Just before Lakers forward Pau Gasol entered the training room, Andrew Bynum stopped him.

"What's the difference, man," Bynum said, "with us on the road?"

Gasol had just spent five minutes analyzing the disparity between the 18-12 Lakers' records at home (13-2) and on the road (5-10) after practice Saturday at the Lakers' facility. So Bynum figured he'd just consult his teammate so he could repeat the same answers to reporters.

"I told them about the consistency factor," Gasol said with a smile. "We're not as consistent on the road as we have been at home."

Bynum smiled and then turned toward a small group of reporters: "We're not as consistent as we are at home."

Every Laker can agree on that. But they're stuck for answers about the reasons behind their being one of only three Western Conference playoff teams with a losing road record . . . or whether the inconsistency will end when the Lakers play the Suns (12-19) Sunday in Phoenix.

Game stories

--The Times' Mike Bresnahan credits Kobe Bryant's strong scoring effort in the Lakers' 111-99 victory Friday over the Phoenix Suns.

--The Orange County Register's Janis Carr notices the Lakers having fun against Phoenix.

--The Arizona Republic's Paul Coro notes how it's common for Bryant to go on a scoring spree against Phoenix.

--The Daily News' Elliott Teaford notices the Lakers' progression.

Notebooks

--The Times' Bresnahan focuses on Derek Fisher's decreased playing time.

--The Arizona Republic's Coro highlights Steve Nash's praise for Jeremy Lin.

--The Daily News' Teaford notes Nash would make a great addition for the Lakers.

Sidebars

--I highlight Kobe Bryant's contention that Pau Gasol's uncertainty with the Lakers has affected his play.

--ESPN.com's J.A. Adande reports that it's unlikely the Suns will trade Nash.

--ESPN Los Angeles' Dave McMenamin explains why the Lakers believe in their potential.

Blogs

--ESPN Los Angeles' Andy Kamenetzky breaks down the Lakers' win over Phoenix.

--Lakers.com's Mike Trudell provides a running diary of the Lakers-Suns game.

--Valley of the Sun's Mike Schmitz says  the Suns had to provide a flawless game against the Lakers. They didn't.

--Silver Screen and Roll's C.A. Clark remarked how Bryant remained strong in all facets against Phoenix.

--Forum Blue and Gold's Darius Soriano provides the good, the bad and the ugly from the Lakers' win over Phoenix.

Tweet of the Day: "Talked to Shaq today and he said if he was a better free-throw shooter he would probably be just behind Kareem on the all-time scoring list." -- ArashMarkazi (ESPN Los Angeles' Arash Markazi)

Rick Friedman Reader Comment of the Day: "I see a team that has problems, but is getting better. I'm not just saying this because of the last game. They have improved on the road recently as well. I think we should put a halt to the trade rumors that surround us with Gasol and Bynum. They put us in a weak posture on the outside, as well as from the inside."

"Take Gasol, for example, he is just as skilled as ever, but he is sensitive. One can take that weakness and say he is soft, or use good leadership and get the most out of him. Publicly state that you are no hurry to get rid one of the best post players in the game, and watch his play rise. This does not mean you don't make a trade, but you wait for a great deal comes along, as you put your team in a position of strength in the deal." -- Joe Williams

-- Mark Medina

Email the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com

Photo: Lakers guard Kobe Bryant reacts after getting fouled during the game Friday night against the Suns. Credit: Allen J. Schaben, Los Angeles Times

Summoning his players over, Lakers Coach Mike Brown looked them in the eye and told them to appreciate what they have.

Embrace the grind that a compacted 66-game schedule entails. Relish the hard work that comes with nailing down his offensive and defensive system. Tolerate the fluctuating lineup changes. Block out the "outside noise" regarding what moves the Lakers will make before the March 15 trade deadline. Understand that all of these challenges remain an ongoing effort.

"I knew we were going to get socked on the chin because I didn't have enough time to figure out what I had," Brown said. "So it starts with me. Then, to our guys' credit, they were searching too. I'm not saying we have arrived, because we have not, but we are getting better."

Mike Brown on win over Phoenix

The Lakers  showed that in their 111-99 victory Friday over the Phoenix Suns. They reached their season high in points and reached the 100-point threshold for the fourth time all season. After shooting 37% from the field in the last seven games, Kobe Bryant dropped 36 points on 14-of-25 shooting, including 18 in the third quarter. The Lakers bench combined for 34 points on 13-of-20 shooting. Andrew Bynum showed tremendous ability in passing out of double teams and re-posting en route to 17 points on a seven-of-13 clip.

