--The Times' Lance Pugmire explains why federal mediator George Cohen believes the long discussions this week with the NBA owners and players union have been productive. 

--The Times' Bill Dwyre reflects on Bill Sharman's coaching career.

--NBA.com's Steve Aschburner looks at Cohen's mediating role. 

--The New York Times' Howard Beck explains why talks have lasted so long in the past two days. 

--CBS Sports' Ken Berger does some number-crunching on the NBA lockout. 

--The Orange County Register's Kevin Ding runs an NBA2K12 simulation on the Lakers' season. 

--The New York Times' Mark Heisler appreciates Jerry West's honest in his autobiography. 

--Fox Sports West's Joe McDonnell reflects on his close relationship with West. 

--Sports Illustrated's Ian Thomsen remains pessimistic that revenue sharing will help some of the other system issues preventing both sides from reaching a deal. 

--Fox Sports' Jason Whitlock criticizes Bryant Gumbel's controversial take on NBA Commissioner David Stern. 

--Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski reports that both sides have made progress in agreeing to revenue splits. 

--Forum Blue and Gold's J.M. Poulard looks at the many faces of Kobe Bryant. 

Tweet of the Day: "Plans for star studded exhibition tour leaked on key day of labor negotiations. Coincidence? I think not." -- basketballtalk (Pro Basketball Talk's Kurt Helin)

Rick Friedman Reader Comment of the Day: "If Shaq had half the work ethic that Kobe did and was mature, we'd have 3 more rings easily!!!!! good enough is not enough." -- Lisa Naomi Wright

-- Mark Medina

Email the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com