Lakers-Celtics earns highest rating in 4 years

The Christmas Day game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics was the highest rated regular-season NBA game in four years. The rematch of last season's NBA finals earned a 5.3 fast national rating on ABC, the network said. The rating for the Lakers' 92-83 victory, which snapped Boston's 19-game winning streak, was 51 percent higher than the 3.5 mark for last year's late Christmas game between the Lakers and the Phoenix Suns. The early game on Thursday between the...read full article

For now, end is not in sight for Lakers

Their record is fine, but they're not thinking about moving into the lead at his point in the season. After 30 games, they're focused on other things. To be sure, gaining home-court advantage for the playoffs remains a goal for the Lakers, but it's not something they're concerned about just now. "We can't let it be the sole driving force of what we do this season," Lakers coach Phil Jackson said. "It really has to be about measuring the season, how guys are playing, the minutes they're playing, how to sustain the effort and to keep as many players playing well as...read full article

Kobe Bryant, Phil Jackson give Lakers an 'A'

The schedule's rare break results in a 'disconnected' practice, but both Lakers star and coach see the big picture as positive.

What a weird, wacky thing the NBA schedule can be. As sure as the Lakers rushed back from a four-game, five-night trip to play the Boston Celtics on Christmas Day, they are in the midst of the NBA equivalent of a bye week, with four full days between a romp over Golden State and, gasp, another game on...read full story

BDL NBA Power Rankings: Look who's looking up

The BDL NBA Power Rankings combine two parts champagne with one part flippant observation to create the most unbalanced ranking possible, and to offer the least accurate look at the state of the NBA on a weekly basis. If you disagree with your team's spot, go crazy in the comments or spit venom via email.

1. Los Angeles Lakers — Finally got their revenge in a win over the Celtics last Thursday in a game that was overshadowed by the Mavericks/Trail Blazers classic that followed later that night. Pity, because this plucky bunch of unheralded go-getters easily deserve a Christmas laurel and hearty handshake. Really, the Lakers should be ranked higher. [Kelly Dwyer]

2. Cleveland Cavaliers — A thousand words ...read full article

Bryant earns weekly honor

Who says he’s slowing down? Kobe Bryant, the reigning MVP, was named Western Conference Player of the Week for games played last week. Bryant led the Lakers to four consecutive victories last week, averaging 30.0 points on 54 percent shooting, along with 5.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists. He scored a game-high 27 points, nine rebounds and five assists, as the Lakers defeated Boston on Christmas Day, 92-83, snapping the Celtics’ 19-game winning streak.

What will Laker fans remember about '08?

The year started with Phil Jackson surpassing late Celtics president and coach Red Auerbach with his 939th victory. It would be the first, but not last, time the stench of Auerbach's legendary cigars would be remembered in 2008. The Lakers continued to collect victories with ease and Kobe Bryant, an unhappy camper before the season, seemed overall pleased with his teammates and how the season was progressing. Eleven days into the New Year, the Lakers had won 15 of 18 games and moved a half-game behind first-place Phoenix in the...read full article