ON THE ROAD AGAIN

We won the last two games we played. KUDOS!

Even with Nick Young being penalized one game

we were able to get the job done. Pau came in

strong and made 22 points, had 8-of-20 shooting

and nine rebounds. Nick made 29 points and Ryan

Kelly picked up 17 points. Winning is such fun said

Nick Young and the banter around the players gave

them a far more confidant and winning attitude.

The Western Conference is tougher this year

than it was last year but also we have had a good

run toward the second half of the season. When our

injured players come back to play, it will lend far more

weight to our winning scores certainly. Sunday's

game score up in Toronto, Canada was:112-106.

Jodie Meeks has remained in high spirits all

season having played at least 40 minutes for the

past 8 games. He posted 11 points in our last

game over Toronto and has averaged a career

high 14.6 points on 44.6 % shooting with coach

D'Antoni attributing it to improved outside shooting,

drives to the basket and defense. Steve Nash is still

hopeful to be returning to play since his back issues

seem to be not nearly as bad as they had been earlier.

He has been in Canada with his trainer working on it.

Robert Sacre was able to help in some ways when

our Lakers landed in Canada, representing that

area, in helping the team get through customs easily.

He was tabbed Mr. Irrelevant as the 60th pick in the

2012 NBA Draft. His role as a Lakers player has had him

averaging 4.6 points and 3.4 rebounds through 14.2

minutes both as a reserve (18 games) and as starter

(8). He claims it is a blessing in disguise, speaking of

his draft standing. With his seeming improvements

this off-season on his post-moves, pick-and-roll

execution and defense, he is signed now to a 3

year extension worth $2.6 million, with the first

two seasons guaranteed. It is still quite a challenge

when he posted only 2 points on a 4 shot attempt

in 5 minutes against Toronto. Our upcoming game

will be in Chicago today (Monday, Martin Luther

King Day) at 5:00 p.m. West coast, played at the

United Center. Keep the faith.

BABS WELLS