Lakers’ Kobe Bryant responds to Dallas heckler by counting his championship rings

As he sat on the bench watching yet another Lakers’ loss unfold, Kobe Bryant apparently heard a Dallas Mavericks fan heckling him.

The possibilities in what that fan said to him seem endless. The Mavericks fan could have poked fun at the Lakers’ eventual 102-98 loss to the Mavericks on Friday at American Airlines Arena. Or perhaps the insults could have entailed Bryant’s recent three-game absence because of fatigue and soreness catching up to the Lakers’ 36-year-old star. Or maybe the fan suggested the Lakers are better without Bryant, an argument immediately countered with the team’s recent two-game losing streak.

Whatever the case, Bryant offered a response that did not involve any expletives, insults or talking at all. Bryant counted to five on his hand, suggesting the number of NBA championships he has won in his 19-year career.

Does that necessarily address the Lakers’ current problems? Perhaps not. But as the Lakers try to climb themselves out of the cellar, Bryant surely remains convinced his talent and work ethic that eventually brought those titles will to the Lakers will also help clean up the team’s mess right now.

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Follow L.A. Daily News Lakers beat writer Mark Medina on Twitter and on Facebook. E-mail him at mark.medina@langnews.com

Lakers’ Kobe Bryant to sit against Dallas Mavericks

Minnesota Timberwolves' Andrew Wiggins defends against Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Nov. 28, 2014, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Danny Moloshok)

Minnesota Timberwolves’ Andrew Wiggins defends against Los Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Nov. 28, 2014, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Danny Moloshok)

DALLAS — Lakers guard Kobe Bryant will sit out in Friday’s game against the Dallas Mavericks here at American Airlines Arena, marking his third consecutive game missed in hopes to rest his fatigued and sore 36-year-old body.

Lakers coach Byron Scott considered reported that Bryant “feels pretty good” about playing on Sunday when the Lakers host the Phoenix Suns at Staples Center.

Will this trend of Bryant missing in a sprinkle of games become a theme throughout the 2014-15 season?

“It’s so hard to predict that,” Scott said. “It comes down to how his body feels and how he’s feeling at the time. We’re going to take it one day at a time and go from there.”
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Lakers’ Kobe Bryant to miss Christmas Day game against Chicago

"Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) shoots a free-throw during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Minneapolis, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2014. Bryant passed Michael Jordan on the NBA all-time scoring list by making the shot. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)"

“Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) shoots a free-throw during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Minneapolis, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2014. Bryant passed Michael Jordan on the NBA all-time scoring list by making the shot. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)”

CHICAGO — Kobe Bryant will sit out of the Lakers’ Christmas Day game against the Chicago Bulls at United Center, the Lakers’ star attributing “old age” and soreness.

Although Bryant reported “getting better” after sitting out of the Lakers’ win on Tuesday against Golden State, the Lakers’ star reported still feeling sore in his knees, both Achilles tendons and metatarsals as well as back tightness.

“I just need to kind of hit the reset button,” Bryant said beforehand. “What happens is my body realizes how messed up it is. Then everything starts hurting. It’s an opportunity to treat everything.

Bryant also added that it’s “slim” he will play in Friday’s game in Dallas, though he will still travel with the team to continue receiving treatment. That included spending 90 minutes with Lakers’ physical therapist Judy Seto during the team’s morning shootaround on Thursday.

Scott admitted that he felt “surprised” that Bryant would not feel good enough to play against the Bulls. Scott said in definitive terms following the Lakers’ win on Tuesday over Golden State that Bryant would play against Chicago. But Scott decided otherwise after Bryant continuously reported feeling sore.

“I didn’t get any resistance from Kobe,” Scott said. “He told me, which I thought was great, that he’s going to let me decide and he’ll tell me how he feels.”
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Lakers’ Kobe Bryant second in Western Conference backcourt in first return on All-Star votes

"MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 14: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers waves to the crowd after passing Michael Jordan on the all-time scoring list with a free throw in the second quarter of the game on December 14, 2014 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)"

“MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 14: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers waves to the crowd after passing Michael Jordan on the all-time scoring list with a free throw in the second quarter of the game on December 14, 2014 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)”

CHICAGO — This unlikely matches Kobe Bryant’s standard amid his quest to stay among the best in his 19th NBA season.

But a season removed from playing only six games because of injuries to his left Achilles tendon and left knee, Bryant ranks second in the Western Conference backcourt behind Golden State’s Stephen Curry with 521,542 votes for the 2015 NBA All-Star game.

