Lakers up, Bynum down!

Memphis, TN

Before the Lakers even got going, horror struck home. Just over five minutes into the game, Lakers center Andrew Bynum was on the ground writhing in agony. As he shouted expletives and moans of enormous pain leaving his body, the arena fell silent. As the play extended down court, Bynum was clutching his right knee in a fashion all too familiar to Lakers fans everywhere. The young center was sidelined for over 9 months after suffering a subluxation of the patella on his left knee. In tonights contest it was the same opponent and the opposite knee. In a freak accident, Kobe Bryant fell back after attempting a short runner at the rim and landed squarely on Bynums' right knee. Immediately afterward, the Lakers big man was on the ground again. A team timeout was called and athletic trainer Gary Vitti was first on the scene. After a few tense minutes and a long television timeout, Bynum was helped off the court, not putting any pressure on his leg. An initial cat scan at the arena came back negative, however, the cat scan really seeks out bone damage. Bynum will travel with the team to New York and have an MRI tomorrow that will help diagnose any further issue. This was supposed to be a leisurely day off to watch Super Bowl XLIII and await the Knicks, now the Lakers will be awaiting news of far greater importance. 

On the lighter side, Pau Gasol was just about lights out in his second game back to Memphis since being traded to the Lakers. Gasol recorded 24 points and 8 boards on 9-of-14 shooting. After the initial shock of the Bynum injury let up, Kobe had a good game as well. Bryant really looked as if a ghost had walked through him in the minutes following the collision. I could just see another NBA Title slipping through his clutches along with another year logged on his legs as he watched Drew on the ground. The pro that is Kobe got it together and led all scorers with 25 when it was all said and done. The Lakers also managed to shoot a respectable 53% from the floor despite 25% shooting from beyond the arc. It was the 37th win for Los Angeles who now sit just two games behind Boston in the win column. 

The Memphis Grizzlies (11-35) losers of 20 of their last 22 games played well most of the night. In the first half the Grizzlies even owned a 13 point lead at one point. A very young team, in only their third game under newly re-hired coach Lionel Hollins showed some signs of growth. They were led by Rudy Gay (23) and Rookie of The Year candidate O.J. Mayo who scored 21. The younger brother of Pau, Marc Gasol added 13 to match teammate Mike Conley Jr. The Grizzlies have implored a new run and gun style that is allowing their shooters more open looks. A great adaptation for a team that is still searching for a reliable inside presence. O.J. Mayo and Marc Gasol were both named to the NBA T-Mobile Rookie Challenge as part of All-Star Weekend 2009 in Phoenix, AZ.

Spring training on the horizon...

Glendale AZ,

In less than two weeks, pitchers and catchers return to spring training. This year will be a little different for the Dodgers. The Dodgers have moved on from spring facilities in Havana, Cuba and the Dominican Republic. The Dodgers have even left a place that will resignate through time in Vero Beach, Florida. Dodgertown USA will take shape this year in Glendale, AZ at the brand new Camelback Ranch.

No longer will the Dodger greats of past and future lace up their cleats under the Florida sun. A drier climate with warmer skies will light up this year. The batters box at Holman stadium will be quiet and chalk free this year, that same snow white chalk powdering new dirt. Just as spring training brings new excitement and hopes of playing in the Fall Classic, the new Camelback Ranch at Glendale will usher in new fans with hopes of their own. New memories will be produced alongside new talent. Position players will arrive shortly after the batteries, and work on calisthenics and conditioning for a long season will begin. Fans will seek out autographs from their favorite veterans and up-and-comers alike. One child may get to taste that first Dodger Dog while her father teaches her to keep score. Another boy will be perched atop his mothers shoulders to watch batting practice. The sweet sound of the crack of the bat will be with him forever. Spring training is like a reserved spot in baseball heaven. The grass is neatly manicured, the skies are painted, and the World Series is within reach for everyone.

Wow, you can get so easily caught up in the excitement of the spring. When last season ended, it was not where they finished but how they played. Now is the time to secure those players for the season upcoming. Most notably on the list of every fan is free agent slugger Manny Ramirez. Back in November, Dodgers GM Ned Colletti extended a two-year offer worth $45 million guaranteed to Manny and his super agent, Scott Boras. Boras didn't respond, and the offer was pulled. Mr. Boras is still looking for a six-year contract in the range of $25 million per year. With the state of the economy and the advanced age that Manny would be (42) when that contract might set to expire, that's hardly a bargain. Ramirez could see his legs and bat speed expire long before then. The Dodgers are however, looking to bolster the pitching staff. According to the team website, they are keeping tabs on former Dodger, Randy Wolf. The former El Camino Real High School prospect could add an extra arm in the middle of the rotation and some much needed veteran presence for our young club. Wolf pitched just 18 games for the Dodgers in 2007 and has had two Tommy-John surgeries. His last year was a good one however, Randy bounced back starting 33 games last year. It is rumored that he would also like to pitch closer to home. In 2007 Wolf purchased a Hollywood Hills home from Guns and Roses rocker Slash.

