Game stories
--The Times' Mike Bresnahan explains how the Lakers overcame all the drama surrounding the team in their 96-91 victory Wednesday over the Dallas Mavericks.
--The Orange County Register's Kevin Ding focuses on Pau Gasol's performance against Dallas.
--The Daily News' Elliott Teaford relates that the Lakers were motivated against Dallas on Wednesday by their 4-0 loss to the Mavericks in the 2011 Western Conference semifinals.
Notebooks
--The TImes' Bresnahan and I explain why Magic Johnson believes Lakers executive Jim Buss and Kobe Bryant need to meet.
--NBA.com's Dave Ivey breaks down the Lakers' win over Dallas.
--The Daily News' Teaford explores Johnson's belief that the Lakers have communication issues.
Columns
--The Times' Helene Elliott argues the Lakers thrive on drama and conflict.
--The Register's Ding notices how the Bryant, Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum played off one another against Dallas.
--ESPN Los Angeles' Dave McMenamin argues the Lakers' recent success points to the players.
--Dallas Morning News' Eddie Sefko explains how Dallas lost despite limiting Bryant.
--Fox Sports' Jason Whitlock argues Bryant needs to have players around him who has the same toughness. Whitlock also faults Lamar Odom for missing Dallas' game against the Lakers because of "family matters.
Sidebars
--Sports Illustrated's Lee Jenkins explores the relationship between Bryant and Gasol.
--ESPN Dallas' Tim MacMahon highlights Bryants's claim that Dirk Nowitzki's one-legged lean-away is "ugly."
--ESPN Los Angeles' McMenamin highlights Johnson's comments about Jim Buss.
--Sports Illustrated's Ian Thomsen details some of Mike Brown's plays and provides a sense of how he's trying to lead the Lakers.
Blogs
--ESPN Los Angeles' Brian Kamenetzky breaks down the Lakers' victory over Dallas.
--ESPN Dallas' MacMahon breaks down Dallas' loss to the Lakers.
--Lakers.com's Mike Trudell provides a running diary of the Lakers' win over Dallas.
--Silver Screen and Roll's C.A. Clark says the Lakers earned a signature win against Dallas.
--Forum Blue and Gold's Darius Soriano breaks down the good, the bad and the ugly in the Lakers' win over Dallas.
Tweet of the Day: "Mike Brown will let the players rest tomorrow, as he cancels shootaround. Team almost to hotel in OKC at 2 a.m." -- LakersReporter (Lakers.com's Mike Trudell)
Rick Friedman Reader Comment of the Day: "Shows you the Lakers can win vs a very good team when Kobe is off if Gasol & Bynum get the ball." -- Sid Walker
--Mark Medina
Email the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com
Photo: Kobe Bryant moves the ball upcourt in front of Mavericks forward Shawn Marion during the Lakers' 96-91 victory Wednesday in Dallas. Credit: Tony Gutierrez / Associated Press
