--The Philippine Daily Inquirer's Jasmine W. Payo reports Kobe Bryant and Chris Paul will play in a pair of exhibition games in the Philippines on July 23 and 24. 

--The Orange County Register's Janis Carr notes how Bryant's popularity dipped in the Harris polls, but not as badly as LeBron James.

--ESPN Los Angeles' Andy Kamenetzky analyzes Billy Hunter's e-mail to the players urging them to play overseas. 

--The Asian Journal's Jamie Marie Elona highlights Kobe Bryant's visit to the Philippines.

--Inside Hoops spots Lakers rookie Ater Majok at Rucker Park. 

--Silver Screen and Roll's C.A. Clark provides a report card on Phil Jackson.

--Forum Blue and Gold's Darius Soriano offers a few "fast break" thoughts about the Lakers. 

Tweet of the Day: "Shooting a Nike commercial 2day in NYC! Can't wait to share it with you guys!" -- RealLamarOdom (Lakers forward Lamar Odom)

Rick Friedman Reader Comment of the Day:  "Truthfully they have needed an upgrade at point guard for years. It was ignored the last few years because they won despite being very weak there." -- baytola2

--Mark Medina

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