The Lakers (9-19) are off to their worst start in franchise history, while Bryant has shot a career-low 37.2 percent shooting. But Bryant has still averaged 24.6 points per game (third overall) and obviously has a legion of fans eager to see the Lakers’ 36-year-old star make his 16th NBA All-Star appearance on Feb. 15, 2015 in New York City’s Madison Square Garden. Bryant has a comfortable lead for second place among Western Conference guards over Houston’s James Harden (336,998 votes).
The NBA’s leading vote getters include Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (552,967), New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (524,623) and Curry (549,095). The Clippers’ Blake Griffin (307,908) and Chris Paul (257,528) rank second and fourth in the Western Conference frontcourt and backcourt, respectively. The Lakers’ Nick Young (32,050) and Jeremy Lin (77,276) have votes, but fall way short in landing in the starting lineup.

Fans can vote once a day through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, text message (6-9-6-2-2), the NBA’s Game Time app and the league’s Web site until balloting ends Jan. 19, 2015. Tweets for specific players must include the full name along with the hastag #NBABallot. The Eastern Conference and Western Conference starters will be announced on Jan. 22, 2015 on TNT.

Bryant has been voted as a starter for every NBA All-Star game since 1998, but he missed games due to injuries in 2014 (left Achilles & left knee injuries) and in 2010 (left ankle).


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Follow L.A. Daily News Lakers beat writer Mark Medina on Twitter and on Facebook. E-mail him at mark.medina@langnews.com

Lakers’ Kobe Bryant to play on Christmas Day against Chicago

"The Lakers’ Kobe Bryant #24 looks to shoot as the Thunder’s Andre Roberson #21 defends during their NBA game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles Friday, December 19, 2014. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht/Los Angeles Daily News)

“The Lakers’ Kobe Bryant #24 looks to shoot as the Thunder’s Andre Roberson #21 defends during their NBA game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles Friday, December 19, 2014. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht/Los Angeles Daily News)

Amid all the question marks surrounding how the Lakers will adjust Kobe Bryant’s minutes and role, one thing has at least remained certain.

Bryant will play when the Lakers (9-19) visit the Chicago Bulls (19-9) at the United Center on Thursday, part of the slate of the NBA’s nationally televised Christmas Day games.

“That’s pretty obvious,” Lakers coach Byron Scott said.

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Lakers make up for Kobe Bryant’s absence with team play, energy in 115-105 win over Golden State

"Lakers#0 Nick Young, Ronnie Price Robert Sacre celebrate in the 4th quarter.  and The Lakers defeated the Golden State Warriors 115-105 in a game played at Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA. December 23, 2014. (Photo by John McCoy Daily News)"

“Lakers#0 Nick Young, Ronnie Price Robert Sacre celebrate in the 4th quarter. and The Lakers defeated the Golden State Warriors 115-105 in a game played at Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA. December 23, 2014. (Photo by John McCoy Daily News)”

The cheers reached deafening levels as the Lakers enjoyed so many shots that became more and more improbable to make.

Try making three consecutive three-pointers. Try hitting a bank shot while falling down to the ground. Try swishing a half-court shot.

It seems only Kobe Bryant could achieve such miraculous feats after wowing this Laker crowd through 19 seasons, a span that covered five NBA championships, an 81-point game and too many game winners to count. But in fact, Bryant accomplished none of the other aforementioned feats.

Lakers coach Byron Scott sat Bryant for a game in hopes that another day at home could rejuvenate a pair of 36-year-old legs that ran on fumes in recent weeks. What happened in his absence amounted to nothing more than a Christmas Day miracle. The Lakers’ 115-105 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday at Staples Center featured everything that consistently lacked when Bryant furiously tried leading them.

The Lakers moved the ball. They scored at both an efficient and balanced rate. They defended. They had fun. All of this happened against the Warriors (23-4), which boasts the Western Conference’s best record no less. It came just as the Lakers (9-19) hoped they could accomplish more without placing too much burden on Bryant.

“It was great to have a game to make that case,” Lakers coach Byron Scott said. “We’re still going to lean on him. But we don’t have to do it as heavy as we are. That’s the message.”
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Lakers’ Kobe Bryant to sit out vs. Golden State

Minnesota Timberwolves' Andrew Wiggins defends against Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Nov. 28, 2014, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Danny Moloshok)

Minnesota Timberwolves’ Andrew Wiggins defends against Los Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Nov. 28, 2014, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Danny Moloshok)

After having extensive conversations with Kobe Bryant about his recent fatigue and inefficient play, Lakers coach Byron Scott said Bryant will sit out for tonight’s game against the Golden State Warriors at Staples Center.

