Once again, the Lakers are coming together just in time.  

Discontent, question marks and strife have suddenly disappeared.

Even the Shaq ? Kobe feud is nowhere to be found.

Karl Malone was protective of Bryant while Gary Payton praised him.  Both spoke in glowing terms about the star guard, who was the topic of conversation again because he will have to fly to Eagle, Colorado on Thursday morning for a hearing in the criminal case against him, then fly back for Game 4 in Los Angeles.  

Bryant may have to miss the first half of the game because of the early 6 p.m. start time.

"When I get here, if I get back in time, I'm just going to be ready to play," Bryant said.