LAst Night's Action: Hoops Off to Good Start

Lakers 119, Jazz 109 - The Lakers may have won their second straight game against a division champ. Kobe may be playing team ball (and even blocked a dunk, for cryin' out loud). We're still not buying it ... Derek Fisher was 0-for-7 in the first half against his former team, but finished with 19 points ... The Lakers removed press row from courtside, adding 15 more seats which are going for $2,300 per game. Including Preseason activities, that's $1,483,500 that they still can't spend because of the salary cap ... Hey Kobe, why not consider a pay cut? Just look at it as down payment on a championship.

Clippers 115, Sonics 101 - Kevin Durant didn't seemed bothered by all the different players sent to defend him. He managed 24 points, one above the rookie's average through three games. The Clippers didn't seemed bothered by his scoring, though. Tim Thomas hit three 3-pointers in a one minute span late in the game to put it away ... The Clip Show is 2-0.

Local Soccer - Chivas USA is done for the season. They were knocked out of the playoffs this weekend. At least things look good for next year ... Things aren't so cheery across the hallway in the Galaxy locker room. What does it say when a coach resigns from a team with Beckham to take on the challenge of an expansion franchise? ... Becks played a charity match this weekend, but was really trying to show off and get back to playing for England.

Elsewhere - Ah, the good ol' days of sports media: "But in baseball, the man who carries a salary grievance into the field with him is as rare as an Italian who isn't nuts about his spaghetti and vino."

Today's Action - Dallas @ Ducks (7:00pm).

AP photo by Mark J. Terrill.