“Just wanted to give him more rest,” Scott said. “He was okay with me making a decision.”

Yet, it appears unclear if Bryant’s playing status for when the Lakers visit the Chicago Bulls on Christmas Day. Or if Bryant will rest in Friday’s game against the Dallas Mavericks to conserve his energy on back-to-back games. Scott said he will handle Bryant’s playing status on a “game-by-game” basis.

“It might be something I have to do periodically along with trying to get the minutes down,” Scott said. This is 19 years for him. That’s an unbelievable career. I don’t care how much the mind is willing. You’re not going to play at 82 games at the level that he’s accustomed to playing. Like I said from day one, it’s all about making sure he plays these last couple of years with him at the level he’s accustomed to playing and then doing that. Sometimes I’ll have to give him days off as well as games off.”
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Lakers’ Byron Scott unsure if Kobe Bryant will play against Golden State

Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant, right, looks to shoot as he is pressured by Sacramento Kings' Ben McLemore during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2014, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Los Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant, right, looks to shoot as he is pressured by Sacramento Kings’ Ben McLemore during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2014, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

After having extensive conversations with Kobe Bryant about his recent fatigue and inefficient play, Lakers coach Byron Scott said Bryant’s status for tonight’s game against the Golden State Warriors at Staples Center still remains in question.

“I haven’t made up my mind yet,” Scott said on Tuesday after morning shootaround. “We had a good talk yesterday. It went really well and he was pretty much in agreement with whatever I wanted to do. I told him I’ll talk to him today and go from there.”
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Lakers’ Jordan Hill makes half-court shot to end practice

"Lakers Kobe Bryant talks with Ed Davis and Jordan Hill  during first half action at Staples Center Sunday, December 7, 2014.   ( Photo by David Crane/Los Angeles Daily News ) "

“Lakers Kobe Bryant talks with Ed Davis and Jordan Hill during first half action at Staples Center Sunday, December 7, 2014. ( Photo by David Crane/Los Angeles Daily News ) “

The debilitating losses have left the Lakers with plenty of work to fix. Their last-ranked defense. Their offensive balance. Getting Kobe Bryant both to rest and change his game so that he no longer feels as fatigued and inefficient.

But Lakers coach Byron Scott still gave his a team a chance to end practice early on Monday if someone made a half-court shot. The unsuspecting hero was Jordan Hill, whom Lakers assistant Jim Eyen somehow predicted would make the attempt. Lakers guard Ronnie Price said afterwards that “Jordan Hill is one of those flukish guys who would make a shot like that.”

“I work on it every day. I practice it on every day,” Hill joked afterwards. “I’m trying to get better in every aspect in my game.”

Lakers forward Nick Young could hardly say the same thing. Hill reported that he airballed his attempt. So what was Young’s reaction when Hill made his?

“Besides jumping and hollering that we would could get the hell out of here?” Hill said, laughing.

It might seem odd that the Lakers would end practice that way considering their 8-19 record. But Scott gave his players a chance to leave work early because he had one specific worry for when the Lakers host the Golden State Warriors (22-3) on Tuesday at Staples Center.

“It saved them about 30 minutes of being on their feet,” Scott said. “:So it saved them some rest so they can run around with Golden State.”

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Follow L.A. Daily News Lakers beat writer Mark Medina on Twitter and on Facebook. E-mail him at mark.medina@langnews.com

Lakers’ Nick Young receives Christmas gift from Iggy Azalea

Amid the doom and gloom that surrounds the Lakers’ season, there’s still at least one source of positive energy.

Nick Young.

The latest fun moment entailed the Lakers’ forward receiving an early Christmas present on Monday. Iggy Azalea,Young’s girlfriend and hip hop artist, gave Young a blue 1962 Chevrolet Impala that waited outside the Lakers’ practice facility in El Segundo. The gift featured a red bow and a note that read “To: Swaggy P. From Iggy.”

Young wasted no time enjoying his new toy. He sat on the plush leather seats blaring some West Coast hip hop, including Eazy E’s “Boyz-n-the-Hood.” Young popped the hood and admired the engine. Of course, Young tested out the hydraulics. Others admired the ride, ranging from Lakers executive Jim Buss, Young’s friends and reporters alike.

Young then eventually drove off into the sunset and flashed his smile. Today was a good day for Young even amid the Lakers’ persistent losing.


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Follow L.A. Daily News Lakers beat writer Mark Medina on Twitter and on Facebook. E-mail him at mark.medina@langnews.com