It remains to be seen whether the old adage What doesn't kill you makes you stronger" will apply to this current Lakers team. The Suns (12-19) rank 23rd overall in total defense (97.32 points allowed per game) and 20th in opponent field-goal percentage (45.2%). The Lakers allowed Phoenix to cut double-digit leads in both the second and fourth quarter, partly because of 17 turnovers. Bryant believes Pau Gasol's 10-point effort on four-of-13 shooting relates to the possibility the Lakers might trade him.

Still, the Lakers' progression leaves Brown confident enough to say that "I'll bet on us in the playoffs." It leads Suns Coach Alvin Gentry to dread the Lakers the same way as when L.A. eliminated Phoenix in six games of the 2010 Western Conference semifinals. It gives the Lakers' players some hope that progress finally feels as if it has arrived.

"For this stretch that we've been on in the first half has been difficult," said Bryant, whose team currently ranks fifth in the Western Conference. "But we haven't had many practices and juggled with the lineup, played two rookies in the fourth quarter on the road and they have to learn on the fly. It's been tough.  I think I'm fairly pleased with where we are at this point."

Once he slipped a well-placed pass from Kobe Bryant out of his hands, Pau Gasol picked it up and smacked it against his palms.

A few moments after Steve Blake threw an unreachable lob over his head, Gasol slumped over on the bench on the next timeout.

When former teammate and Phoenix guard Shannon Brown snuck behind for a put-back dunk that cut the Lakers’ lead to five points with 4:28 remaining, Gasol stared off into the distance.

Plenty of images defined Gasol’s frustration on a night the Lakers exuded positive energy everywhere else in their 111-99 victory Friday over the Phoenix Suns. Bryant’s 36 points on 14-of-25 shooting came after a seven-game slump where he shot only 37% from the field. Andrew Bynum’s 17 points on a seven-of-13 clip showcased his continual growth in passing and re-posting out of double teams. The reserve unit’s combined 34 points suggested it finally escape remaining one of the NBA’s least effective benches.   

As far as Gasol, though, his 10 points on only four-of-13 shooting conveyed something to Bryant beyond the Lakers’ forward having a bad game. Bryant attributed Gasol’s effort to “an emotional couple of days for him” as reports circulated this week the Lakers may trade him before the March 15 deadline. An online report mentioned the Minnesota Timberwolves offered Derrick Williams and draft picks for Gasol. 

“Personally I don't understand that crap,” Bryant said. “But it is what it is. It's important for him to know we support him. I support him especially. I just want him to go out there and play hard and do what he does best for us.”

Underneath the positive energy surrounding the Lakers' 111-99 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Friday night stood one frustrated player.

In a game that featured plenty of Kobe Bryant (36 points), plenty of Andrew Bynum (17 points and 14 rebounds) and an improving bench (34 points), Pau Gasol scored 10 points on four-of-13 shooting. Though it appears pointing out a descrepancy involves splitting hairs, Bryant believes reports linking Gasol in a trade has made it "an emotional couple of days for him."

"Personally I don't understand that crap," Bryant said regarding the Lakers' effort to trade Gasol. "But it is what it is. It's important for him to know we support him. I support him especially. I just want him to go out there and play hard and do what he does best for us."

PHOTOS: Lakers vs. Suns

Gasol hardly did that against Phoenix, when he routinely missed open post-up shots, hook shots and put-backs. He appeared frustrated when he bobbled a well-placed pass from Bryant in the third quarter that went out of bounds, slamming the ball against his palms. When Steve Blake's poor entry pass went out of bounds, Gasol slumped on the chair during the next timeout. Phoenix forced a turnover off a double team that trimmed the Lakers' lead to 95-88 with 5:35 remaining, prompting him to shake his head as he ran back on defense. Former teammate Shannon Brown snuck behind Gasol for a put-back dunk that trimmed the lead to 95-90 with 4:28 left.

Gasol has acknowledged in recent days that he remains uncertain the Lakers will keep him. Though Gasol admitted feeling frustrated over what he described as an "erratic night", Gasol said that had nothing to do with his standing with the Lakers.

"At times it crosses your mind, but not exactly when you're playing," Gasol said. "Obviously when you're playing, you're focused and you try to do the best that you can. It's something you have to shake off regardless at any time at any point."

