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Los Angeles Lakers news gathered from around the net.

Jackson Admits Kobe's 2003 Arrest Impacted Relationship

In a new book, Phil Jackson writes that charges of a sexual assault committed by Kobe Bryant in 2003 impacted their relationship.

Jackson's daughter, Brooke, had been sexually assaulted by an athlete while she was in college, so Bryant's situation "cracked open an old wound."

Jackson left the Lakers following the 03-04 season.

"The Kobe incident triggered all my unprocessed anger and tainted my perception of him. ... It distorted my view of Kobe throughout the 2003-04 season," Jackson writes. "No matter what I did to extinguish it, the anger kept smoldering in the background."

Jackson eventually returned to the Lakers and enjoyed an effective working relationship with Bryant.

Jackson also extensively compares the game and personality of Bryant with Michael Jordan.

"Michael was more charismatic and gregarious than Kobe," Jackson writes. "He loved hanging out with his teammates and security guards, playing cards, smoking cigars, and joking around.

"Kobe is different. He was reserved as a teenager, in part because he was younger than the other players and hadn't developed strong social skills in college. When Kobe first joined the Lakers, he avoided fraternizing with his teammates. But his inclination to keep to himself shifted as he grew older. Increasingly, Kobe put more energy into getting to know the other players, especially when the team was on the road."


Via Los Angeles Times

Pau Gasol To Undergo FAST Technique Procedure On Both Knees

Pau Gasol will undergo a "FAST Technique" procedure on Thursday to help alleviate tendinosis in both knees.

The procedure uses a probe inserted into the knee which directs ultrasonic energy to eliminate scar tissue without damaging healthy tissue.

Gasol previously said he would consider going to Germany in the offseason to undergo a platelet-rich plasma procedure.

Via RealGM Staff Report

Report: Lakers' Plan A Is To Bring Back Team With Gasol

The Los Angeles Lakers' "Plan A" is to keep Pau Gasol and bring back the rest of the team, according to a report citing a source with knowledge of the organization's thinking.

Since the Lakers were swept in the first round by the San Antonio Spurs, Gasol talked openly about this season possibly being his last in Los Angeles.

Gasol is set to make upwards of $19 million next season.

Kobe Bryant has been a staunch supporter of Gasol, saying he believes the Lakers should keep the big man.

Via Mark Heisler/Twitter

Bobcats Receive Permission To Interview Lakers Assistant Steve Clifford

The Charlotte Bobcats have received permission to interview Los Angeles Lakers assistant Steve Clifford as a possible replacement for fired coach Mike Dunlap.

Clifford is known for his defensive expertise after spending nine seasons as an assistant under the Van Gundy brothers -- first Jeff Van Gundy with the Houston Rockets, then Stan Van Gundy with the Orlando Magic.

Alvin Gentry, Nate Tibbetts, Kelvin Sampson, Jeff Hornacek and Elston Turner are also expected to interview for the Bobcats’ coaching vacancy.

Via Rick Bonnell/Charlotte Observer

D'Antoni To Hire Defensive Assistant

Mike D'Antoni is considering adding a defensive assistant to his staff with the Los Angeles Lakers in the offseason.

D'Antoni's first choice is believed to be Nate McMillan. The two coaches worked together as assistants with Team USA.

McMillan, however, is expected to land a head coaching job.

Alvin Gentry could fill the role, according to sources.

Via Ken Berger/CBS Sports

Dwight Howard Advised Against Surgery On Shoulder

Dwight Howard, who was diagnosed with a torn labrum after originally injuring his right shoulder on January 4th, was examined on Wednesday.

Howard, who missed six games this season due to the injury, was advised that surgery is not necessary at this time.

Via RealGM Staff Report

Dwight Howard Doesn't Want Any Outside Pressure On Free Agency Decision

The Los Angeles Lakers enter an uncertain offseason that will be dictated by their ability to re-sign Dwight Howard.

"We're very confident that we can build around Dwight Howard," said Mitch Kupchak.

Kupchak had a long conversation with Howard on Tuesday that he felt went well. Kupchak did confess that it is difficult for him to be fully confident of Howard returning to the Lakers.

"I think he understands: the sooner, the better for everybody," said Kupchak about when Howard may make a decision.

Howard also addressed the media on Tuesday.

"I just want an opportunity to make a decision for myself to make myself happy," Howard said. "I just don't want any pressure from anybody."

Howard also wants to avoid his free agency becoming an event unto itself the way his departure from the Orlando Magic materialized. 

"I'm not gonna allow any of the fake rumors from last year to happen this year. If something comes out, you're going to hear from me."

Howard wrapped his interview session by indicating that the most memorable moment from the 12-13 season with the Lakers was when he was pranked by his teammates in the preseason to run out of the tunnel by himself.

