LAst Night's Action: Win-Win for Phil Jackson

Lakers 127, Nuggets 99 - Phil Jackson signed a $24 million contract extension for two years. Two hours later, his Lakers ripped apart the Nuggets. Good day. Heck, even Sasha Vujacic had 22 points -- 19 in the 4th quarter. Luke Walton had 14 points in just 27 minutes. Both were career highs. The Lakers are 9-6 and have recently had some pretty impressive performances.

Ducks 4, Flames 1 - After getting yanked in Vancouver, Jean-Sebastien Giguere had 38 saves in the win over Calgary. Anaheim is two points out of first in the competitive Pacific Division.

Trojans 66, Sooners 55 - USC finally got a home win this season, dispatching Oklahoma thanks to an explosive final stretch by O.J. Mayo. Davon Jefferson led the game with 23. Both marquee USC players are freshmen, but will likely be playing in the NBA next season.

Elsewhere - Joe Paterno's salary has not kept up with inflation ... News flash: Bobby Bowden is old ... Tony LaRussa's DUI videos are out. Sad.

Today's Action - Clippers @ Denver (7:30pm) ... Lakers @ Utah (7:30pm) ... Ducks @ Edmonton (6:00pm).

AP photo by Mark J. Terrill.