The Lakers have shown a newfound sense of purpose on the defensive end of the floor with Kobe Bryant leading the way. Kobe’s defensive intensity has been awe-inspiring with opposing players like Brandon Jennings showing respect for the five-time NBA champion’s effort.
Along with Kobe starting to assume the role of the team’s defensive-stopper, Dwight Howard is starting to return to form as the best all-around center in the NBA. Howard’s presence in the paint and rebirth of sorts since sitting out with the torn labrum injury has also been impressive.
The superstar center appears to be motivated with a chip on his shoulder moving forward. Howard is dominating defensively once again and starting to kick it into high gear offensively tying Kobe for a game-high 31 points in the win over the Bucks on Tuesday.
Although there’s still a ways to go before this team can be labeled as having finally turned things around, the future is starting to look bright in Los Angeles with passionate play starting to become a popular trend amongst the players heading into their showdown with the Miami Heat on Thursday night at Staples Center.
Lakers Nation News
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Brandon Jennings Praises Kobe Bryant’s Defense Following Loss To Lakers
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VIDEO: “Eazy” Earl Clark And His Emergence In The Rotation
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VIDEO: Mike D’Antoni Talks Kobe Bryant, Lakers’ Defense & Playoffs
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Lakers News
Lakers Are Asking Kobe Bryant To Play A Bigger Role On Defense [LA Times]
Oddsmakers Still Favor Lakers To Make Playoffs [LA Times]
Lakers Defeat Bucks For Second Win In A Row [LA Times]
Dwight Howard Is Settling Into Kobe Bryant’s Neighborhood [LA Times]
Lakers Do Their Homework, Pass A Test Against Bucks [LA Times]
Lakers Face Big Decisions As Trade Deadline Approaches [LA Times]
Ding: Revival Hinges On Faith Of Dwight, Kobe [OC Register]
Lakers Continue To Build Against Bucks [OC Register]
Groin Pain Slowing Blake’s Recovery [OC Register]
Bryant’s On-Ball Defense Helps End Losing Streak [OC Register]
Whicker: Clark Is Welcome Discovery For Lakers [OC Register]
Kobe’s New Defensive Role Is Ingenius [Silver Screen & Roll]
Playbook: Dwight Howard Vs. Dwight Howard [Silver Screen & Roll]
Beast Or Burden: A New Start [Silver Screen & Roll]
Lakers Backup Guard Steve Blake Has Complications To Injury That Makes Return Date Uncertain [LA Daily News]
GM Mitch Kupchak Awaits Word If Lakers Can Use Exception To Replace Injured Jordan Hill [LA Daily News]
Lakers/Bucks: Kobe And Dwight Set The Tone [Forum Blue & Gold]
Mike D’Antoni Minces Words When Describing Kobe Bryant’s Defense [The Point Forward]
NBA News
Warriors’ Brandon Rush Had Successful Knee Surgery On Wednesday [Sports City]
NBA Play Of The Day: Terrance Ross With The Putback Reverse Slam [Sports City]
Report: Knicks Recording Carmelo Anthony’s On-Court Conversations [Sports City]
Nets’ Deron Williams Does Not Think He’s An All-Star This Season [Sports City]
Sacramento Mayor Johnson Can Present Counteroffers For Kings [Sports City]
Relocation As Weapon [SB Nation]
Hawks Suspend Josh Smith For 1 Game [SB Nation]
Nuggets Win Wild One [SB Nation]
An Open Letter To Seattle Sonics Fans [SB Nation]
Durant’s Grandma: Great Win, Please Stop Cussing [SB Nation]
The Extra Pass: Kevin Durant’s Shot At History [Pro Basketball Talk]
Roy Hibbert Paid Pacers Reserves To Keep Defensive Clamps On Bobcats [Pro Basketball Talk]
Nets Show Real Ball Movement On Fast Break (VIDEO) [Pro Basketball Talk]
Austin Rivers Comes To Boston To Take On Dad’s Celtics [Pro Basketball Talk]