Lakers forward Ron Artest is a career 72% shooter from the foul line, but he's shooting only 52.2% this season.

"He told me he doesn't shoot free throws well until somewhere in the second third of the season," coach Phil Jackson said. "So he's given up already on this first third of the season."

According to the Los Angeles Times, a shoulder injury last season forced Artest to alter his free-throw stroke.

"He's got this nasty hitch in his shot that we're trying to correct and he can't rid of it," Jackson said. "I've noticed a slight improvement."

Many are wondering why Kobe Bryant hasn't already signed a contract extension with the Lakers.

Salary cap expert Larry Coon wrote a piece for the New York Times on Monday explaining why Bryant may wait to re-sign with Los Angeles.

"Bryant can guarantee himself more money by first becoming a free agent, and then re-signing with the Lakers," Coon wrote.

"The reason for this is pretty obscure ? the salary in the first year of an extension cannot exceed the player?s maximum salary (105% of the player?s previous salary, or the league-wide maximum salary by years of service, whichever is greater), and it is amended downward if necessary to conform to this rule. The start of Bryant?s extension would coincide with the start of the next collective bargaining agreement, which could change the way maximum salaries are calculated. If it does, the salary in Bryant?s extension would be subject to the new rules. Depending on how negotiations go, it is possible he could face a significant pay cut," he continued.

"However, by becoming a free agent in 2010 and signing a new contract instead, Bryant would lock in his salary entirely under the terms of the current agreement. His salary would not be subject to amendment in 2011, as it would be with an extension."

The Lakers sent the Nets to a record-tying 17th loss to begin the season on Sunday night.

- Detroit 94, Atlanta 88

Team FIC Differential: Pistons +15.7, Hawks -15.7

The shorthanded Detroit Pistons (6-11) shocked the favored Atlanta Hawks (12-5) on Sunday afternoon. Rodney Stuckey starred with 23 points and eight assists, Ben Wallace posted 10 points and 18 rebounds and Jonas Jerebko added 10 points and 11 boards. Atlanta shot 50% from the field, but Detroit won the rebounding battle by 26. Josh Smith had 23 points and seven rebounds, Jamal Crawford tallied 20 points and four assists and Al Horford contributed 10 points and 10 boards.

Game FIC Scores

Josh Smith, Atlanta ? 23.4

Ben Wallace, Detroit ? 19.3

Mike Bibby, Atlanta ? 14.8

Rodney Stuckey, Detroit ? 12.1

- L.A. Clippers 98, Memphis 88

Team FIC Differential: Clippers +18.6, Grizzlies -18.6

The Los Angeles Clippers (8-10) used a 33-7 edge in the fourth quarter to comeback and defeat the Memphis Grizzlies (6-11) at the STAPLES Center. Eric Gordon led with 29 points, five rebounds and five assists, Marcus Camby tallied 14 points and 14 boards and Baron Davis put up 14 points and six assists. Los Angeles hit 50% of their shots and attempted nine more foul shots than Memphis. Marc Gasol had 26 points, six assists and five rebounds, Rudy Gay posted 15 points and 10 boards and Jamaal Tinsley totaled 12 points and seven dimes off the bench.

Game FIC Scores

Marcus Camby, Los Angeles ? 26.0

Marc Gasol, Memphis ? 24.8

Eric Gordon, Los Angeles ? 17.5

Baron Davis, Los Angeles ? 10.5

- Phoenix 113, Toronto 94

Team FIC Differential: Suns +28.6, Raptors -28.6

The Phoenix Suns (14-3) used a strong second half to knock off the Toronto Raptors (7-11) on Sunday afternoon. Jason Richardson had 22 points and nine rebounds, Steve Nash posted 20 points and 16 assists and Grant Hill added 10 points and nine boards. Phoenix shot 51% from the floor and held Toronto to 1-for-20 shooting from three-point land. Chris Bosh excelled with 30 points and 17 rebounds, Andrea Bargnani tallied 24 points and seven boards and Hedo Turkoglu contributed 10 points and eight rebounds in the loss.

Game FIC Scores

Steve Nash, Phoenix ? 23.3

Chris Bosh, Toronto ? 18.5

Andrea Bargnani, Toronto ? 15.6

Jason Richardson, Phoenix ? 15.5

- Boston 92, Miami 85

Team FIC Differential: Celtics +18.4, Heat -18.4

The Boston Celtics (12-4) used a strong second quarter to notch a win against the Miami Heat (9-6) at AmericanAirlines Arena. Kevin Garnett had 24 points and 10 rebounds, Kendrick Perkins tallied 14 points and 12 boards and Rajon Rondo put up 13 points and 10 assists. Boston hit 50% of their shots and held Miami in check from the perimeter. Dwyane Wade starred with 27 points, seven rebounds and six assists, Michael Beasley posted 18 points and eight boards and Jermaine O?Neal contributed 14 points and seven rebounds.

