol led the Grizzlies with 19 points and Rudy Gay, whose buzzer-beating 3-pointer earlier this...

Grizzlies F Gasol out with toe injury (AP)
Memphis Grizzlies forward Pau Gasol, the team's leading rebounder and second-leading scorer, was inactive for Friday night's game against the Los Angeles Clipper with a jammed right big toe. The 7-footer from Spain banged feet with an unidentified teammate in Thursday's practice, Grizzlies coach Marc Iavaroni said.

Paul's layup gives Hornets OT victory (AP)

Chris Paul hit a driving layup through a crowd of defenders with 1.8 seconds left in overtime, capping a game of career highs and lifting the New Orleans Hornets to a 118-116 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night. Paul hit five 3-pointers on his way to 43 points, both career highs, to go with nine assists and four steals.

Bulls' problems not all on Deng's back
The cure for all of the Bulls' ills? You're looking at him. Pau Gasol would be a perfect way to forget a horrible start, Mike Kahn says.

Wizards lose despite 41 from Jamison (AP)

Juan Carlos Navarro scored 28 points, Rudy Gay added 27, and the Memphis Grizzlies overcame Antawn Jamison's 41 points and 11 rebounds to beat the Washington Wizards 124-118 on Saturday night. Jamison shot 18-of-22 from the floor for the Wizards, who lost their second in a row after a six-game winning streak.

Grizzlies snap skid, rout Sonics 125-108 (AP)

Stromile Swift scored a season-high 24 points, Mike Miller added 19 points and seven assists and the Memphis Grizzlies beat the Seattle Supersonics 125-108 on Monday night. Damon Stoudamire had 16 points and seven assists and Hakim Warrick added 16 for the Grizzlies, who stopped a three-game skid. Pau Gasol had 14 points, seven rebounds, five assists and seven blocks, one short of his career-high...

Sprained ankle sidelines Hornets PG Paul (AP)
Chris Paul missed Saturday night's game at Minnesota with a sprained right ankle, and New Orleans coach Byron Scott said his star point guard would likely miss a couple more games as a precaution. Paul was hurt in Friday night's overtime victory at Memphis when he rolled his ankle on Pau Gasol's foot in the third quarter.

PG Paul sits with sore right ankle
Chris Paul missed Saturday night's game at Minnesota with a sprained right ankle, and New Orleans coach Byron Scott said his star point guard would likely miss a couple more games as a precaution. Paul was hurt in Friday night's overtime victory at Memphis when he rolled his ankle on Pau Gasol's foot in the third quarter. On Saturday, there was still some swelling and soreness in the ankle. "It's still tender, he has some pain.

Week 3 Fantasy Stockwatch
Al Horford, Al Harrington and Richard Jefferson are among those on the rise while Pau Gasol, Andrea Bargnani and others are losing Fantasy steam in Jamey Eisenberg's latest Fantasy Stockwatch.

Week 3 Fantasy Stockwatch
Al Horford, Al Harrington and Richard Jefferson are among those on the rise while Pau Gasol, Andrea Bargnani and others are losing Fantasy steam in Jamey Eisenberg's latest Fantasy Stockwatch.

McGrady scores 41, but Grizzlies win (AP)

Pau Gasol scored 26 points, including four free throws in the final minute, and the Memphis Grizzlies overcame 41 points from Tracy McGrady to beat the Houston Rockets 105-99 on Tuesday night. Darko Milicic added 20 points, while Mike Miller finished with 17 as Memphis snapped Houston's three-game winning streak.

Ginobili helps Spurs hold off Grizzlies (AP)

Manu Ginobili scored 30 points, including the go-ahead basket with 32 seconds left, and the San Antonio Spurs beat the Memphis Grizzlies 104-101 Wednesday night. Ginobili, who had nine points down the stretch, added seven assists and drew a late charge from Grizzlies forward Rudy Gay to preserve the Spurs' lead.

Pau Gasol, F/C - MEM
Gasol leaves wtih mild ankle sprain Visit Rotoworld.com for more analysis on this update.

Grizzlies lose to Spain's Unicaja 102-99 (AP)
Juan Carlos Navarro scored 19 of his game-high 21 points in the second half of the Memphis Grizzlies' 102-99 exhibition loss to Spanish team Unicaja at NBA Europe Live on Tuesday. Pau Gasol added 18 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks, while Mike Miller added 17 points for the Grizzlies. It was Memphis' first loss in exhibition play.

Garnett faces former team in London (AP)
Get ready for Kevin Garnett vs. the Timberwolves -- in London. Two months after making the NBA's biggest offseason trade, Boston and Minnesota will meet in one of the featured games on the NBA Europe Live tour. The Memphis Grizzlies and Toronto Raptors also are holding training camps and will play exhibition games overseas, giving European stars such as Pau Gasol and Andrea Bargnani the chance to...