Bolting away?

San Diego, CA

The San Diego Chargers are a franchise on the fritz. After being ousted from the playoffs by the now Super Bowl XLIII bound Steelers 35-24, the only news from Charger Nation has been bad news. Star running back LaDainian Tomlinson is still recovering from a torn adductor tendon and toe injuries. General Manager AJ Smith has been in the news, the bad news of course, for mocking the words of Tomlinson after L.T. stated on his website he wanted to stay in San Diego.

"I feel that I need to make it very clear that I have NO intentions of leaving San Diego. San Diego is where my career started and where I'd like it to end. I have nothing but love and the upmost respect for this team, the players, and the Spanos family. Me being traded is completely out of my hands. I have ABSOLUTELY no control in that decision making. All I can do is wait and see how it all plays out. As for now, I am a Charger and will be until I am told otherwise..."

General Manager AJ Smith countered just days later with this,

"My first reaction was we both have similar feelings," said Smith. "I have no intentions of leaving San Diego. San Diego is where my GM career started and where I'd like it to end. I also have nothing but love and the upmost respect for this team, the players and the Spanos family. I have absolutely no control over how long I will be with the Chargers. As for now, I am the Chargers' GM, and I have major decisions to ponder for the organization now and in the future. My recommendation to Dean Spanos will be what's in the best interest of the team - both short and long term. That's my job. That's what Dean hired me to do."

Seems like a pretty clear sign of mockery to me. Maybe you'll read something else into it, but I feel Mr. Smith crossed the line in this case. L.T. is and has been the consummate professional since he came into the league in 2001. One of the classiest men in the NFL and a role model for what we want our own children to grow up to be. Tomlinson is very active in charity events throughout the San Diego community as well as back in Texas. He is also on his way to being a first ballot Hall of Fame player, rewriting the history books every time he puts on that #21 jersey. 

This whole debacle with Tomlinson needs to be resolved whether the team decides to keep him or not. L.T. will account for $8.8 million against the salary cap next season and is under contract until 2010. The team is also still needing to make a decision on speedy back-up Darren Sproles, an un-restricted free agent, status for 2009 and beyond. 

On the upside, expect our defense to get an overhaul and be back amongst the league's best next year. First things first, we just acquired two new defensive specialists. On Tuesday, the Bolts agreed to terms with two more assistants. Steve Wilks and Don Johnson will join the team. Both coaches have worked with Defensive Coordinator Ron Rivera in Chicago. Johnson will become the teams new defensive line coach and Wilks will head the Charger's secondary. When the two coaches last worked under Ron Rivera in 2006, the Chicago Bears led the league in takeaways and finished the season 5th in total defense. That Bears team won the NFC Championship and played in Super Bowl XLI. Oh yeah, I almost forgot, the Chargers are getting back a guy by the name of Shawne 'Lights Out' Merriman. He's pretty good too.

Lakers roll again...

Los Angeles, CA

At Staples center on Thursday night the Lakers had an easy time handling the 9-34 Washington Wizards. The 117-97 victory was the Lakers 8th wire-wire victory of the year. This is one of those games the Lakers are supposed to win easily and they did it fine fashion. Andrew Bynum led the way again scoring 23 points and 14 rebounds as the Lakers fed the bigs most of the night. Without their own big men, the Wizards were outmatched and over-powered by Pau Gasol and Bynum who combined for 41 points. Los Angeles also scored 58 points in the paint against this smaller opponent. After his 27 minute effort, Lakers big Andrew Bynum had this to say about the game; "We went out there and moved the ball. Everybody got shots. they were undermanned, and we were able to take advantage of them on the block." It was another kind of night for Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant. In 28 minutes on the third anniversary of his 81 point annihilation of the Toronto Raptors, Bryant had a quiet night, 11 points, five dimes, and 4 rebounds. This is the kind of game that is promising to the throngs of Laker fans. Kobe not being Kobe, and the team still rolling. With Andrew and Pau being so effective down low I think this Lakers team can become unstoppable. Apparently, Derek Fisher thinks along those same lines,

"I'm happy for him. (and my own legs at that) If Andrew can continue to have that type of presence in the middle - no matter who the other team is - we're going to be a much better team, says Fisher. "He seems to just be getting more comfortable on the court, physically. He came into the season off a serious knee surgery and hadn't really played basketball since last January."

That's a scary omen for what may come to teams that face Bynum and the Lakers in June. Andrew Bynum is our next big man, our next star. This could be the beginning of a new era in Los Angeles. Sit back and enjoy.