Game FIC Scores

Kevin Garnett, Boston ? 21.3

Kendrick Perkins, Boston ? 16.9

Dwyane Wade, Miami ? 16.3

Rajon Rondo, Boston ? 15.3

- Orlando 114, New York 102

Team FIC Differential: Magic +20.2, Knicks -20.2

The Orlando Magic (14-4) used a steady effort to knock off the New York Knicks (3-14) on Sunday night. Rashard Lewis had 26 points and eight rebounds, Dwight Howard posted 24 points and 16 boards and Vince Carter scored 23 points on 9-for-20 shooting. Both teams shot 50% from the field, but Orlando won the rebounding battle by eleven. David Lee led with 20 points and 12 rebounds, Chris Duhon tallied 11 points and eight assists and Nate Robinson scored 24 points on 11-for-17 shooting at Madison Square Garden.

Game FIC Scores

Dwight Howard, Orlando ? 26.4

Rashard Lewis, Orlando ? 17.6

David Lee, New York ? 15.8

Danilo Gallinari, New York ? 15.3

- San Antonio 97, Philadelphia 89

Team FIC Differential: Spurs +13.4, 76ers -13.4

The San Antonio Spurs (9-6) held off the Philadelphia 76ers (5-12) amid a host of Allen Iverson rumors. Tim Duncan led with 22 points, six rebounds and five assists, DeJuan Blair tallied 11 points and 10 boards and Tony Parker added 16 points and six dimes. San Antonio hit 51% of their shots and outrebounded Philadelphia by eight. Andre Iguodala starred with 21 points, seven rebounds and five assists, Samuel Dalembert posted 14 points and 13 boards and Willie Green scored 17 points at the AT&T Center.

Game FIC Scores

Andre Iguodala, Philadelphia ? 20.3

Tim Duncan, San Antonio ? 19.8

Samuel Dalembert, Philadelphia ? 17.8

Matt Bonner, San Antonio ? 14.5

- Houston 100, Oklahoma City 91

Team FIC Differential: Rockets +9.5, Thunder -9.5

The Houston Rockets (9-8) used an 11-point edge in the fourth quarter to defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder (9-8) on Sunday. Carl Landry starred with 21 points and 10 rebounds, David Anderson posted 12 points and eight boards and Aaron Brooks scored 21 points on 8-for-15 shooting. Houston shot just 40%, but outrebounded Oklahoma City by 11 and forced 19 turnovers. Kevin Durant had 25 points, nine rebounds and six assists, Jeff Green tallied 12 points and seven boards and Russell Westbrook totaled 20 points and five dimes in the loss.

Game FIC Scores

Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City ? 19.6

Aaron Brooks, Houston ? 18.5

Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City ? 11.4

Carl Landry, Houston ? 10.8

- Minnesota 106, Denver 100

Team FIC Differential: Timberwolves +7.1, Nuggets -7.1

The Minnesota Timberwolves (2-15) used a 31-12 edge in the third quarter to shock the Denver Nuggets (12-5) at the Pepsi Center. Ryan Gomes scored a team-high 27 points, Damien Wilkins tallied 15 points, 12 rebounds and six assists and rookie Jonny Flynn added 16 points, six dimes and four boards. Minnesota shot 51% from the floor and narrowly outrebounded Denver by three. Carmelo Anthony starred with 32 points and five rebounds, Kenyon Martin posted 16 points and 14 boards and Nene contributed 10 points, 10 rebounds and five assists.

Game FIC Scores

Nene, Denver ? 19.6

Damien Wilkins, Minnesota ? 19.4

Kenyon Martin, Denver ? 18.8

Ryan Gomes, Minnesota ? 17.1

- Sacramento 112, New Orleans 96

Team FIC Differential: Kings +16.9, Hornets -16.9

The Sacramento Kings (8-8) used strong efforts in the second and fourth quarters to down the New Orleans Hornets (7-10) on Sunday evening. Jason Thompson led with 22 points and 14 rebounds, Sergio Rodriguez posted 24 points and five assists and Omri Casspi added 12 points and five boards. Sacramento shot 53% and outrebounded New Orleans by seven. David West scored 24 points on 9-for-16 shooting, Emeka Okafor tallied 20 points and nine rebounds and Devin Brown put up 10 points and nine boards in the loss.

