2012–13 Los Angeles Lakers season

NBA professional basketball team season March 2026 August 2023 Los Angeles Lakers 2013 45 37 Pacific 3 7 Mike Brown (fired)Bernie Bickerstaff (interim)Mike D'Antoni Mitch Kupchak Jim Buss (vice) Jerry Buss (until February 18, his death)Jerry Buss family trust Staples Center First Round(lost to Spurs 0–4) LAL TWC SportsNet and TWC Deportes 710 ESPN The 2012–13 Los Angeles Lakers season was the 65th season of the franchise, its 64th season in the National Basketball Association (NBA), and its 53rd season in Los Angeles. The Lakers acquired All-Stars Steve Nash and Dwight Howard, giving them a starting lineup of five All-Stars consisting of Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Metta World Peace, Nash, and Howard, who were expected to contend for the franchise's 17th NBA championship. Instead, the Lakers struggled to qualify for the playoffs after changing head coaches and implementing multiple offenses. However, a weak defense and multiple injuries were the team's biggest problems.Buha Johan Defense was biggest impediment to Lakers' success May 3, 2013 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/36638/defense-was-biggest-impediment-to-lakers-success https://web.archive.org/web/20130506060257/http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/36638/defense-was-biggest-impediment-to-lakers-success May 6, 2013 live They exited the playoffs in the first round for the first time since 2007. Additionally, this was the first season since 2006-07 without longtime point guard Derek Fisher, who had helped the team win its last five championships. Widely regarded as a failed superteam mainly due to injuries, the Lakers started out the season as a top 2 favorite to win the championship (the other team being the defending champions Miami Heat who ended up repeating) and the Lakers were projected to win 58 games. The Lakers were also the top favorite to win the Western Conference.https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2013_preseason_odds.html 2012-13 NBA Preseason Odds Basketball-Reference.com April 4, 2022Kevin W. Ryan https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1339452-2012-13-nba-pre-season-breaking-down-nba-finals-champion-odds 2012-13 NBA Preseason: Breaking Down NBA Finals Champion Odds Bleacher Report September 18, 2012 April 4, 2022https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm-2012-sep-25-la-sp-lakers-chart-20120925-story.html NBA betting odds: Lakers, Miami Heat listed as preseason favorites Los Angeles Times September 25, 2012 April 4, 2022Ben Golliver https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/las-vegas-miami-heat-top-los-angeles-lakers-as-preseason-2013-title-favorites/ Las Vegas: Miami Heat top Los Angeles Lakers as preseason 2013 title favorites CBS Sports October 9, 2012 April 4, 2022 The season began with head coach Mike Brown changing the Lakers offensive strategy to the Princeton offense. After an 0–8 preseason record and a 1–4 start to the regular season, Brown was fired. Assistant Bernie Bickerstaff was named the interim coach until Mike D'Antoni took over as the full-time head coach. Still, the Lakers began the season 15–21 for their worst start since the 1993–94 season. They were in jeopardy of missing the playoffs after trailing the Houston Rockets at the All-Star break by 3 1 2 games for the eighth and final playoff berth in the Western Conference. The Lakers started 8–2 after the break, gaining sole possession of a top-8 spot for the first time since December 1, and moving two games over .500 for the first time all season. After being swept by their crosstown rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers, the Lakers fell a half game behind the Utah Jazz for the final playoff spot. The Lakers again overtook Utah in the standings, but Kobe Bryant's season ended after suffering a torn Achilles tendon in the 80th game of the season. The Lakers qualified for the playoffs on the last day of the season, defeating Houston to finish 45–37 and seeded seventh in the West. Facing the San Antonio Spurs in the first round, the injury-riddled Lakers were swept in four games to the eventual Western Conference champion. It was also the second time in three years that the Lakers were swept in the playoffs, having been swept by the eventual champion Dallas Mavericks in the 2011 