LAst Night's Action: Not So Happy Halloween

Perspective - The question around town is clear ... "Who's going to upstage everybody next?" Tuesday night should have been about the Laker's season opener. Or was it about Kobe possibly leaving the team? Nope, the Dodgers stole the headlines when manager Grady Little resigned. Could Joe Torre and Alex Rodriguez be reunited in Blue? Or could A-Rod go to LAnaheim? Curt Schilling has expressed interest in both teams. If baseball isn't providing the big story, what about college football? Reggie Bush was sued the same afternoon his retired jersey was hung in USC's Heritage Hall. Across town, Karl Dorrell's job is about as secure as Jewish deli in Palestine.

You thought the drama around here was in Hollywood? Try the sports page.

Rockets 95, Lakers 93 - Kobe Bryant was booed as he was introduced, but fans were chanting his name down the stretch. He rained in 45 points, including 18 in the 4th quarter, but had five turnovers and missed nine free-throws. OK, the last missed free throw was intentional -- but then he cried about not getting another foul at the buzzer. It's going to be a lot of up-and-down this season, and that means a lot of results like last night (Kobe 45, Lakers 48, both lose).

Elsewhere - ESPN Page 2 took a look at the effect of the San Diego fires on high school athletes. At least there weren't any real hippo problems ... A Super Bowl ring could be yours for just five bucks ... Did anybody else think this was the coolest World Series ever -- at least when it came to last names on a scorecard? ... Need a costume tonight? Don't wear anything.

Today's Action - Columbus @ Kings (7:30pm).

AP photo by Matt Sayles.