Kobe Bryant out with fracture in knee

Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant needed seven and a half arduous months to return from an Achilles tear, seemingly making back in time to save a Lakers team that was left to battle the elements without injured guard Steve Nash, and with Pau Gasol hobbling and inconsistent. The Lakers, faced with a tough road schedule, have dropped four of six with Bryant in the lineup, and they’re likely to be dropping quite a few more from now until February. - Kelly Dwyer