News on our other star, no, still our brightest star, Kobe is playing with a dislocated ring finger on his right hand. Still in the four games before tonight he has amassed two triple-doubles and was named to his 11th consecutive All-Star squad. Kobe Bryant led all western Conference players in voting and was third overall behind Orlando's Dwight Howard, and Lebron James of the Cavaliers. In his All-Star game career, Bryant is averaging 18 points in 26 minutes with an above average 50% shooting clip. He has been named the games Most Valuable Player twice, matching Magic Johnson and Shaquille O'neal as the only three Lakers to accomplish the feat. Phil Jackson will coach the West in the All-Star game played Sunday Feb. 15th in Phoenix, AZ.

The Lakers have a couple of days now to prepare for a revenge match with the Spurs. I'm sure Lakers coach Phil Jackson and most of the team wouldn't call it such. Let it be understood they all know the importance of this game. The Spurs, led by Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu 'flops' Ginobli are a likely competitor to Los Angeles in the Western conference Finals. Duncan was also recently named an All-Star for the 10th time. The game is Sunday at 12:30 local time, the Lakers are 17-0 on Sundays this season. Don't those white jerseys look sweet.

Breakout night for Bynum!!!

Los Angeles, CA

We might have witnessed the awakening of a giant tonight at Staples center tonight. In a 108-97 win over the 'home' Clippers, Andrew Bynum had a career night. Bynum shattered his previous career high (28) netting 42 points to go alongside 15 boards, in a win over the injury riddled Clippers. The game also saw the emergence of another young big man. The Clippers DeAndre Jordan, a rookie out of Texas A&M, scored 23 points with 10 boards in only his second career start. Thus far in his young career he was averaging only 2 points and about 10 minutes played per game before tonight. It was a stellar performance from the rookie playing in large part due to the fact that the Clippers are without their four best players. Either way, it was Bynum showing why he is going to be the NBA's next big man on campus in the coming years. This was the first time since Shaq scored 48 in a March 2003 game against Boston that a Laker other than Kobe scored 40+ points. In that span of time, Bryant has reached the 40 point mark, an unbelievable 61 times. The first half was especially impressive for the young Bynum. He led all scorers into the locker rooms at the half with 25 and 10 coming his way during the first 24 minutes of play. Bynum ended the night shooting 70% from the field with 17-of-24 attempts finding the bottom of the net. The largely purple and gold crowd gave Bynum a standing ovation and cheered wildly when he left the court. In a post game interview Bynum gave credit to working out with his trainer and coaches Rambis and Kareem Abdul-Jabaar.

Kobe Bryant showed no ill effects from his latest injury. Playing the game with his right ring finger taped straight, and some bandage to help protect a floor burn he sustained on his palm, KB24 tallied his 16th career triple-double. The second of the year for Bryant against the Clippers, he finished the night with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists. It also marks the fourth straight game in which the reigning league MVP, has recorded double digit assists. The rest of the Lakers maintained the balanced effort with Lamar Odom leading the Bench Mob with 19 points. Los Angeles Lakers also out rebounded the Clips by 20. 

The Lakers now play host to the Washington Wizards in the second night of a back to back. Guard Jordan Farmar could see playing time as early as this Tuesday against the Charlotte Bobcats. After an initial 8 week timeline to return, the 22 year old is healing ahead of schedule. You can check out a short video of Jordan addressing his injury online at the Lakers website. He seems very positive and is clearly very eager to get back out to game action. I expect to see a surge in the Lakers defensive effort as Farmar rejoins the team. With the additions of Lamar and Sasha now recently and Jordan hopefully by early next week this team should be able to get in some good practices. 

Here is a link to the Jordan Farmar injury update video:

http://my.lakers.com/blogs/2009/01/21/jordan-farmar-video-update/

Dream Matchup

Los Angeles, CA

Titans collided at Staples center Monday night. Decades earlier it was Martin Luther Kings' dream, this time it was a dream pairing, showcasing two of the leagues top talents. The 32-8 Lakers overcame the 31-8 Cleveland Cavaliers, 105-88. Lebron James brought his usual arsenal of weapons to town, sparking the crowd with a huge left handed tomahawk jam over Lamar Odom, and added 23 points in the loss. James shot just 9-of-25 from the floor with Bryant guarding him most of the night. Kobe had a similar scoring line with 20 points on 9-of-22 shooting, but proved why he's the games best closer, scoring nine points at the start of the fourth quarter to propel the Lakers to victory. Fans were visibly excited to watch this star matchup and the atmosphere in the building was electric. Even Lebron took some time to comment on playing versus Kobe,

"It's always great when you go against the best, " James said. "It brings out the best in you. He's one of the ultimate competitors in our game today, and I enjoy going against him."

