--The Times' Mark Heisler questions True Hoop's David Abbott about his skepticism concerning Kobe Bryant's clutchness.

--Pro Basketball Talk's Kurt Helin expresses amusement over Bryant taking $1,000 from rapper Bow Wow by beating him one-on-one.  

--ESPN Los Angeles' Andy and Brian Kamenetzky as well as 710 ESPN's Dave Miller debate which free agents the Lakers should target.

--ESPN Los Angeles' Dave McMenamin talks to Ron Artest's agent, David Bauman, who contradicted Artest's claims that he's going to play in Britain.

--Speaking of Ron Ron, McMenamin finds a link showing a cool place where you can order your Metta World Peace shirts. 

--Fox Sports West's Matt "Money" Smith looks at some of the questions surrounding the Lakers during the NBA lockout. 

--Silver Screen and Roll's Dexter Fishmore provides a player report card on Bryant. 

--Celtics Hubs' Hayes Davenport provides some play-by-play of Artest's comedy show. 

--Forum Blue and Gold's Phillip Barnett looks at how different the Lakers are without Phil Jackson's coaching staff. 

Tweet of the Day:"Bbl still has a shot to get me!! Bbl league is leading; but my agent is talking to other countries also! I'm a huge fan of the bbl!!" -- ronartest (Lakers forward Ron Artest)

Rick Friedman Reader Comment of the Day: "Hmmm. The great Bynum debate again. Let's see if this brings anyone to the comments section. Yippeeee, he said sarcastically." -- Phred Phredphredington

-- Mark Medina

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

Photo: Kobe Bryant rises to the rim for a dunk in Game 5 of the Lakers' playoff series against New Orleans. Credit: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times