Game FIC Scores

Sergio Rodriguez, Sacramento ? 20.0

Jason Thompson, Sacramento ? 19.1

Emeka Okafor, New Orleans ? 18.8

David West, New Orleans ? 10.8

- L.A. Lakers 106, New Jersey 87

Team FIC Differential: Lakers +31.9, Nets -31.9

The Los Angeles Lakers (13-3) sent the New Jersey Nets (0-17) into the history books, tying an NBA record for losses to begin a season. Kobe Bryant starred with 30 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, Pau Gasol tallied 20 points, nine boards and seven dimes and Jordan Farmar scored 15 points on 6-for-9 shooting in the win. Los Angeles hit half of their field goal attempts and outrebounded New Jersey by five. Brook Lopez had 26 points and 12 rebounds, Devin Harris posted 16 points and six assists and Courtney Lee totaled 15 points and five boards off the bench.

Game FIC Scores

Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles ? 24.9

Pau Gasol, Los Angeles ? 22.4

Brook Lopez, New Jersey ? 17.0

Devin Harris, New Jersey ? 13.1

? RealGM calculates the Floor Impact Counter using the following formula: (Points + .75 Defensive Rebounds + Offensive Rebounds + Steals + Assists + Blocks - .75 Field Goal Attempts - .375 Free Throw Attempts - Turnovers - .5 Personal Fouls)

( )'s indicate a negative FIC score.

It is also used to rank players and to determine their ?Reina Value.? Click here to view the player rankings with the Reina Value for the current season

The Oklahoman recently conducted a poll among players and coaches to determine who has the highest basketball IQ in the NBA.

The results were as follows:

1. Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles

2. Jason Kidd, Dallas

3. Steve Nash, Phoenix

4. Chris Paul, New Orleans

5. LeBron James, Cleveland



Also receiving votes were Carmelo Anthony, Deron Williams and Dwyane Wade.

Lakers forward Ron Artest believes that Kobe Bryant has made him a better player.

"Kobe gets up for everybody. He's actually making me a better player," Artest said. "I feel like I'm better now than I was ever. He's just always going for blood. And I learned that now. That's what I've been doing now when I'm out there."

Artest is averaging 12.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.1 assists this season. None of the numbers are career-highs and only his assists numbers look good against his productions in season's past.

Lakers forward Lamar Odom has struggled since returning to the bench.

Los Angeles coach Phil Jackson believes that Odom's struggles have to do with his energy and focus.

"Take the caffeine away from him before the game," Jackson said. "I think he burns energy up before he gets in the ballgame. No coffee before the game."

Pau Gasol's return from a hamstring injury has relegated Odom to the bench. Since the move, he's seen his numbers drop.

"He's distracted so much," Jackson said. "We have to get his mind back in focus when he's on the bench. But he's trying."

Robert Horry hasn't played in the NBA in two seasons, but he would consider a comeback if the Lakers were interested.

"If they call me, I would play," Horry said. "I can do better than half of the players in the NBA. . . . And I'm in shape too."

The Lakers aren't expected to reach out to Horry.

Lakers owner Jerry Buss says he's prepared to spend as much as he needs in order to contend in the future.

This season, the Lakers have a $91.3 million payroll. In addition to that, Buss will have to pay $21.4 million in luxury tax for going over the NBA's threshold.

Buss told NBA.com that he is willing to give Kobe Bryant a three-year, $91 million extension and that he wants coach Phil Jackson to return next season.

Jackson is making $12 million in the final year of his contract.

Lakers guard Shannon Brown has been gaining some attention for his dunking skills.

There have been whispers in Los Angeles that he could be included in the dunk contest during All-Star weekend.

"If I'm able to get into the slam-dunk contest, I'm all for it," Brown said. "I keep saying I'm really not thinking about it. I'm trying to help this team win ballgames right now."

The Lakers have only had three players participate in the contest: Michael Cooper in 1984, Antonio Harvey in 1995 and Kobe Bryant in 1997.

"I promise you, if I'm able to get in the dunk contest, it's going to be something special," Brown said.

The Warriors had just six healthy players on Tuesday night, but they were still able to shock the Mavericks on the road.

- Washington 108, Philadelphia 107

Team FIC Differential: Wizards +2.6, 76ers -2.6

The Washington Wizards (4-9) held off the Philadelphia 76ers (5-9) for a much needed win on Tuesday night. Antawn Jamison led with 32 points and 14 rebounds, Gilbert Arenas posted 17 points and eight assists and Nick Young scored 20 points on 8-for-16 shooting. Washington shot 47% from the floor, while Philadelphia went 21-for-23 from the foul line. Louis Williams had 26 points and five assists, Samuel Dalembert tallied 15 points and nine rebounds and Thaddeus Young added 23 points and four boards in the loss.

