June 2010 Archives

When it was all said and done, the Lakers did right by Jordan Farmar Wednesday when they declined to give the restricted guard a one-year, $2.8 million contract offer.

Because now Farmar gets exactly what he wants: Unrestricted free agency and an opportunity to shop himself around the NBA as a potential starting point guard.

Farmar and his agent asked the Lakers not to exercise their right to make the offer, which essentially means they will receive nothing in return if Farmar does leave as a free agent.

Had they done so, the Lakers could have matched any contract offer made to Farmar by other teams, severely limiting his maneuverability.

"I really appreciate what they did, because they didn't have to, they could have treated me like a piece of real estate and potentially hurt my ability to take a serious look at what might be out there for me," Farmar said by phone Wednesday. "So for that, I am thankful."

The move doesn't officially end Farmar's Lakers career, which began four years ago when they drafted him in the first round out of UCLA and spanned three NBA Finals appearances and two world championships, but it's very likely he won't be back next season.

By all indications, the Lakers will bring back Derek Fisher, which would have meant another year as a backup rather than a starting job for Farmar.

And at this point in his career, the former Taft of Woodland Hills star wants a chance to branch out as a starter, to find out if he can be an upper-echelon point guard in the NBA, preferably with a team that runs an up-tempo offense rather than the slower triangle.

"That's my goal, and I want to see what opportunities are out there for me as a starter," Farmar said. "I know there is interest, and I'm looking forward to exploring my options. It's something I've been looking forward to."

Farmar, 23, is grateful for his time with his hometown Lakers, and if he does move on he will look back on his career in Los Angeles with fondness.

"I love everything about the organization, my teammates and this city," Farmar said. "But ultimately I want a chance to start, and it's something I looked forward to every single year here, but it just never happened. All I've ever wanted was a legitimate chance to start."

Now he may finally get it.

VINCENT BONSIGNORE

The Lakers declined to offer a one-season qualifying offer worth $2.8 million to guard Jordan Farmar, making him an unrestricted free agent tonight at 9:01. Had they offered the deal to Farmar, he would have been a restricted free agent and they could have matched offers from other teams. Now he's a walk-away free agent, which is what he wanted. It's still possible, although unlikely, that he will re-sign with the Lakers. It's more likely he will sign with another team as he hopes to find an enhanced role and a bigger paycheck.

Backup guard Shannon Brown has opted to terminate his contract with the Lakers and will become a free agent tonight at 9:01 p.m., agent Mark Bartelstein said. Brown hopes to re-sign with the Lakers. He was due to make a little more than $2 million in 2010-11, but hopes to get a significant raise over more seasons. "No question he wants to remain with the Lakers," Bartelstein said. "Last year, he was offered more by a bunch of teams, but he wanted to stick with the Lakers. The Lakers knew all along this was the plan."

Here's the 2009-10 roster with contract status for next season and beyond:

Ron Artest, forward, signed through 2013-14 (early termination option for 2013-14).
Shannon Brown, guard, exercised option to terminate his contract early.
Kobe Bryant, guard, signed through 2013-14.
Andrew Bynum, center, signed through 2012-13.
Jordan Farmar, guard, restricted free agent.
Derek Fisher, guard, unrestricted free agent.
Pau Gasol, forward/center, signed through 2013-14.
DJ Mbenga, center, unrestricted free agent.
Adam Morrison, forward, restricted free agent.
Lamar Odom, forward, signed through 2013-14 (non-guaranteed for 2013-14).
Josh Powell, forward, unrestricted free agent.
Sasha Vujacic, guard, signed through 2010-11.
Luke Walton, forward, signed through 2012-13.

Lakers assistant coach Brian Shaw sure looks like he's the next coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers. The deal isn't done yet, however. Various news outlets have reported Shaw is the leading candidate to replace the departed Mike Brown. But how close he is to being offered the job and accepting it is in some doubt. Shaw met with Cleveland officials Monday and again today. It would appear it's just a matter of ironing out some details, if the reports are accurate. Byron Scott and Tom Izzo also were interviewed.

Ron Artest continues to bask in the aftermath of the Lakers win over the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals, and in the process he is giving fans a chance to see a different side of him.

Artest has been busy since the Finals doing the TV talk-show circuit and making the radio rounds, and on Friday he helped kick off MH+L magazine's release party with a live performance of his new Rap single "Champions" along with Rap star and producer T-Pain.

I have to say, Ron looked pretty comfortable up on stage as he performed in front of about 300 or so VIP guests at J Lounge in downtown L.A.

