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--Dime magazine's Austin Burton highlights Kobe Bryant's belief that the rising presence of international players in the NBA will make it more important that players can handle all positions on the floor.
--The Orange County Register's Janis Carr looks at the possibility that Magic Johnson could leave the Lakers to own another team.
--NBA.com's Scott Howard-Cooper argues that Team USA can survive by playing small ball in the 2010 FIBA World Championships, partly because Pau Gasol isn't playing for the Spanish national team.
--ESPN Los Angeles' Brian Kamenetzky provides a breakdown of what's in store for Lakers guard Shannon Brown next season.
--Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix lists a few questions Team USA must answers for the World Championships.
--In light of Bryant's contention that international players have helped create a "hybrid culture," AOL Fanhouse's Matt Moore argues that scouts should value players based on their skill sets and not on their position.
--Lakers.com's Mike Trudell talks with NBA.com's John Schuhmann about Lamar Odom's play so far for Team USA.
--Silver Screen and Roll's DexterFishmore has a humorous take on the off-the-court romances involving various Lakers.
--Forum Blue and Gold's Jeff Skibiski compares and contrasts the Lakers' three-peat in 2000-2002 to the one the Lakers are currently pursuing.
--Check out this picture featuring a life-size bust of Bryant.
Tweet of the Day: "Another great, productive basketball workout under my belt!!! Now what's to eat lol? ... McDonald's it was...and it was good too" -- ShannonBrown (Lakers guard Shannon Brown showing how a quick trip to the drive-through can make even the hardest workouts pointless).
Reader Comment of the Day: I really like Magic and hope he does well in his interest in running a team. I remember my wife and I were at the same hotel that Magic was when he was younger (playing days) and ask him to take a pic with me, but he was in a hurry going up the elevator and we weren't ready with our camera. He said I will be back down in a bit. About a half hour later the door opens and the first thing he said was, "got that camera ready?" We did and I have a GREAT pic to show for it. Thanks again Magic!" -- D(erek)J(eter)
-- Mark Medina
twitter.com/latmedina
E-mail the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com
Photo: Lakers guard Kobe Bryant recently said that the rising presence of international players in the NBA means that players should be able to handle multiple positions. Credit: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times