RELATED:

Kobe Bryant leads Lakers to 111-99 victory over Suns

Derek Fisher is battling a decrease in his playing time

Letters: Lakers fans on the verge of a nervous breakup

--Mark Medina

E-mail the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com

Photo: Lakers power forward Pau Gasol has his shot blocked by Suns center Marcin Gortat in the first half Friday night at Staples Center. Credit: Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times

1. Kobe Bryant had a huge third quarter in the Lakers' 111-99 victory Friday over the Phoenix Suns. After shooting 37.1% in the past seven games, Bryant vowed he'd look to find various ways to get better looks at the basket. Well, he showed it was pretty easy to do against Phoenix. He scored 18 of his team-high 36 points (on 14 of 25 shooting) in that time period.

 His shots came in all shapes and sizes. Bryant drove in for a reverse layup, causing Channing Frye, Steve Nash and Marcin Gortat to argue with each other. Bryant beat Frye off the dribble. He operated in the post and on pick-and-rolls.

An added bonus: All of this came in the context of the Lakers' offense. When Bryant saw a double team in the lane, he fed Andrew Bynum for an easy dunk. When Bryant faced double teams in the post, Matt Barnes flashed into the lane. For at least one game, Bryant ended his shooting funk.

2. Pau Gasol struggled, and that's an understatement.  His 10 points on four-of-13 shooting tells it all. Every missed opportunity further discouraged him. When Bryant's perfectly placed fastbreak pass in the third quarter slipped out of his hands, Gasol yelled and slammed the ball against his palms. When Steve Blake's poor entry pass went out of bounds, Gasol slumped on the chair on the next timeout. Phoenix forced a turnover off a double team that trimmed the Lakers' lead to 95-88 with 5:35 remaining, prompting him to shake his head as he ran back on defense. Former teammate Shannon Brown snuck behind Gasol for a put-back dunk that trimmed the lead to 95-90 with 4:28 remaining.

PHOTOS: Lakers vs. Suns

This performance had nothing to do with not finding good looks in the post. It had everything to do with Gasol missing easy opportunities and feeling frustrated about it afterwards.

3. Andrew Bynum shows improvement on double teams. His 16 points on seven-of-13 shooting reflected his ever-growing improvement in handling increased defensive pressure. He quickly passed out to the perimeter and reposted. When Bynum met single coverage, he relentlessly attacked the basket. 

4. The Lakers' bench showed mixed success. The reserves are often blamed for blowing leads. This time, they were credited for building a 42-35 second-quarter lead. Steve Blake set people up well. Troy Murphy moved off the ball and hit perimeter shots with ease. Matt Barnes efficiently attacked the basket off the-ball. Andrew Goudelock dropped teardrops. Of course, the bench could face stronger challenges against better teams. But the fact the reserves combined for 32 points shows their chemistry finally has clicked.

5. Derek Fisher showed no signs of illness. It's not surprising Fisher appeared in his 525th consecutive game despite missing practice Thursday because of a sinus infection. It's surprising that he posted 12 points on five-of-eight shooting, considering his otherwise sluggish performances this season. But time and time again, Fisher has delivered when he has been doubted the most.

RELATED:

Kobe Bryant leads Lakers to 111-99 victory over Suns

Derek Fisher is battling a decrease in his playing time

Letters: Lakers fans on the verge of a nervous breakup

--Mark Medina

E-mail the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com

Photo: Lakers forward Matt Barnes goes for a rebound against Suns center Robin Lopez in the first half Friday night at Staples Center. Credit: Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press

It's been a whirlwind month for Lakers rookie guard Andrew Goudelock, who's morphed from obscure second-round pick to consistent reserve.

In what could be seen as a slight sign of increased notoriety, officials of Peak, a Chinese shoe company with which Goudelock has a two-year endorsement deal, had a greeting written on his shoes, in Chinese characters, for Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping, who was in Los Angeles on Friday at the end of a four-day U.S. visit.

"Just to be able to represent a company is the biggest thing for me, especially for someone not a lot of people know about," said Goudelock, whom the Lakers selected out of College of Charleston with the 46th pick in the 2011 NBA draft. "I'm trying to make my way. They're trying to make their way. It's a good fit."

Peak used to have an endorsement deal with Metta World Peace, something that prompted former coach Phil Jackson to rib him about the shoes' apparent discomfort. But Goudelock has issued no complaints regarding his free apparel and shoes.

"It feels great," he said. "I haven't had problems with what they've given me."

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--Mark Medina

E-mail the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com

Photo: Andrew Goudelock. Credit: Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times

For all the fun surrounding the Lakers-Suns game, join the chat below the jump.

But for now, here are a few notes from Mike Brown's pre-game press conference:

--Lakers guard Derek Fisher will play tonight despite missing Thursday's practice from a sinus infection. Though Brown said Fisher won't face any limitations, the Lakers' starting point guard has seen a drop-off in his playing time at 22.4 minutes per game. That's a drastic drop-off from his season-average of 25.7. 