Conference semifinals. This was the last season that the Lakers made the playoffs until the 2019–20 season when the franchise won its 17th championship. As a result, they would miss the playoffs for six consecutive seasons before 2020, marking their longest playoff drought in franchise history. Prior to 2013, they missed the playoffs for a total of just 5 seasons. Key dates June 28: The 2012 NBA draft took place at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. July 11: The Lakers acquired two-time MVP Steve Nash for first round-picks in 2013 and 2015 and second-round picks in 2013 and 2014.http://www.nba.com/lakers/releases/120711lakers-acquire-steve-nash Lakers Acquire Steve Nash | THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE LOS ANGELES LAKERS Nba.com 2012-07-10 2012-07-17Associated Press http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/other_nba/view/20120712steve_nash_is_introduced_as_a_laker/srvc=sports&position=recent_bullet Steve Nash is introduced as a Laker BostonHerald.com 2012-07-17 August 10: The Lakers acquired three-time DPOY Dwight Howard, F/C Earl Clark, and PG Chris Duhon in a four-team multi-player trade also involving C Andrew Bynum, F Josh McRoberts, and G/F Christian Eyenga.http://www.nba.com/2012/news/08/10/dwight-howard-trade.ap/index.html Lakers Acquire Dwight Howard | THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE NBA nba.com 2012-08-10 2012-08-11 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120811080542/http://www.nba.com/2012/news/08/10/dwight-howard-trade.ap/index.html 2012-08-11 October 21: Dwight Howard made his Laker debut in a preseason loss to the Sacramento Kings. October 30: The Lakers opened the 2012–13 NBA season, losing to the Dallas Mavericks 91–99. December 28: The Lakers retired the number 52 jersey of Jamaal Wilkes during halftime of their game against the Portland Trail Blazers. The Lakers won the game by a score of 104–87. April 2: The Lakers retired the number 34 jersey of Shaquille O'Neal during halftime of their game against the Dallas Mavericks. The Lakers won the game by a score of 101–81. Draft picks 2012 NBA draft Round Pick Player Position Nationality College/Team 2 55 Darius Johnson-Odom SG United States Marquette 2 60 Robert Sacre C Canada Gonzaga Roster Los Angeles Lakers 2012–13 5 Steve Blake G 6 3 172 Maryland 1980–02–26 24 Kobe Bryant G 6 6 205 Lower Merion HS (PA) 1978–08–23 6 Earl Clark F 6 10 225 Louisville 1988–01–17 21 Chris Duhon G 6 1 190 Duke University 1982–08–31 3 Devin Ebanks F 6 9 215 West Virginia 1989–10–28 16 Pau Gasol F/C 7 0 250 Spain 1980–07–06 0 Andrew Goudelock G 6 3 200 College of Charleston 1988-12-07 27 Jordan Hill basketball C 6 10 235 Arizona 1987–07–27 12 Dwight Howard C 6 11 265 SW Atlanta Academy (GA) 1985–12–08 4 Antawn Jamison F 6 9 235 North Carolina 1976–06–12 20 Jodie Meeks G 6 4 208 Kentucky 1987–08–21 1 Darius Morris G 6 4 190 Michigan 1991–01–03 10 Steve Nash G 6 3 178 Santa Clara 1974–02–07 50 Robert Sacre C 7 0 260 Gonzaga 1989–06–06 15 Metta World Peace F 6 7 260 St. John's 1979–11–13 Mike Brown (fired) Bernie Bickerstaff (interim) Mike D'Antoni Bernie Bickerstaff Dan D'Antoni Chuck Person Darvin Ham Eddie Jordan Steve Clifford (DL) On assignment to D-League affiliate http://www.nba.com/lakers/roster/ 2013-04–12 Offseason thumb|upright|left|The Lakers traded for Dwight Howard before the season. After being eliminated from the playoffs in the second round in the prior two seasons, the Lakers traded for three-time Defensive Player of the Year Dwight Howard and two-time Most Valuable Player (MVP) Steve Nash.McMenamin Dave Lakers still Kobe Bryant's team October 4, 2012 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8450210/kobe-bryant-makes-clear-los-angeles-lakers-team https://web.archive.org/web/20121221211354/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8450210/kobe-bryant-makes-clear-los-angeles-lakers-team December 21, 2012 live It was the fourth time in league history that a team acquired two players with at least six All-Star selections. Both players were widely considered to be future Hall of Famers. They joined an already strong Lakers nucleus in Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, and Metta World Peace.Markazi Arash Dwight Howard prepares to take leadership April 13, 2013 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/36421/dwight-howard-prepares-to-take-leadership