LAst Night's Action: Local Teams Work Overtime

Bobcats 106, Lakers 97, OT - It had all the makings of a memorable game for the Lakers. Lamar Odom finally returned from injury. Andrew Bynum grabbed 16 boards off the bench. Kobe Bryant became the youngest player to ever reach 18,000 points. Three of his game high 32 came on a wide-open shot with 1.6 seconds to go, sending it into overtime. But Charlotte, one of the NBA's cellar dwellars, knocked off the Lakers for a second time this season. This go-around was faster than the last, which took three extra periods. Perhaps more frustrating than the loss, the game featured more cool AP photos than any other played this year. Regretfully, our news room can only bring you one. At least you can go here to see some others.

Kings 3, Canucks 2, OT - Feeling rested after the All Star break, the Kings snapped a seven game loosing streak by beating one of the stronger teams in the Conference. The game marked two big returns. King's coach Marc Crawford got a win in his first return to Vancouver since being fired there last season. Veteran goalie Sean Burke made his first NHL appearance after a stint in the AHL and one foot in the gra ... errr, retirement. With 17 years of experience, he turns 40 next week. Hopefully his veteran leadership can lift the Kings out of the NHL's second-worst record.

Elsewhere - Serena Williams was a two time Australian Open champ, but after some big injuries wasn't even ranked going into the tournament. Guess what? She won ... Mexican Guard to protect pocket, not borders ... Pac 10 refs aren't the only ones who screw up.

AP photo by Mark J. Terrill.