Game FIC Scores

Antawn Jamison, Washington ? 25.5

Louis Williams, Philadelphia ? 18.0

Samuel Dalembert, Philadelphia ? 17.5

Jrue Holiday, Philadelphia ? 16.0

- Toronto 123, Indiana 112

Team FIC Differential: Raptors +32.1, Pacers -32.1

The Toronto Raptors (7-8) shot 55% as they lit up the scoreboard against the Indiana Pacers (5-7). Jose Calderon had 21 points and seven assists, Chris Bosh tallied 16 points and 12 rebounds and Jarrett Jack totaled 18 points and six dimes against his old team. Toronto attempted 11 more foul shots than Indiana and took an 18-point lead into halftime. Danny Granger starred with 36 points, nine rebounds and five assists, Troy Murphy posted 11 points, eight boards and five dimes and rookie Tyler Hansbrough put up 10 points and four rebounds.

Game FIC Scores

Danny Granger, Indiana ? 21.0

Jarrett Jack, Toronto ? 20.4

Jose Calderon, Toronto ? 17.9

Hedo Turkoglu, Toronto ? 17.8

- Golden State 111, Dallas 103

Team FIC Differential: Warriors +2, Mavericks -2

The Golden State Warriors (5-8) used just six players to knock off the Dallas Mavericks (10-4) at the American Airlines Center. Monta Ellis starred with 37 points and eight assists, Anthony Morrow posted 27 points, nine rebounds and five dimes and Vladimir Radmanovic added 14 points and 12 boards. Golden State turned the ball over 21 times, but went 10-for-21 from three-point range. Dirk Nowitzki had 28 points and 10 rebounds, Jason Terry scored 21 points off the bench and Jason Kidd stuffed the stat sheet with five points, 13 assists and 10 boards.

Game FIC Scores

Anthony Morrow, Golden State ? 25.4

Jason Kidd, Dallas ? 19.8

Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas ? 17.5

Drew Gooden, Dallas ? 17.5

- Denver 101, New Jersey 87

Team FIC Differential: Nuggets +22.9, Nets -22.9

The New Jersey Nets (0-14) are still winless after losing to the Denver Nuggets (10-4) on Tuesday night. Carmelo Anthony had 27 points and six rebounds, Nene posted 17 points and nine boards and Arron Afflalo contributed 15 points and eight rebounds. Denver shot 48% from the field and held New Jersey to just 38% shooting. Devin Harris starred with 19 points, seven rebounds and six assists, Josh Boone tallied seven points and 12 boards and rookie Terrence Williams scored 14 points on 5-for-11 shooting.

Game FIC Scores

Nene, Denver ? 18.9

Arron Afflalo, Denver ? 18.5

Devin Harris, New Jersey ? 15.1

Carmelo Anthony, Denver ? 13.9

- Oklahoma City 104, Utah 94

Team FIC Differential: Thunder +20.4, Jazz -20.4

The Oklahoma City Thunder (8-7) used a decisive run in the third quarter to defeat the Utah Jazz (7-7) at Energy Solutions Arena. Kevin Durant led with 28 points, eight assists and five rebounds, Russell Westbrook scored 17 points and Jeff Green totaled 19 points, six boards and five dimes. Utah turned the ball over 24 times and attempted just 18 foul shots. Carlos Boozer had 26 points and seven rebounds, Paul Millsap tallied 19 points and seven boards and Deron Williams put up 10 points, nine assists and seven rebounds in the loss.

Game FIC Scores

Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City ? 21.3

Jeff Green, Oklahoma City ? 17.3

Carlos Boozer, Utah ? 16.5

Andrei Kirilenko, Utah ? 11.4

- L.A. Lakers 100, New York 90

Team FIC Differential: Lakers +14.7, Knicks -14.7

The New York Knicks (3-11) tried to make a little run, but it was too late against the Los Angeles Lakers (11-3). Kobe Bryant starred with 34 points and five rebounds, Pau Gasol posted 11 points and 16 boards and Andrew Bynum added 17 points and eight rebounds. Los Angeles outrebounded New York by 24, which allowed them to overcome 25 turnovers. Wilson Chandler had 15 points and seven rebounds, Nate Robinson tallied 15 points and five assists and David Lee contributed 13 points and seven boards.

Game FIC Scores

Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles ? 23.1

Pau Gasol, Los Angeles ? 18.1

Derek Fisher, Los Angeles ? 13.1

Danilo Gallinari, New York ? 13.0

? RealGM calculates the Floor Impact Counter using the following formula: (Points + .75 Defensive Rebounds + Offensive Rebounds + Steals + Assists + Blocks - .75 Field Goal Attempts - .375 Free Throw Attempts - Turnovers - .5 Personal Fouls)

( )'s indicate a negative FIC score.

It is also used to rank players and to determine their ?Reina Value.? Click here to view the player rankings with the Reina Value for the current season