The Times' Mike Bresnahan notes that Lakers center Andrew Bynum will miss Saturday's practice during All-Star weekend because of a previously scheduled appointment with his longtime knee specialist, David Altchek. Bresnahan says Bynum will receive a Synvisc injection in his right knee, part of what the Lakers called a routine procedure to lubricate joints in the knee.
--ESPN Los Angeles' Dave McMenamin also says Bynum is just undergoing the procedure for maintenance purposes.
Game stories
--The Times' Bresnahan focuses on the off night Kobe Bryant and Bynum experienced in the Lakers' 100-85 loss Thursday to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
--The Orange County Register's Kevin Ding explains why the Lakers couldn't match the Thunder's speed.
--The Daily News' Elliott Teaford says Oklahoma City controlled the tempo against the Lakers.
Notebooks
--The Daily News' Teaford explains what Lakers Coach Mike Brown admires about Oklahoma City General Manager Sam Presti.
Sidebars
--The Orange County Register's Janis Carr profiles Bynum.
Columns
--The Times' Helene Elliott argues that the Lakers' inconsistency will persist if they don't make a roster move before the March 15 deadline.
Blogs
--ESPN Los Angeles' Andy and Brian Kamenetzky as well as Ramona Shelburne debate the Lakers' future.
--ESPN Los Angele's McMenamin breaks down the Lakers' loss to Oklahoma City.
Tweet of the Day: "I asked Dwight if true there was 0 percent chance he'd stay in Orlando: "If it's not about All-Star weekend I don't want to talk about it."" -- sam_amick (Sports Illustrated's Sam Amick)
Rick Friedman Reader Comment of the Day: "These losses to better teams will continue unabated. we will not ever beat the Heat, the Bulls, or the Thunder, until we add a PG and another scoring threat. Michael Beasley, OJ Mayo, and Ramon Sessions are out there for the taking, and none of them will cost us any of our big 3 of Bryant (of course), Bynum, or Gasol. I don't know what Kupchak is waiting for....this team has proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that it will not get past the 1st round of the playoffs if they get there at all." -- Jeff Sadie
RELATED:
Lakers lose to Thunder in Oklahoma City, 100-85
Kobe Bryant's performance in Dallas shows he needs rest
Kobe Bryant deserves better communication from Jim Buss
-- Mark Medina
E-mail the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com
Photo: Andrew Bynum finishes off a dunk against the Thunder on Thursday night in Oklahoma City. Credit: Sue Ogrocki / Associated Press