The NBA is definitely a league in which teamwork is necessary to win, and in this contest, there was no contest. The Lakers supporting cast outplayed their Cleveland counterparts and it resulted in a statement making win. Pau Gasol put up a pretty easy looking 22 points, while Sasha and 'Drew each added 14, and D Fish chipped in 11. 

Both teams entered the night banged up with injuries. Although the Cavaliers are  currently suffering the most, the Lakers have dealt with their fair share. Cleveland had to play without starting center, Zydunas Ilgauskas (left ankle), and guards, Delonte West (right wrist) and Eric Snow (left knee). That trio makes up 33 points of the Cavs scoring average when they are healthy. Los Angeles, also plagued by the injury bug,  just recently got back Lamar Odom (hyper extended right knee) and Sasha Vujacic (back spasms) as well as F Luke Walton (injured right foot) who did not play missing his ninth in a row. Walton is scheduled to play in Wednesday's road game vs the Clippers. Lakers G Jordan Farmar is still recovering from MCL surgery on his left knee. Just two minutes into the first quarter, Kobe Bryant injured the ring finger on his shooting hand.

"I just dove for the ball, and the finger just popped out," Bryant answered after the game. "I was scared, I thought I was done. It felt like I had two fingers on one, it was just disgusting. Gary (Vitti, Lakers trainer) just popped it back into place. Not fun." When asked after the game how the finger bothered him, Kobe replied, "A lot, I played with some pain, obviously. I tried to adjust as I went along, I just tried to play through it. it's just throbbing right now." 

A day of rest, and a day that will go down in history, and then the Lakers travel down the hallway to play the Clippers. Many of the Lakers players, including Kobe Bryant were and are supporters of newly inaugurated President Barack Obama. President Obama 

is an avid basketball player himself. There are even early rumors that he will replace the old White House bowling alley with a new basketball court. The President was known to play morning pick-up games while on the campaign trail.

Swept Away

Los Angeles, CA

A Friday night matchup at Staples was the wrong place to be for the Lakers. Los Angeles came up short, 109-103, to the Orlando Magic for the second time this season. This is the first time in Orlando's franchise history that they have swept the season series from the Lakers. I really continue to be frustrated as the Lakers lack any sort of defensive game and lose again. Rebound is also an issue the Lakers will have to deal with as they were out rebounded last night 54-40. Dwight Howard, the games best big man, led the way with 20 himself. Andrew Bynum looked like just another big man, only getting three boards for his team. Bynum did put up 14 points but only 2 in the second half. 

The Orlando Magic have seemed to fly under the radar a little bit up until this game. With the win the Magic now have a better record than the Lakers and are second in the Eastern Conference standings. With the games most dominant center in Howard, a highly talented guard like Jameer Nelson, and some shooters to help spread the floor, look for Orlando to do some damage in the playoffs. This team is young but has experience and most definitely enough talent to get the job done. At the beginning of the year all the talk surrounded the Lakers and Celtics. Now that we've watched some games it is clear there are still other teams that are competing to contend. The Magic lead a group of teams including Cleveland, Denver, Portland, and Phoenix that are all trying to push to that next level. If the Magic can keep pace and play their game they will be in a good spot come playoff time. Orlando also boast the leagues number 5 defense in large part to Howard. He leads the league in rebounding and blocks.

The Lakers now have a shot at some redemption, or worse, could lose more credibility this Monday. In the last day of our 43rd Presidents term, Los Angeles will host the King of the NBA, Lebron James and the Cavaliers. The 31-7 Cavs sit atop the Eastern Conference with 1 less loss than Orlando. Cleveland, the last NBA team to remain unbeaten at home (20-0) will be with out guard Delonte West. West suffered a broken wrist and will be out for six weeks. With the Lakers shoddy defense, any breaks will only help them.

Two left feet...

San Antonio, TX

In the second night of a back to back road series, the Lakers lost to the Spurs, and failed to land the pretty girl at the Texas Two Step dance. The Lakers (31-7) also lost the title of best record in the NBA. Lebron James and company wear that crown now (30-6). Los Angeles had been rolling, albeit on flat tires, to the tune of a four game win streak, and 10 of their last 11. All that came to an end when Roger Mason converted on a three point play to put the Spurs up for good. Mason got the ball on the baseline with 10 seconds left and hit a huge jumper while being fouled by Derek Fisher. Just previous to that, Kobe Bryant hit a monstrous three pointer from way out with 12 seconds left in the game. That shot, at the time, appeared to be another case of Kobe playing hero, as the NBA's best closer. Unfortunately for Los Angeles, a Trevor Ariza travel call with .08 seconds left sealed their fate, and made the final score official. 112-111 San Antonio Spurs victorious, the Lakers seventh loss of the season. Kobe was the games high scorer with 29, Ginobli had 27. Gasol and Bynum scored 21 and 18 for Los Angeles. The Spurs got 20 out of both Tim Duncan and Tony Parker. Roger Mason, who got the game winner, also finished with 18.  Both teams shot well from the floor, finishing with an identical 57% from the floor. "Both teams shot the heck out of the ball," said Bryant. "I mean, it's tough to lose a game like that."