The song, which he actually cut last year shortly after the Lakers ousted his Houston Rockets in seven games in the Western Conference playoffs, is not bad at all, and Ron seemed very much in his element while performing it.

"It's funny because this is a side of me not too many fans know exists, but this is the music I love and people are slowly starting to recognize that I'm pretty decent, that I can do it," Artest said.

As far as any stage fright, you can forget it. Artest looked more comfortable up there then he did playing in the triangle offense earlier this season.

"Initially I get a little nervous, but as soon as I hit the stage and the fans go crazy, boom, I am ready to go," he said.

Artest is obviously enjoying his new-found celebrity, but he understands it all starts with what happens on the basketball court.

And it obviously doesn't hurt he now calls Los Angeles home, and the team he plays for just happens to be the world champions.

"I'm just blessed to be in Los Angeles playing for the Lakers. The city makes the Lakers and the Lakers make me, and without any of that, there isn't any of this," Artest said. "And now that I have been blessed to win a championship, to be a champion, it's given me the opportunity to come out here and perform and gave some fun."

Music and rapping has always been a part of Artest's life, a chance for him to express himself through his writing and performing.

"It's something I've always enjoyed," Artest said. "It comes from the heart, being able to go up there on stage and touch some people. I really love it.

"The key for me is keeping it real and trying to be inspirational. It's not an easy thing, taking your feelings and your words and trying to make a song people will like. But I enjoy the process."

VINCENT BONSIGNORE

The Lakers used the first of their two second-round picks to select Devin Ebanks, a sophomore forward from West Virginia. He's 6-foot-9 and weighs 215. He's a strong defender and rebounder. ESPN's Jay Bilas called him a "non-shooter," which is not exactly a ringing endorsement of his offensive skills. Ebanks averaged 12 points on 45.7 percent shooting plus a team-leading 8.1 rebounds last season. He helped lead the Mountaineers to the Final Four for the first time since 1951. He was third team All-Big East. He also made the Big East All-Rookie team as a freshman.

Then the Lakers picked forward Derrick Caracter, a junior from UTEP, with the 58th pick. Caracter played two seasons at Louisville before transferring to UTEP. He averaged 14.1 points and 8.1 rebounds in 27 games last season for the Miners. He shot 56.7 percent, good for 16th-best in the country in 2009-10 and second-best in Conference USA.

GM Mitch Kupchak said both players would play for the Lakers' summer league team next month in Las Vegas. If they perform well in Las Vegas, they will be invited to training camp. If they do well there, they could make the team. Salary cap and luxury tax concerns might make it easier for each player to win a spot on the roster since their salaries would be considerably less than a free agent's. The Lakers' payroll of $91.4 million was the highest in the NBA last season.

Draft night at the Lakers' headquarters in El Segundo has come to be known as The Big Wait. The Lakers have a pair of second-round picks tonight, at 43 and 58. It's going to be a while, so the fine PR staff here has ordered deli sandwiches and all the fixin's.

Here's David Stern to announce the first pick ....

Guard John Wall of Kentucky to Washington.
How long before the Wizards try to dump Gilbert Arenas?
Can they dump Arenas?

2. Philadelphia, Evan Turner, forward, Ohio State.
(Could signal the end for Elton Brand with the 76ers).
3. New Jersey, Derrick Favors, forward, Georgia Tech.
4. Minnesota, Wesley Johnson, forward, Syracuse.
(What's with Kurt Rambis and these Syracuse dudes? They got Jonny Flynn last year).
5. Sacramento, DeMarcus Cousins, center, Kentucky.
6. Golden State, Ekpe Udoh, forward, Baylor.
7. Detroit, Greg Monroe, forward, Georgetown.
8. Clippers, Al-Farouq Aminu, forward, Wake Forest.
(Jay Bilas says he's 6-foot-9 with a 7-3 wingspan ... tremendous rebounder).
9. Utah, Gordon Hayward, forward, Butler.
10. Indiana, Paul George, guard/forward, Fresno State.
11. New Orleans, Cole Aldrich, center, Kansas.
(Lots and lots of big guys selected so far. Hornets needed a big center).
12. Memphis, Xavier Henry, guard, Kansas.
(Two Jayhawks in a row ... His father, Terry, played 10 seasons in the NBA).
13. Toronto, Ed Davis, forward, North Carolina.
14. Houston, Patrick Patterson, forward, Kentucky.
(That's three Wildcats in the 14 lottery picks).
15. Milwaukee, Larry Sanders, forward, Virginia Commonwealth.
(Another big guy picked. Isn't this supposed to be a point guard-dominated league?).
16. Minnesota, Luke Babbitt, forward, Nevada.
17. Chicago, Kevin Seraphin, forward, France.
(First international player to be selected. Might stay in Europe next season).
18. Oklahoma City, Eric Bledsoe, guard, Kentucky.
19. Boston, Avery Bradley, guard, Texas.
(Not a point guard, but kinda small at 6-2 for a shooting guard).
20. San Antonio, James Anderson, guard, Oklahoma State.
21. Oklahoma City, Craig Brackins, forward, Iowa State.
22. Portland, Elliot Williams, guard, Memphis.
23. Minnesota, Trevor Booker, center, Clemson.
(First senior selected).
24. Atlanta, Damion James, forward, Texas.
(Second senior picked. Bilas calls him a tough kid. ... He can shoot a little bit).
25. Memphis, Dominique Jones, guard, South Florida.
(Bilas says he's a better player than he is an athlete That's kinda funny).
26. Oklahoma City, Quincy Pondexter, forward, Washington.
(Father, Roscoe, played in the league and at Long Beach State).
27. New Jersey, Jordan Crawford, guard, Xavier.
28. Memphis, Greivis Vasquez, guard, Maryland.
(This pick was part of the Feb. 1, 2008 deal that sent Pau Gasol to the Lakers).
29. Orlando, Daniel Orton, forward, Kentucky.
(How did the Wildcats not win the NCAA Tournament?)
30. Washington, Lazar Hayward, forward, Marquette.

