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The Lakers lost their first pre season game, 111-92, to the Minnesota Timberwolves and disappointed the many purple and gold fans at the O2 Arena in London. Kobe Bryant played a little over six minutes in the game, scored zero and dropped a couple of dimes. Bryant went through knee surgery in the off season, and spent most of his summer rehabbing the injury. The Lakers decided to limit Kobe’s minutes in order to prevent any further injuries. Bryant later told the media that his knee is at 60% percent; the season may be young, but Kobe has to get the 60% up to 100% within a month. However Laker fans, no need to panic. Kobe Bryant will play regardless of how is health is, he will be effective with a 60% knee and a 100% knee.
Kobe Bryant’s knee still has not fully recovered: Yahoo! Sports Scoop Du Jour Blog
The Latest on the Lakers
Here’s a breakdown of the Lakers, 111-92, pre season loss by the OC Register. [OC Register]
The Lakers’ two main stars are obviously Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol, but who is next in the team’s line of succession? Is it the big man Andrew Bynum, the versatile Lamar Odom, the powerful Ron Artest or is it the co-captain Derek Fisher? We will let you decide Lakers Nation. [Lakers.com BasketBlog]
The Lakers played in Europe for the first time since 1991, and the London crowd was ready to see the defending-champs beat down on the Timberwolves. However, the fans saw the complete opposite. Neither Kobe Bryant nor the Lakers put on a good show in the O2 Arena. [Los Angeles Times]
Most athletes spend their money on clothes, houses, nice cars, etc.; but not many athletes spend their money on a Skittles machine. I guess Lamar Odom is not your ordinary athlete. [Los Angeles Times Lakers Blog]
The Latest on the NBA
Bulls forward Carlos Boozer had surgery on his right hand and will miss up to 2 months trying to fully recover. [ESPN Chicago]
Number 24 on Dime Magazine’s List of The NBA’s Top 20 Go-To-Men is….[Dime Magazine]
While the Cavaliers were searching for a new head coach, they offered a contract to Bryon Scoot (he accepted) and also Larry Bird (he denied). [ESPN.com]
The Sacramento Kings cut Donald Sloan and J.R. Giddens from their squad. [Pro Basketball Talk]
The Frenchman Ronny Turiaf is very excited about the new and improved New York Knick’s roster. [Yahoo! Sports]
The New Orleans Hornets have released back up point guard Jannero Pargo. [Pro Basketball Talk]
The owner of the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings Mike Ilitch, has just bought the Detroit Pistons. [NBA.com]
Videos
Check out this killer crossover by Lamar Odom on Michael Beasley
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQksZ_vxirg&feature=player_embedded
A funny commercial with Dwight Howard and David Villa
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vw3V5ZB_soo&feature=player_embedded