When Jeremy Lin sat out a playoff-implication game against Milwaukee due to a sore left knee on Monday, the absence was expected. When he sat out again two days later against Orlando, there was cause for concern. As teammates said, Lin is not the type of player to sit out games unless it was something serious. After avoiding the media prior to the game against the Hawks on Friday, it became clear something was amiss. Then suddenly, at least for now, the sensation
Derek Fisher returned to the Staples Center for the first time since being swapped for Jordan Hill at the trade deadline two weeks ago. Los Angeles showed its appreciation for him in a big way — playing a tribute video just before tip-off followed by a rousing ovation from the crowd. Perhaps inspired by the exciting atmosphere, he picked the perfect time to snap out of a personal funk, too. Coming into the game averaging just 3.8 points on 22.7% shooting since joining his new
The (mostly) young Oklahoma City Thunder have been the most consistent team in the Western Conference this season. The Lakers — a team full of veterans (with the exception of the one they’ll have a reunion with tonight) — are trying to get back to a level of consistency they once held over the Thunder. In a meeting between two of the top scorers in the league, Kobe Bryant and the L.A. Lakers take on the visiting Kevin Durant and the Western
// Now that the New Jersey Nets know they have no shot at getting Dwight Howard, will they attempt to trade Deron Williams instead of being at risk of losing him with nothing in return when he opts out of his contract this summer? ESPN.com is reporting that the Nets would say no to a Pau Gasol-for-Williams swap, and a source told SheridanHoops.com that the only thing that would make the Nets move Williams would be a clear message from him
In our Trade Spin, it doesn’t matter which NBA team wins or loses a deal, it’s about taking advantage either way in your league(s). The usual format, with info and opinions on each game before (and after) they are played, is on hold for a couple of days. Klay Thompson is already on fire as the new SG for the Warriors, with three triples and 26 points in over 40 minutes last night. Monta Ellis should maintain his fantasy value with
Unless you caught the second-game of the day-night doubleheader at the Staples Center, you might not be aware that a second masked man is playing there, a masked man named Chris Paul whose Los Angeles Clippers just dropped into second place in the Pacific Division. Yes, Paul, Blake Griffin and Lob City are no longer perched atop Tinseltown. First place in the division is now back in the hands of Kobe Bryant, the guy who called the game-clinching play in the huddle Sunday