Trades
--Clippers get the rights to Bledsoe (No. 18) from OKC for a future first-round pick.
--Memphis traded the rights to Jones (No. 25) to Dallas for cash.
--Portland dealt Martell Webster to Minnesota for Ryan Gomes and Babbitt (No. 16).
--Atlanta traded Jones (No. 24) to New Jersey for Crawford (No. 27) and Tibor Pleiss (No. 31) and then traded Pleiss to OKC for cash.
--OKC traded the rights to Brackins (No. 21) and Pondexter (No. 26) to New Orleans for Morris Peterson and the rights to Aldrich (No. 11).
--Dallas traded traded the draft rights to Solomon Alabi (No. 50) to Toronto for a future second pick and financial considerations.

Phil Jackson said today he told several players, "I'm leaning toward retirement." He plans to make a final decision in a few days, after he talks with his doctor. If he decides to call it a career, ex-Lakers guard Byron Scott could be a possible replacement. Jackson also said, "I can't said I would never coach again." He said he couldn't make any retirement plans. "I haven't got that planned out," he said. "Write a book, go on a grand lecture tour. ... I haven't got those things figured out. ... I think I have some things to lend to this game."

Kobe Bryant said today he might undergo surgery on his damaged right index finger. First, he planned to travel to South Africa to attend soccer's World Cup. Then, he'll meet with the Lakers' medical staff to discuss a course of action on his finger. He said his sore right knee didn't bother him after he had it drained of excess fluid during the Lakers' opening-round victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder two months ago. He said the finger troubled him the most of all his nagging injuries. He also suffered ankle and back ailments. Bryant left open the possibility of joining Team USA for the World Championships later this summer.

Derek Fisher has said all along that he hopes to re-sign with the Lakers and continue to chase NBA championships. He will become a free agent July 1, but he made it clear today he wants to remain with the Lakers. Here's more:

"I've never mixed any statements or positions about winning and wanting to be associated with winning championships and being on the best team in the NBA. We just accomplished it again this year. It would definitely be a great opportunity with largely the same group of guys. There are a lot of questions about Phil (Jackson) and his return (as the Lakers' coach), and I think it impacts the front office as well.

"I don't think there's any question about (team owner) Dr. Buss and his commitment to winning. ... It's just a matter of sitting down and working out the details. Until July 1, it's all wishes. ... I'm not set on that (a long deal). It depends on the circumstances and how the deal would look and the position of the team. I'm not chasing the money. So, I'm not looking to stretch out a deal."

Here are the top few lines from the Yahoo! Sports story:

"The Lakers and guard Raja Bell will enter free agency with a strong mutual interest to reach agreement on a deal, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.

"Kobe Bryant has become a strong advocate for Bell, a former nemesis. After missing most of the season with surgery to repair ligaments in his non-shooting wrist, Bell is still expected to be a coveted bench player among contending teams. He could give the Lakers another strong perimeter defender and a solid outside shooting threat.

"Bell, 33, was dealt to the Golden State Warriors in November as part of the Stephen Jackson trade with the Charlotte Bobcats. Bell missed all but six games last season."

