Game stories

--The Times' Mike Bresnahan notes how healthy Kobe Bryant looked in the Lakers' 99-82 victory Thursday over the New York Knicks.

--The New York Times' Howard Beck explains how the Knicks had no answer for Bryant. 

--The Orange County Register's Kevin Ding notes how the Lakers have renewed optimism about the season. 

--The New York Daily News' Frank Isola credits Bryant for playing well despite the injuries. 

--The Daily News' Elliott Teaford credits the Lakers' team effort in their win over New York.

Notebooks

--The Times' Bresnahan focuses on how Metta World Peace is still getting used to his name change.

--The Daily News' Teaford highlights Bryant's contention on how the Orthokine procedure significantly helped his right knee.

Sidebars

--The Times' Ben Bolch credits the Lakers' reserve unit.

Columns

--The Times' Bill Plaschke is warming up to Lakers Coach Mike Brown.

--The Times' T.J. Simers demands an explanation from Lakers center Andrew Bynum for receiving two citations.

--ESPN Los Angeles' Ramona Shelburne credits Bryant's resolve during the Lakers' adverse times in the past three weeks. 

--The Orange County Register's Mark Whicker notices the Lakers showing signs of life. 

Blogs

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

--ESPN Los Angeles' Dave McMenamin notes Mike Brown's belief that young teams have an early advantage during this lockout-shortened season. 

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

--Silver Screen and Roll's Dexter Fishmore argues the Lakers are moving in the right direction. 

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

Tweet of the Day: "Mike Hopkins, an asst coach at Cuse & friend of Mike Brown's, likes to say, "Nothing great was ever accomplished w/o enthusiasm." Fitting." -- mcten (ESPN Los Angeles' Dave McMenamin)

Rick Friedman Reader Comment of the Day: "We sure could have used the "3 ball" last year! anyhow, if L.A. continues to make shots from "3 point-land," it'll really open things up for kobe, pau and 'drew. nice defensive work last night!" -- Steven Paul Martinez

--Mark Medina

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

Photo: Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, front, saves a ball from going out of bounds in front of New York's Bill Walker during the second quarter of the Lakers' 99-82 victory Thursday at Staples Center. Credit: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times / Dec. 29, 2011)