Via RealGM Staff Report

Gasol Told Future With Lakers Not Directly Tied To Howard Decision

Pau Gasol addressed the media at the end of a difficult season for the Los Angeles Lakers and ahead of an offseason where his future is in doubt. 

"I prefer to stay, but I'm prepared if I'm not," said Gasol.

Gasol also said that Mitch Kupchak indicated that his future with the Lakers is not directly tied to the decision Dwight Howard ultimately makes in free agency.

If Gasol returns, he hopes that there is better understanding of how he can be utilized by Mike D'Antoni.

"I think we have to understand each other a lot better.”

Via RealGM Staff Report

Jamison Not Expected To Re-Sign With Lakers

Antawn Jamison is not expected to re-sign with the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason.

Jamision will undergo wrist surgery on Tuesday for an injury sustained on March 22. Jamison played through the injury to help the already injury-depleted Lakers.

Jamison skipped his exit interview with the Lakers on Monday.

Via Eric Pincus/Los Angeles Times

Meeks: Dwight Loves Los Angeles, Loves Team

Jodie Meeks became one of Dwight Howard's closest friends this season with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Meeks was asked on Monday if he thinks Howard will re-sign with the Lakers.

"I know he loves this city," said Meeks. "I know he loves the team. We got pretty close this year as friends -- from the same hometown [Atlanta]. I can't really say exactly what he's going to do but I know he likes the city."

Meeks has one season remaining on his contract with the Lakers, assuming they pick up their team option.

Via Eric Pincus/Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Lakers Archives

Gasol Hopes To Remain With Lakers

Pau Gasol has one season remaining on his contract with the Lakers and hopes to return even though he could be dealt in the offseason.

Dwight Howard Calls First Season With Lakers 'Nightmare'

Dwight Howard's first season with the Lakers came to an end on Sunday with their four-game elimination.

D-League MVP Goudelock Was Borrowing Money From Girlfriend Before Returning To Lakers

Andrew Goudelock made about $1,200 every two weeks while he was in the D-League, while his per diem was $40.

Pau Gasol Considering Treatment In Germany On Knee In Offseason

Pau Gasol has dealt with tendonosis in both knees this season.

Metta World Peace Expects To Miss Game 4

Metta World Peace went scoreless in 17 minutes in Friday's Game 3 blowout loss to the Spurs.

Andrew Goudelock Named D-League MVP

Andrew Goudelock averaged 21.1 points, 5.2 assists, 3.9 rebounds and 37.1 minutes per D-League game.

Howard Thinks Ibaka Should Have Been DPOY

Dwight Howard finished 14th in the Defensive Player of the Year balloting.

Jerry West Defends D’Antoni's Job Performance With Lakers

Mike D'Antoni has drawn much criticism for his handling of the Lakers this season.

Howard: Everyone Knows Reason For Finishing 14th In DPOY Voting

Dwight Howard finished 14th in Defensive Player of the Year, a shocking result for a player who won the award in 2009, 2010 and 2011.

Jordan Hill Available For Game 2

Jordan Hill tore a muscle in his hip on Jan. 6.

Nash Could Have 'Good Chance To Play' In Game 1

Mitch Kupchak also expressed optimism that Steve Nash could return for Game 1 on Sunday.

Kobe Asks For Gasol Trade Speculation To End Following Triple Double

Pau Gasol had 17 points, 20 rebounds and 11 assists, his second triple double of April.

Lakers To Keep Mike D'Antoni For Next Season

Mitch Kupchak has been impressed with the adjustments Mike D'Antoni had made during his partial season with the Lakers.

Phil Jackson Interested In Returning To NBA

Phil Jackson is intrigued by a management position for the first time in his career.

Kupchak Continues To Expect Dwight Howard To Re-Sign With Lakers

Mitch Kupchak continues to be confident that Dwight Howard will re-sign with the Lakers this offseason.

Dwight Pays Hospital Visits To Kobe

Dwight Howard is determined to be there for Kobe Bryant as he goes through his rehabilitation from a completely torn Achilles tendon.

Opening Night Is 'Reasonable Goal' For Kobe

Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak says that Kobe Bryant's desire to return to the floor by the first game of the 2013-14 season is "a reasonable goal."

Lakers Working To Call Up Andrew Goudelock

Andrew Goudelock has averaged over 20 points in the D-League this season and gave the Lakers stretches of offense last season.

Kupchak Downplays Possibility Of Amnestying Kobe

The Lakers are not considering amnestying Kobe Bryant.

Kobe Out 6-9 Months Following Surgery

Kobe Bryant tore the Achilles tendon in his left leg on Friday night in a win over the Warriors.
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