This matchup historically has provided great games. In the past decade the Spurs or Lakers have been the Western Conference Champs 9 times, and the two teams have combined for 7 of the last 10 NBA titles. Manu Ginobli commented on the importance of the matchup.

"It tells you where you stand," said Manu. "...It makes you see the mistakes you made, how far you are from them and stuff like that. I wish we played them 10 times (per season)."

Take note he did say, 'how far from them', good to see the Lakers are still the team to beat at least in opposing players heads. That mental advantage can be a huge confidence builder or buster when the team goes on a winning streak.

The Lakers opened the season 7-0, and were doing it in fine fashion. Playing defense, playing as a team, playing like champions should. Since then, Los Angeles who leads the league in scoring (107 ppg), has given up on playing defense. The old Lakers team, that started the year holding  opponents to under 87 points per contest is gone. This new look team is just your average middle of the pack team. Ranking 16th in the NBA, Los Angeles has now given up 102.3 points over the last 31 games. A few of the other early season contenders, Cleveland, Boston, and San Antonio all rank within the top 5 in team defense. I feel like a broken record, but this is still something the Lakers will need to fix if they want to see that parade run down Figueroa. I know myself personally,  would love to be downtown covering that event.

Injuries have really hit the Lakers hard this month. In a span of five weeks, the Lakers have lost 4 players to injury. Jordan Farmar might have gotten the worst of it, he suffered a torn MCL that required surgery. Luke Walton is out with sesamoiditis, a fancy way of saying foot pain. Lamar Odom, who played the last two, missed time to a bone bruise in his knee, and Sasha Vujacic missed the recent road trip with back spasms. These injuries have had an array of affects for the Lakers. On the upside, bench players like Trevor Ariza, Josh Powell, and Sun Yue are getting lots of extra playing time. Something that should pay dividends when the Lakers reach the playoffs when a deep bench is really needed. The bad, besides just messing with the rotation and not having top talent on the floor, is also extended playing time. Both Kobe and Fisher are averaging over 31 minutes per game. At 31 and 34 respectively, this is a slight concern. The season is a long marathon race to the finals after all. I guess we shouldn't stress out about Bryant too much, he is known throughout the association as being the most well conditioned and dedicated player. Derek Fisher has stepped up like a true veteran himself, always dismissing any notions that he might be too tired to keep logging long minutes. Hopefully with the return of a few key components, the Lakers can find their rhythm and defensive form again. Defense has led to a bunch of blowout games in which the starters can sit out large portions of the final quarter. 

Phil Jackson's team now heads to Orlando to play Dwight Howard and the Magic. Ever since the two teams last played each other, a 134-94 Lakers loss on 12/23/8, Andrew Bynum has stepped up his game. Bynum played only 9 minutes in that contest with early foul trouble, and watched Howard record a double-double in the win, after getting into some foul trouble himself. Bynum has decided to start listening to his personal tutor, and NBA legend, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar again and the proof is in the pudding. Bynum had back to back 20+ point games against the Pacers and Heat, the first time he's accomplished that in his career. Andrew is also keeping his composure, which allows him to stay on the floor, and the results are starting to come. Look for him to be much more aggressive in Fridays game against the Magic.

Looking ahead, the Lakers play the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday, take off inauguration day, and they day after. Well, I suppose LA does play the Clippers on Wednesday, but that should be like a day off. In the NBA, you never know though, and that's why they play the games.

Snow day looms...

Pittsburgh, PA

The San Diego Chargers are on their way, sleeveless, to Heinz field to try and keep this magical season rolling. The temperature in Pittsburgh is expected to be in the low 20's with some frigid winds set to swirl in at 10-15 mph. I believe the high in the forecast right now is 27 degrees. 27 degrees is quite the opposite of the 72 degrees we usually feel in San Diego year round. Well for Chargers offensive lineman Jeremy Clary, the weather wont be an issue. "It's like n unwritten rule amongst offensive linemen," Clary said. "We don't wear sleeves." You better believe that if I was any where near Heinz field this weekend I'd be bundled up in my North Face down jacket. I know these guys are for real, well most of them. Jacques Cesaire is a mere cold mortal more like myself. Cesaire's had a good time this week going at it with the O-linemen, telling them that sleeves (or not) aren't the measure of a man. "I'm wearing them," he said. "The guys that don't wear sleeves, watch how fast they run to the sidelines to put on a jacket and get in front of the heaters when their series is over." So there again you see it, a team divided. Offense and defense, both having their own views, their own values. As long as they play for each other, and hopefully for us, play to out prove each other, San Diego will do just fine in snow day. We might even see some Wes Welker like snow angels. 