Pau Gasol has decided to rest this summer rather than join Spain for the World Championships later this summer in Turkey. He made it clear after his exit interview today with Lakers coach Phil Jackson and GM Mitch Kupchak that it was a tough decision .

"But I understand it's best for my body, for myself and, consequently, the teams I'm a part of," Gasol said during a sit-down interview with reporters. "After two or three very demanding years, with a lot of basketball, and getting to six finals (three NBA Finals, two European Championships and one Olympics), I think I've played as much basketball as I could play possibly. My body is asking me to rest, to recover, to be able to be fresh and continue to play at the level I'm playing. Otherwise, my body is going to break down quicker and I'm gong to become a worse player, which is something I don't want to happen."

Andrew Bynum said he had his injured right knee drained again today and plans to undergo surgery to mend torn meniscus on or about July 18. He plans to attend the World Cup first, however. He plans to depart for South Africa at the end of the month. Bynum injured his knee during the Lakers' first-round playoff victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. His effectiveness came and went, but he managed to play all 23 playoff games. He revealed today that he was asked during his exit interview with Coach Phil Jackson and General Manager Mitch Kupchak if he could have played another game. He said he could have done so. Fortunately for him and the Lakers, there was no Game 8 of the NBA Finals.

Only Phil Jackson knows whether he will sign a new contract and continue coaching the Lakers or whether he will call it quits and retire to his place in Montana. Here's a postgame quote from Thursday night that makes it seem as if his connection to the Lakers makes it impossible to walk away from such a good thing:

"I frequently cry, I really do. But not tonight. ... It's about the joy for this group of guys that put so much work out. We tax these guys. We make them go through all kinds of difficult things over the course of a year.

"We ask them to play injured ... and they're a very willing group, and I'm very proud of them and very happy for them. I think that's really the joy. To have put in 114 games and coming out this way at the end, there's a certain sense of gratification.

"And that's what I have to believe in."

Tough, tough game, but the Lakers managed to find a way to rally from a 13-point deficit in the third quarter to defeat the Boston Celtics, 83-79, in Game 7 of the NBA Finals tonight. They might have put to rest for good the notion that they are a soft team, mentally and physically, because this was a man's game tonight. No wimps allowed. The Lakers took all the Celtics had to give, which was plenty, and pulled out their second straight title and their 16th overall. Boston has 17, so there's one reason to expect the Lakers to go for a third consecutive title next season. Kobe Bryant was named the Finals MVP for the second straight season. He had a struggle, but scored 23 points and grabbed 15 rebounds. Pau Gasol served as his wingman as usual, scoring 19 points and taking 18 rebounds. Ron Artest proved his worth to the Lakers by scoring 20 points and grabbing five rebounds.

The first team to settle down will probably win Game 7 of the NBA Finals tonight. Each team looked a little swept up in the moment in the first half. The Boston Celtics seemed bent on hacking and whacking their way to a title, daring the Lakers to shove back. Referees Joey Crawford, Danny Crawford and Scott Foster put their whistles away, which benefited the Celtics greatly. The Lakers shot 26.5 percent, with Kobe Bryant missing 11 of 14 and Pau Gasol shanking 9 of 12. The Lakers outrebounded the Celtics, 29-21.

Word to the wise: bring extra cash and extra patience if you're coming to Game 7 tonight. Parking is insane. The main lots at the Convention Center and L.A. are full already. If you have a parking pass, you're in luck. Other lots in the area are charging as much as $60.

Lakers center Andrew Bynum said he plans to play Thursday night in Game 7 of the NBA Finals. He also said it was a relief that this is the final game of the season and added he has not set a date for surgery to mend the torn meniscus in his right knee. Bynum scored two points, grabbed four rebounds and blocked one shot in a little less than 16 minutes in the Lakers' victory in Game 6 on Tuesday. He played only 1:42 in the second half, telling Lakers coach Phil Jackson he couldn't run and was better off sitting on the bech.

Boston center Kendrick Perkins has tears of his ACL and PCL in his right knee and won't be able to play in Game 7 of the NBA Finals on Thursday night. Perkins was injured midway through the first quarter of Game 6 on Tuesday. He said today, "I'll be watching from the sidelines. I'd be lying to you if I said it didn't hurt (to sit out). Physically, I'm doing better than I am mentally." Boston coach Doc Rivers said he hasn't decided on a replacement.

There will be a Game 7 on Thursday night. The Lakers made sure there would be a winner-take-all game by hammering the Boston Celtics in Game 6 of the NBA Finals tonight at Staples Center. The Celtics were no-shows. The Lakers led by as many as 22 points in the first half and then by 27 in the second half. It was no contest. Kobe Bryant scored 26 points, grabbed 11 rebounds and added three assists. Pau Gasol scored 17 points, took 13 rebounds and added nine assists in a redemptive performance after two clunkers. Ray Allen scored 19 points for Boston, which shot 33.3 percent. The Lakers outrebounded the Celtics, 52-39. The winner of the rebounding battle has won each game in the Finals.

