LAst Night's Action: Bobcats Maul Lakers
Charlotte Bobcats defeat LA Lakers 117-110 (2OT). Coming into the game the Lakers had lost their last two matchups against the Bobcats at the Staples Center. A team that has never won more 33 games in their four seasons of existence has really confounded the Lakers. It was more of the same in this game. Despite being outplayed by the Bobcats from the opening tip off, the Lakers had plenty of chances to win the game. But their shoddy defense of the Bobcats' screens left shooters wide open. Kobe fouled out towards the end of the first overtime, and the Bobcats took advantage. Trevor Ariza left the game in the first half with a concussion. No word yet on how long Ariza will be out. The Lakers now head off on the road.
Anaheim Ducks defeat Phoenix Coyotes 7-3. With high scoring games around the NHL, the Ducks apparently didn't want to feel left out. They handed the Coyotes only their second home loss in their last seven home games. Chris Kunitz and Corey Perry scored two goals each in the game while Bobby Ryan scored a goal giving him a league-leading 10 for January. The four goals the Ducks scored in the second period was the most goals they scored in one period all season. No All Star break hangover for the Ducks.
Notable Notes
- The Scott Boras bullshit flinging has started. Remember when the Rockies supposedly made a huge deal for Darren Dreifort in 2000? Well Boras seems to be up to his new tricks telling Ken Gurnick of MLB.com, "We are negotiating with several teams." I call bullshit on all of that. The Yankees aren't interested. The Mets aren't interested. The Angels aren't interested. The Red Sox aren't interested. So who else is interested? Boras claims that the Giants are in the running, but I don't buy that not one bit. So Boras. What are you going to do?
- To follow up on a note yesterday, San Diego Chargers GM AJ Smith reached out to running back LaDainian Tomlinson to smooth things over. Go figure.
- No I'm not going to say anything about Media Day at the Super Bowl aside to say that it happened.
- And I'm not going to say anything about the rumors of San Diego packing up shop and moving to LA.
- Congratulations to Andy Roddick who has made it to the semifinals of the Australian Open. Unfortunately big stinky heaping turds need to be thrown at his opponent Novak Djokovic. The 21-year old Serb retired in the fourth set suffering from the effects of the heat. As the commenters on ESPN2 said Djokovic should be ashamed of himself. To come into this tournament unprepared is inexcusable especially since he's the defending champion. Roddick now faces Roger Federer in the semis who now seems a bit mortal after his tough five-setter against Tomas Berdych in the fourth round.
Tonight's Action
Chicago Bulls at LA Clippers. Baron Davis might be back. 7:30 pm FS Prime Ticket, AM 710 KSPN.
AP Photo by Chris Carlson