With conditions expected to be frigid at best, field position could be what determines this game. Last week Bolts punter Mike Scifres was the difference the team needed. He set an NFL record, with all six of his punts dropping in the Colts 20, five of which were inside the Indy 11 yard line. Scifres booming kicks allowed his team maximum hang time in which the special teams crew could get down field. Colts only managed a measly 6 return yards. Scifres will need to bring that boot back for the Chargers on Sunday. The home Steelers boast the leagues best defense and San Diego will need all the help they can get. Watch this one closely, field position will prevail.  

Lose focus, lose Lamar, lose game...

Los Angeles, CA

Last night at Staples center the Lakers were supposed to breeze by the New Orleans Hornets as they've previously done twice this year. The Lakers were supposed to extend to both their home and overall win streaks. They were to send a message to the other big threat teams. In a struggle from the opening tip, none of that turned out right. Chris Paul had a typical CP3 excellent game, scoring 32 points with 15 assists. Tyson Chandler in his first game back from a one game suspension for last Friday nights altercation with Portland's Joel Pryzbilla, scored 12 to go with 8 rebounds. The real difference maker on the night though, was David West. Scoring 15 of his game high 40 points in the fourth quarter to close out the game. 

Los Angeles seemed slow from the start. Trailing early and looking continually one step behind the efficient New Orleans penetration offense, you had a sense the game would be close in the end. Unfortunately for the Lakers, forward Lamar Odom went down towards the end of the second quarter with a hyperextended right knee. Odom was playing a solid game, 12 points, 3 boards, in just 13 minutes before the injury. Lamar is set to have an MRI today, and if the results are conclusive to a hyperextension could miss 2-4 weeks with no other set backs. The Lakers are already playing without guard Jordan Farmar (knee) and forward Luke Walton (foot). 

Kobe Bryant finished the game with a team high 39 to go along with 7 assists and 3 rebounds. In the 3rd quarter it was all Kobe, all the time, scoring 20 points with back-to back-to back triples at one point. Bryant was held to only two points, going 1 for 6 in the final period. "After the third quarter, they pretty much weren't going to let me get off a shot," said Bryant, "Shots didn't go for us." Kobe is averaging 35.0 points in his last three games. With Lamar gone for the game and no inside presence accounted for by Bynum or Gasol, the Lakers had a hard time keeping up with New Orleans. Gasol's ten point third quarter was all he had in the tank apparently. He is averaging over 17 points a contest but shot poorly last night. Andrew Bynum was also pretty much ineffective scoring only 7 in 34 minutes, limited again by foul trouble. The two teams combined to go to the line 59 times on the night, 37 to 22 in favor of the Hornets. The absence of a big mans presence in the lane was felt by Los Angeles. CP3 was able to dribble penetrate and kick, about whenever he felt like, and David West was left alone for much of the night. The Lakers hadn't allowed a single opponent to score more than 23 in their last seven games. 

The Lakers now travel North to face off with the Golden State Warriors (10-26). Golden State is returning home after a disappointing road trip. The Warriors lost all three games, including a 119-114 defeat to the Utah Jazz on Monday. Leading scorer Stephen Jackson of Golden State, strained his right hamstring in the loss to the Jazz and is expected to miss two weeks. The Warriors did just get back another key player in Corey Maggette. He returned to form with 23 and five in his first game back since a Dec. 6th hamstring injury of his own.

"I'm looking at the bigger picture, and it's weird for us because when somebody comes back, somebody else goes out. We got Corey back, and then Stephen went down. It's tough," said Jamal Crawford.

Crawford, the warriors guard, is averaging 25 points in his last three games against the Lakers. The Warriors hope to get their third straight home victory. 

Overtime thriller in San Diego

San Diego, Ca

Don't pinch yourselves yet. The dream isn't over. In a game that featured excitement, drama, joy, self doubt, and most of all suspense, the Chargers were victorious. The Indianapolis Colts came to town with a 12-4 record, 9 straight wins, an MVP quarterback, and were stunned by the hobbled San Diego Chargers. The Bolts now travel East to face off with Mike Tomlin's Pittsburgh Steelers. The Chargers are one of only a handful of West coast teams to win a game when traveling East this season. This game marked the second time in as many years that the Bolts have defeated the Colts, thus ending their season. 

The AFC wild-card round brought the Colts to Qualcomm to face off with San Diego. The Chargers just came in with one thing on their mind. Stopping Peyton Manning. The Bolts defense played a solid game, pressuring Manning, flushing him out of the pocket, and even once, sacking the MVP.