The Lakers played the first half of Game 6 tonight like their season depended on it, which it did. They took the lead midway through the first quarter and never let off the gas. Kobe Bryant got plenty of help, with Ron Artest scoring 10 points, Lamar Odom adding six points and six rebounds and Sasha Vujacic scoring five points. Bryant scored 15 points, grabbed seven rebounds and added two assists. Ray Allen had 13 for Boston, which lost Kendrick Perkins to an undisclosed leg injury with 5:30 left in the first quarter. The Lakers held the Celtics to 13 points in the second quarter and built a 22-point lead. The Lakers' second unit outscored Boston's subs, 15-0, in the first half.

This sidebar off Game 5 didn't run in the print editions of all our SoCal sister papers today, so if you missed it, here it is:

By Elliott Teaford
Staff Writer
BOSTON -- Jordan Farmar played high school basketball in Woodland Hills.
He played college ball in Westwood.
He plays professionally downtown.
Farmar is well aware that these might be his final days playing the game he loves in his hometown. He will become a restricted free agent at the end of the month. He said he hasn't given his future much thought, what with the Lakers playing in the NBA Finals.
The 6-foot-2 point guard acknowledged the other day that his Lakers career could be near an end as the team chases its second straight title. He hasn't been a great fit in the Lakers' triangle offense and the triangle hasn't been a great fit for him either.
It's uncertain what will happen next for Farmar.
"I'm a few days away from my contract being up and it's time to think about what's next," Farmar said on the eve of Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Sunday. "Right now, I've tried to do my best to stay as focused as possible.
"My heart and soul is into trying to help this team win another championship. I feel we're the best team in the world, and we play eight players and I'm one of them. I'm trying to really do the best for my role."
At times, Farmar has been a solid backup for Derek Fisher. At others, he has struggled in the role, averaging five points, 1.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists in the playoffs. He averaged 7.2 points, 1.6 rebounds and 1.5 assists in the regular season.
The triangle differs from the pick-and-roll based offenses run by most teams in the NBA. Instead of using one guard out front and allowing him to break down defenses with drives to the basket, the Lakers spend more time passing the ball than dribbling.
In addition, the Lakers' second unit doesn't run set plays designed for any one player. The Lakers' starters often drop the ball into Kobe Bryant's hands and let him create shots for himself or teammates if he's double-teamed.
Farmar has chafed under the Lakers' system and the second unit struggled as often as it succeeded this season. The glory days of the so-called Bench Mob were a distant memory as Lakers coach Phil Jackson shortened his rotation in the playoffs.
Farmar has plenty of motivation to finish the Finals as well as possible. A good showing in the remaining games could leave a good impression on general managers around the league, including Mitch Kupchak of the Lakers.
"Next weekend I'll start worrying about that," Farmar said of his future. "What happens in this week is going to make a big difference and determine (what happens in free agency). It's a big week for me and (Sunday) is going to be a big game.
"Everything will take care of itself. I've always lived my life that way."
Farmar declined to say if he was determined to sign elsewhere or whether he hoped to re-sign with the Lakers, who drafted him with the 26th overall pick out of UCLA in 2006 after a stellar career at Taft of Woodland Hills.
"I'll deal with that when it comes," he said when asked for his signing preference. "I want to do what's best for my career."

BOSTON -- The Lakers won one of two games at Staples Center to start the NBA Finals. Then they lost two of three on the Boston Celtics' home court. Now they head home needing to win Game 6 on Tuesday to force a decisive Game 7 on Thursday. It's not an easy task, but the Lakers haven't exactly done things the easy way this season. "We have a challenge, obviously, down, 3-2," Kobe Bryant said. "We let a couple of opportunities slip away. But it is what it is. Now you go home. You've got two games at home that you need to win and you pull your boots up and get to work."

BOSTON -- The Lakers shot 33.3 percent in the first half of Game 5 tonight. The Boston Celtics shot 65.6 percent. So, no surprise about the final at halftime. Andrew Bynum looked like a new man for a while in the first few minutes. He has six points on 3-for-6 shooting plus one rebound so far in almost 19 minutes. Kobe Bryant is having a struggling, scoring 10 points on 4-for-12 shooting. Paul Pierce had 15 points on 7-for-10 shooting for Boston.