--Brown said he's not worried about Kobe Bryant's drastic dropp from January to February in points per game (31.2, 24.5) and shooting percentage (45.5%, 37.1%) even though the minutes have remained similar (39.2, 39.1). Brown said "there always is a concerted effort to get the big guys the ball," before mentioning the constant double-teams opponents give Bryant, Gasol and Bynum in the post.

We'll talk about the above issues and the game itself in the chat box below.

The Lakers all season have faced some unsettling realities that remain unresolved. 

They are still experiencing Lamar Odom's departure and have yet to use their $8.9-million trade exception. Ever since Shannon Brown left for Phoenix via free agency, the Lakers haven't found a definitive backup for Kobe Bryant.

And, oh yeah. There's the whole transition period involving the Lakers shifting from Phil Jackson's triangle offense to Mike Brown's strong corner offense. In the past five games, the Lakers have actually worsened in several categories compared to their season average, including points per game (88.6, 92.48), field-goal percentage (41.2%, 44.7%) and turnovers (15.4, 14.83).

Add all those ingredients together and the Lakers (17-12) enter Friday's game against the Phoenix Suns with a fifth-place standing in the Western Conference. Still, Suns Coach Alvin Gentry considers the Lakers a legitimate threat. 

"As long as they have No. 24, they will be thought of that way," Gentry said. "Their record doesn't really matter. They still have him, [Andrew] Bynum and [Pau] Gasol ...  At the end of the day, are you telling me anybody would want to play them in the playoffs in the first round? No, I don't think so. I don't think anyone is begging to play them in the playoffs in the first round."

It seemed unlikely that a sinus ailment would keep Lakers guard Derek Fisher off the floor for Friday's game against the Phoenix Suns. 

Yet, many vocal Lakers fans argued that Fisher's presence would hardly make a difference anyway. Fisher in recent seasons has been criticized for being an old, slow point guard who can't guard a pick-and-roll, and doing that to Steve Nash seems burdensome. 

Unfortunately for the Lakers, their failure to upgrade at point guard has put Fisher in a tough position. He's being routinely set up to fail, which makes his toughness and leadership skills seem mute. Yet amid all this, Fisher's absence from Thursday's practice provided another reminder of his longevity. 

Fisher has appeared in 524 consecutive regular-season games since April 15, 2005. He has started in 402 consecutive games since Jan. 15, 2007. Both are highest among active NBA players. And there's one player who can truly appreciate what that means. 

"He's the ironman," former Laker A.C. Green said.

Actually, that title still belongs to Green. He holds the all-time NBA record for consecutive games played with 1,192, dating from Nov. 19, 1986, to April 18, 2001, while playing for the Lakers, Suns, Mavericks and Heat. The two players will remain a rich part of the Lakers' history for most of the same reasons. Green carved out a niche by leading the Showtime Lakers in rebounding six of his eight seasons, playing on two NBA championship teams in that span. He also provided leadership as a reserve for the Lakers' 1999-2000 championship team. Fisher was a valuable role player and clutch shooter during the Kobe-Shaq era en route to three consecutive titles. He remains a critical piece to this day for both his experience and relationship with Bryant. 

"He's the ultimate professional," Green said of Fisher. "He goes out there and does what he needs to do every single night. More importantly, he does it in practice and his pre-game rituals. He just knows how to prepare himself. That's really a lesson in life where you have to find a game plan. You can't have your plan like someone else. You have to have your own plan."

Green's plan involved living by the motto, "If I can breathe, I can play." So much so that he even played in a game a day after having an emergency root canal. Fisher's plan involved in recent seasons staying away from competitive basketball during the offseason and devoting time to off-court workouts. While his legs stayed fresh, Fisher's week often entailed two 90-minute sessions for three consecutive days, emphasizing endurance, core, balance and stability in the morning, and strength in the afternoon. That gave him enough strength to absorb a sprained left elbow last season in regular-season game against Charlotte. 

It hardly sounds glamorous. But it's something fans surely should appreciate. 

"You have to have some help," Green said. "You have to have good trainers, you have to eat right and keep your mind on the right things and find a balance on how to rest. It's a combination of things. You have to have help from the man above. It's nothing easy or magical about it because that's a long time. At the same time, it's fun." 

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Derek Fisher misses practice due to sinus infection

Derek Fisher still slowed by limited off-season workouts

--Mark Medina

Email the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com