"That's the best player in the league," said cornerback Quentin Jammer. "I've been saying it all week. We went out as a defense and dominated a great offense, it wasn't like it was easy. We played great against a great offense with the best player in the league calling the shots."

Jammer wouldn't be exaggerating on Peyton being the leagues best, nor about dominating a great offense on Sunday. A bit of humble pie might have been eaten though, as Jammer didn't boast of his own defenses success. San Diego held Indy to only 17 points in a game that ended with the same final score of the NFL's first postseason overtime game. Half a century ago it was the Baltimore Colts over the New York football Giants 23-17 in the championship game. 

The Chargers held the Colts to just 64 yards rushing and got pressure on Manning every time they needed to. The lone sack of the night came at the most critical time. With 2:30 left in the game Tim Dobbins plowed Peyton Manning to the turf from behind after blazing in from the left side. That play led to an Indy punt that the Chargers brought back down the filed for Nate Kaeding to score a 26 yard field goal with 31 seconds left. A couple of failed plays later, the Colts kneeled the ball on the games final play. They would never get another chance. The overtime coin flip went tails, and the way of the Bolts. Speedy Darren Sproles took care of the rest. A 22 yard touchdown scamper, capped by Sproles thumping his chest, pointing to the sky, and running off the field with the game ball. It's fun to see the smallest guy on the field make the biggest impact. Sproles put up 328 all purpose yards on the night, more impressive is that about 200 of those yards came in the final six minutes of the game. That's what you call clutch in the big leagues. Here's what Chargers coach Norv Turner had to say about Sproles effort;

"The guy who typifies our season and what are guys are about is Darren Sproles. He fumbles the ball on the two and when that happened, there wasn't any doubt in my mind he was going to make a big play that was going to have a major affect on this game. That's what that guy is all about. That's what our team is all about," said Turner.

In a game that I predicted the Chargers to win by seven, I have to say I came up just short. I will add it is probable that it would be exactly seven if the game had not reached overtime where the extra point was not necessary. Just keep an eye out for some other possible scenarios now. I predicted the seven point margin after thinking about Philip Rivers out pacing Manning by seven TD's (34-27) and seven yards passing (4,009-4,002) on the season. Wouldn't it be great now if the Bolts could come full circle and win a Super Bowl by beating the Carolina Panthers whom they lost to in the season opener on the final play of the game. I know , I know... it's a long shot and tons of variables factor in, but how often in sports do the most dramatic stories unfold before your eyes. San Diego would have to win the Three Rivers Rematch in Pittsburgh this weekend. Next weekend, hopefully play a Tennessee team or even Baltimore, either way, proving strength against a formidable foe. Finally, culminating with the Lombardi Trophy being hoisted in February. To dream is to believe, so don't wake yet. Rest your weary eyes upon the fronts of the San Diego uniforms. This Charger team is outperforming teammates by that simple thinking. Teamwork is poised to take the spotlight and shine, just in a time when our youths are straying so far from the concept. There will forever now be standout athletes and kids on pedestals thanks in large pats to the big sports networks and the finances behind the scenes, but teamwork is one of those fundamentals in sports. You can preach it forever, but until a team buys in, it's all words. The Chargers are eating those words and want the rest of the world to take notice.

Lakers ring in the new year, wring out the Jazz

Los Angeles, Ca

At Staples center Friday night the Lakers beat the visiting Utah Jazz 113-100 after a four day lay-off. It was the Lakers 7th wire-to-wire victory of the season. Los Angeles came into the game fully rested and played with tons of energy in the first half. The Lakers paced by Kobe Bryants 40 point, 7 board, 4 assist effort were able to hold on late for the win. Leading by as much as 20 points, the Jazz were able to control the energy and effort in the thrd and final quarter pulling as close as four, at 97-93. It was the quick hands of Trevor Ariza that saved the game for Los Angeles. Slash had two steals and two resulting layups, plus a nice jam after a Pau Gasol circus pass in the final 2:38 to seal the deal. "Trevor takes risks at a time, but he's very limited in the risks he takes. Obviously steals is not a perfect analysis of good defense but in his case he anticipates well. When a person crosses over in front of him, he has very quick reflexes. He's a cobra out there and he just strikes and takes that ball and he's terrific at it.", said Lakers coach Phil Jackson on trevor Ariza'a defensive ability.

Pau Gasol matched Utah's Mehmet Okur with 21 points a piece. Carlos Boozer missed the game, and will undergo arthroscopic left knee surgery on January 9th. Ronnie Brewer added 20 and one of the leagues best point guards, Deron Williams only scored 10 points on the night. "I thought we gave ourselves a chance, said Williams. "We have a chance to beat them once we get healthy and once we get everyone back and start playing like what we are capable of." This Jazz team coached by Jerry Sloan will definitely be a contender once everyone is back healthy. I know Utah fans are pretty weray of losing Boozer to free agency after his contract is up though. He seems pretty optomistic about his value on the open market, and rightfully so. Carlos Boozer is going to be a gem for some team in one of the most anticipated free agent markets in recent history. 