BOSTON -- Andrew Bynum is set to start Game 5 of the NBA Finals tonight. The only change in the Lakers' active roster is that backup center DJ Mbenga, a possible Bynum replacement if his injured right knee isn't sound, is out and forward Adam Morrison is in. Lakers coach Phil Jackson said the team never talked about sending Bynum home early so he could get more rest and treatment in the hope that he would be better for Game 6 on Tuesday. Bynum had fluid drained from his knee very early Friday morning.

BOSTON -- Put aside all objectivity this afternoon and watched the first half of the United States-England World Cup soccer match at a restaurant near TD Garden. Was joined by a couple of other basketball writers. The place was packed an hour before kickoff and was really rocking after the U.S.'s Clint Dempsey tied the score at 1-all with a two-hopper that eluded England goalkeeper Robert Green, who redeemed himself with a fine save on a Jozy Altidore in the second half. As a rule, we Americans have a tough time with draws. It offends their sensibilities, but I gotta tell ya, this tie felt very much like a victory.

BOSTON -- Andrew Bynum said today he was "100 percent sure" he would play in Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Sunday. Bynum said his injured right knee was much improved after he had fluid drained from it Friday morning. He also underwent an MRI exam, which showed there was no further tearing of his meniscus. He played only 12 minutes during the Lakers' loss to the Boston Celtics in Game 4, scoring two points and grabbing three rebounds.

UPDATE: Andrew Bynum had his right knee drained of fluid early Friday morning and also underwent an MRI, which showed no change in the torn meniscus. We'll know more later today about his condition and his status for Game 5 on Sunday.

BOSTON -- Coach Phil Jackson did not have an update on the condition of injured center Andrew Bynum today. Bynum played only 12 minutes, 10 seconds in the Lakers' loss in Game 4 of the NBA Finals on Thursday because of increased swelling and decreased strength in is injured right knee. Jackson couldn't say whether Bynum would play in Game 5 on Sunday. "I haven't got any expectations. I don't know what his condition is today. He was going to see the doctor later, but in the transition I didn't get another check with him." Asked how best to get struggling backup forward Lamar Odom going if Bynum can't play his regular minutes Sunday, Jackson joked, "I was thinking of an electrode, you know. Something that would really be a stimulus. What do you suggest?"

BOSTON -- The bad news for the Lakers was that they lost Game 4 of the NBA Finals tonight and find themselves tied with the Boston Celtics at two victories apiece. The worse news is that Andrew Bynum played only 1 minute, 50 seconds in the second half because of his injured right knee. His status for Game 5 on Sunday is uncertain. Bynum said he expected his personal doctor, David Altchek, to travel from his New York office to examine him. Bynum sounded a defiant tone when asked if could play hurt in Game 5, saying, "That's what I'm going to have to do. I'm prepared to do it."

BOSTON -- The Lakers and the Boston Celtics played another game of trench warfare tonight in Game 4 of the NBA Finals. It's not pretty basketball. It's kind of ugly. The Lakers don't seem to mind, though. Pau Gasol got down and dirty in the first half, scoring a team-leading 13 points. He made 3 of 6 shots and 7 of 8 free throws. Kobe Bryant added 12 points, including eight during an electric stretch in which he scored on three straight possessions and gave the Lakers the lead for good in the half. Andrew Bynum played only 11 minutes in the first half and scored two points and grabbed two rebounds.

BOSTON -- Andrew Bynum continues to be troubled by the torn meniscus in his right knee. He didn't recover from Game 3 of the NBA Finals as well as hoped, but he is set to play in Game 4 tonight. Swelling and mild discomfort are the key issues, but Lakers coach Phil Jackson said the 7-foot center would "give it a shot and we'll see how it goes from there."

BOSTON -- Whining about the officiating is a time-honored tradition in the playoffs. Lakers coach Phil Jackson is one of the best at it, usually with a subtle touch that makes it seem like he's not crabbing about the referees. He jabbed Kevin Durant of Oklahoma City for getting what Jackson believed to be superstar treatment from the refs. He took a shot at Steve Nash of Phoenix for carrying the ball. Boston coach Doc Rivers isn't as creative, labeling Derek Fisher a flopper. "What we all want is just consistency," Rivers said. "It's tough to get to that, but I think that's what everybody wants." Here's what I would like: for everyone to shut up and play. There's been way too much complaining in the Finals. Every call, every foul in particular, seems to provoke a demonstration. Fouls are up to an average of 53 per Finals game compared to 50.3 two seasons ago. The games have become tedious because of all the hacking. The protests and complaining only makes it worse. The referees aren't changing their minds, especially on fouls, so get over it.

BOSTON -- Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher are two victories away from earning their fifth NBA championship together. They broke into the NBA together in 1996, battling each other in practice and bonding down through the years as close teammates. They are far different people, however, as Fisher explained today after practice.

"I think there's a balance to it," Fisher said of their relationships with their teammates. "Sometimes he refers to it as Malcolm X and Martin Luther King in terms of how we go about balancing it. And, you know, I don't think it's necessarily him tearing guys up in a way that's demeaning or belittling to our guys on our team, but just a different style of communicating it. ...

"I'm a guy who likes to observe and kind of lay back and see how things are going and then, you know, fill in the gaps as I see it. And so our teams over the years having strong personalities like Shaq (O'Neal) and Kobe and Phil (Jackson), I've always filled in the between those guys on how to keep this thing going, because my only concern is for us to win. I love everybody, but if we don't win, I don't love you as much."

BOSTON -- Lakers coach Phil Jackson caused a minor stir today when he wouldn't (or couldn't) say for sure whether injured center Andrew Bynum would play in Game 4 on Thursday night. Bynum put an end to any speculation that his sore right knee would keep him out of the game, however. "I'm going to be playing," Bynum said. "I'm going to play. ... It was real swollen after the game (Tuesday), but it's come back down to normal, so I'm going to be good. I'm going to play. ... No, no, no, I'm going to play (tonight). This is the last mountain to climb, so I'm just going to go really hard."

BOSTON -- Well, the old man ain't done yet. Derek Fisher scored 11 of his 16 points in the fourth quarter and shadowed Ray Allen into 0-for-13 shooting in Game 3 of the NBA Finals tonight. Fisher's coast-to-coast layup and free throw after he was hacked sealed the deal for the Lakers, who lead the best-of-7 series, 2-1. Fisher made 5 of 7 shots in the fourth quarter. Fisher will be a free agent July 1 and will be 36 when training camps open in the fall. He said he has no plans to retirement and hopes to remain a Laker for life.

BOSTON -- The Lakers played their best defensive first half of the series when they held the Boston Celtics to 40 points on 40 percent shooting tonight in Game 3 of the NBA Finals. Ray Allen, who had 27 points in the opening half of Game 2, was scoreless on 0-for-3 shooting. Paul Pierce had only five points. Kevin Garnett finally showed up to the Finals and scored 15. Kobe Bryant led the Lakers with 16 points on 5-for-13 shooting. The Lakers led by as many as 17 points in the first half.

BOSTON -- If you get a chance, pick up Sports Illustrated when it hits newsstands on Wednesday. There's a feature on Ron Artest. I got a sneak-peak today. Here are a few lines from Lee Jenkins' piece: "During media sessions he talked about the art of taking a charge ('If you flop and call an offensive foul in my neighborhood, somebody can get stabbed'), the importance of sportsmanship ('I don't like playing against guys who are nice to me--then I get vulnerable and weak'), how he perceives himself on the team ('It's like I'm watching TV and jumped into the screen and became Scottie Pippen') and how he wants to be remembered ('for people to say I was ghetto')."

P.S. John Wooden is on the cover.

BOSTON -- The circus that is the NBA Finals picked up and moved from Los Angeles to Boston today. Game 3 is Tuesday night. Neither team practiced and there were no press conferences scheduled, so most reporters tried their best to put the first two games into context going into the third one. Good luck with that. So far, Pau Gasol has been the steadiest player for either team in the series. He had 23 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks during the Lakers' victory in Game 1 and then had 25 points, eight rebounds and six blocks in their loss in Game 2. Kevin Garnett of Boston has been the biggest disappointment for either team, narrowly edging Lamar Odom. Gasol said Garnett isn't the same player he was two years ago and then instead of trying to prove him wrong Garnett went for six points and four rebounds in Game 2. So far, the games have been tough to watch for anyone who appreciates a free-flowing game. Too choppy. Too many fouls. TV timeouts are too long too. Those are just my opinions, but I'm not wrong.

The Lakers held a 90-89 lead late in Game 2 tonight and ended up losing by nine points. The game's best closer, Kobe Bryant, had little to offer and the Lakers went down in a heap. The series is tied, 1-all, with Games 3, 4 and 5 in Boston. It's not an ideal scenario, but perhaps not unexpected given the Lakers' up-and-down play tonight. Pau Gasol led the Lakers with 25 points, and Bryant and Andrew Bynum had 21. Ray Allen scored 27 of his team-leading 32 points in the first half. Rajon Rondo added 19.