The Lakers do need to work some more on defensive intensity before matching up with a good Portland Trailblazers team coming up this Sunday. Los Angeles jumped out to an early 17 point lead on 55% shooting and scored a season high 37 points in the first quarter. With the Lakers dominating the first half and then allowing the Jazz to get back in the game late, we see lapses in effort.

"The only thing I'm disappointed about is that we didn't get tacos for our fans, it bothers me. Our defense should've done better; it's not about the tacos, it's about the defense."

said Jackson, when asked if he was happy with the win or unhappy that the team didn't close the game well. 

AFC Wildcard Showdown

San Diego, CA

Primetime Saturday night belongs to the Chargers. San Diego will host the red hot Indianapolis Colts in the AFC wild-card round. The streaking Colts are marching into town on the heels of nine consecutive wins. Peyton Manning, is playing at an MVP pace after a slow start. Hampered with a nagging knee injury that held the former Super Bowl MVP from much of spring training, he seems as good as fixed going forward. Manning finished the year going over 4,000 yards for the third straight season. It is the ninth time in his 11 year career he has accomplished the feat. The Colts (12-4) have made the playoffs each of the past seven seasons since hiring head coach Tony Dungy in 2002. Before being over taken by this years Tennessee Titans, the Colts had been AFC South champs five years in a row, including a Super Bowl XLI victory.

"How you got here, what you've done in the past- we all know it's pretty irrelevant," QB Manning told the Colts' official web site. "It's kind of who plays better on that day, but it's nice to know we found ourselves in a hole and kind of answered the question, 'Could we dig ourselves out?'"

On Friday, Peyton Manning joined Brett Favre as the only three-time Associated Press NFL Most Valuable Player award winner.

Philip Rivers might be called upon heavily if L.T. is not going to be 100% for Saturday's contest. Just fine for the NFL's top rated passer, (105.5) but will face off with a very stingy Colts defense. Indy has allowed just six touchdown passes this season, the fewest ever in an NFL regular 16 game season. LaDainian Tomlinson sat out practice again Thursday citing last years AFC Championship game as a reason why. In last years 21-12 loss to the Patriots, L.T. practiced hard on Thursday and was sore Friday. He hopes the extra time off will allow him to further heal and doesn't mind playing through pain for his team as long as it happens on the field in live game action. San Diego's 10th rated offense will need to put up points in what should be a close contest between these two teams. The last five between theses two opponents, have been decided by a mere 9 points. Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers, ended the season tied with Drew Brees (34) for most TD passes and 5th in yards (4,009), just seven more than league MVP Peyton manning in both statistics. Philip Rivers received two MVP votes, Manning (32) won in a landslide. 

Holding the same position with the Chicago Bears two years ago, Ron Rivera watched as Peyton manning led his team down the field to a Super Bowl victory, ending the Bears season. Now he must put together some defensive schemes that will help slow down Manning for the Chargers to have a different fate. Rivera has noticed how Peyton has continued to improve as the season labored on.

"Now you see the timing, you see the ball being put where it needs to be put, and you see the receivers in sync with him," said Rivera. "That's what we as a group have got to be able to handle. He's going to put the ball where it needs to be. We've just got to make sure we're in proper position."

Chargers linebacker Stephen Cooper, who leads the team in interceptions with four, talked about how the defense needs to step up.

"As long as we can get pressure in his face, that's what's going to dictate the game," Cooper said. "If you don't have guys in his face and he has an open window to see receivers, he's going to get the ball to them. We can always do a better job, I think everybody (here) knows Peyton, when he's comfortable in the pocket, that's when he has his best games. Whenever you have him moving outside, running around with guys at his feet, that's when he gets erratic and throws the ball up in the air like you seen last year, when Antonio had three picks."

 Cooper was referencing a 2007 matchup between the two clubs when Manning threw his career worst 6 picks, including three to Antonio Cromartie. 

Also related, the Chargers will wear their powder-blues alternate uniform for the game this Saturday. The 'power blues' as many fans call them, due in part to the teams success while wearing them, the team has won seven straight, and 8 of 9 in the light blue uniform. The jerseys were sent to the league office after the Bolts Dec. 4 victory over the Raiders, to be auctioned off for charity. However, team official A.G. Spanos said the team was able to get the jerseys back just before they hit the auction site. The NFL allows teams to use an alternate uniform once during the playoffs. L.T. thinks it's going to be great adding, "It's what everybody wants and we're going to look sweet on Saturday night." The team will return the uniforms to the league office to be auctioned off after the game.