Welcome to the Ray Allen Show. The Boston Celtics guard scored 27 points in the first half of Game 2 tonight, making a Finals record seven 3-pointers on eight attempts. He was 7-for-7 until the closing seconds of the half, when 7-footer Andrew Bynum ran out on him and forced a miss. The Lakers had no clue how to stop him, although they did a pretty fair job on everyone else, which helps to explain why they were only trailing by six by halftime. Allen also drew a questionable offensive foul on Kobe Bryant, his third. Bryant scored 11 points in the half. Pau Gasol continued his mastery of Kevin Garnett, scoring 14 points. Garnett had more fouls (three) and points (two). Ron Artest had a struggle in the first half, scoring two points on 0-for-5 shooting. He also made only 2 of 6 free throws.

Derek Fisher's contract is up at season's end and he said today he has no interest in retirement. He would like to re-sign with the Lakers and finish his career wearing purple and gold. Here's more: "I've given some thought to it because it's a reality of our business, But other than that, I haven't really crystallized in my mind what that will look like. No, my plan is not to retire. The only thing that would change that would be physical limitations, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed on that. ... "I'll just stay the course and I'll deal with July when it gets here. I would love to (be a Laker for the rest of his career). I've spent 11 of my 14 years here. Obviously, we've had a great deal of success."

There were three significant statistics from Game 1 of the NBA Finals tonight at Staples Center. First, the Lakers outrebounded the Boston Celtics, 42-31. Second, they outscored the Celtics in the paint, 48-30. Third, they had 16 second-chance points to zero for Boston. It added up to a comprehensive victory and a 1-0 lead in the best-of-7 series. Game 2 is Sunday night at Staples Center. If those numbers don't change significantly, then you can bet the Lakers will be holding a 2-0 lead heading to Boston for Games 3, 4 and 5.

The Lakers got into foul trouble in the first half of Game 1 of the NBA Finals tonight otherwise they might be ahead by 20 points. Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol led the Lakers with 12 and 11 points, respectively. The Celtics had trouble stopping them, just as the Lakers struggled to stay in front of Rajon Rondo of Boston. Rondo had 10 points, four rebounds and four assists. The Lakers outrebounded the Celtics, 23-15. Lamar Odom has three fouls and Bryant, Ron Artest and Derek Fisher had two apiece. Ray Allen and Tony Allen each have three fouls for the Celtics.

On the night of the first Lakers-Celtics game in the 2010 NBA Finals, Daily News staff writer Jon Gold and Daily News sports columnist Vinnie Bonsignore start their new all-sports, all-the-time podcast, "The JV Show."

To listen to today's podcast, click the play button above, download this MP3, and look soon for a blog, RSS feed and iTunes listing devoted exclusively to "The JV Show."

In this premiere episode, Jon and Vin debate whether or not Lakers-Celtics is the greatest sports rivalry of all time. They also discuss the L.A.-Boston matchups, whether Andrew Bynam is still a factor, and how not preparing for the Celtics can sink a team's playoff hopes.

Jon and Vin also look at the Los Angeles Dodgers and what needs to happen to turn the team around.

They also talk about the perfect game that got away for Detroit Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga when umpire Jim Joyce declared a runner safe at first base and later admitted botching the call.

"The JV Show" is produced and engineered by Jon Gold and Steven Rosenberg. Theme music by Matt Evans.

Andrew Bynum had the fluid drained from his injured right knee Monday, and less than a day later some of the fluid had returned. It was not unexpected, but it was hoped that the procedure would reduce the swelling and enable him to play with more mobility during the NBA Finals. Game 1 is Thursday night at Staples Center. Bynum participated in some, but not all of Wednesday's practice. "I just did the fastbreak stuff today," he said. "It felt all right. I didn't do the half-court scrimmage. ... We were just kind of hoping it wouldn't (return),, so it would feel better. I'm used to it. I'm used to playing with it. It's not any bigger than before, so I'm just going to go out and play." Bynum has torn meniscus in his right knee.

Kinda predictable story considering how many games Pau Gasol has played in the last three seasons for the Lakers and for his native Spain internationally, but here's part of the report this morning from The Associated Press:

"Lakers center Pau Gasol says he will not help Spain defend its title at the world basketball championships because doctors say he needs a rest. Gasol says 'present circumstances advise against my participation' in the championship in Turkey from Aug. 29-Sept. 12. Gasol and the Lakers face the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals. Game 1 is Thursday night in Los Angeles. In a statement on his website on Tuesday, Gasol says that in a grueling NBA season in which he's sustained the first two major muscle injuries of his career, 'my body is calling for a temporary relief.' Gasol helped Spain win its first world title four years ago in Japan."