https://web.archive.org/web/20130416021839/http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/36421/dwight-howard-prepares-to-take-leadership April 16, 2013 live The center Howard made the team younger and more athletic; his acquisition appeared to be the start of a new dynasty for the Lakers.Freeman Eric After losing Dwight Howard, how do the Los Angeles Lakers recover? July 5, 2013 yahoo.com https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/losing-dwight-howard-los-angeles-lakers-recover-010029455.html https://web.archive.org/web/20140308035503/http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/losing-dwight-howard-los-angeles-lakers-recover-010029455.html March 8, 2014 live In Nash, the Lakers had their first elite point guard in decades. The trio of Bryant, Howard, and Nash was expected to rival the defending league champion Miami Heat's combination of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.Cacciola Scott Lakers Lack Bryant but Not Confidence April 15, 2013 The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/16/sports/basketball/lakers-lineup-missing-bryant-but-not-confidence.html https://web.archive.org/web/20220612183507/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/16/sports/basketball/lakers-lineup-missing-bryant-but-not-confidence.html?_r=0 June 12, 2022 live Additionally, the Lakers re-signed key role player Jordan Hill and signed free agent veteran Antawn Jamison and shooting specialist Jodie Meeks.Shelburne Ramona When the absurd becomes amusing January 8, 2013 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8822846/with-injuries-dwight-howard-pau-gasol-only-their-latest-obstacles-all-los-angeles-lakers-do-laugh https://web.archive.org/web/20130112003712/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8822846/with-injuries-dwight-howard-pau-gasol-only-their-latest-obstacles-all-los-angeles-lakers-do-laugh January 12, 2013 live Coach Mike Brown began installing the Princeton offense, a decision he made even before the July acquisition of Nash.Bresnahan Mike For Lakers Coach Mike Brown, pressure is part of job description September 29, 2012 Los Angeles Times https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm-2012-sep-29-la-sp-lakers-mike-brown-20120929-story.html https://web.archive.org/web/20121011075948/http://articles.latimes.com/2012/sep/29/sports/la-sp-lakers-mike-brown-20120929 October 11, 2012 live He thought of using the offense the previous season, but the lockout impacted the schedule, making it too hectic to implement.Elliott Helene With the clock ticking, Brown counsels patience October 28, 2012 Los Angeles Times https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm-2012-oct-28-la-sp-mike-brown-lakers-20121028-story.html https://web.archive.org/web/20121102114447/http://articles.latimes.com/2012/oct/28/sports/la-sp-mike-brown-lakers-20121028 November 2, 2012 live New assistant coach Eddie Jordan was hired to install the Lakers third offense in three years after the triangle offense during coach Phil Jackson's tenure and Brown's own offense the previous season.Heisler Mark With 0-3 Start, Lakers Drop into Panic Mode November 3, 2012 The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/04/sports/basketball/lakers-0-3-start-puzzles-fans-and-team.html https://web.archive.org/web/20121107031043/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/04/sports/basketball/lakers-0-3-start-puzzles-fans-and-team.html November 7, 2012 live Despite the addition of Howard and Nash, Bryant insisted he remained the leader of the Lakers.McMenamin Dave Kobe-Dwight partnership forged March 7, 2013 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/9026191/kobe-bryant-dwight-howard-forging-partnership-los-angeles-lakers https://web.archive.org/web/20130310060433/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/9026191/kobe-bryant-dwight-howard-forging-partnership-los-angeles-lakers March 10, 2013 live Nash agreed that it was Bryant's team, but added the team needed to provide support. Bryant looked forward to Nash running the team's offense. Bryant envisioned that after he retired, Howard would assume the role of team leader. Howard anticipated Bryant being tough on him. "So, I'll take all the heat that he's going to give me because I know at the end of the day that's going to make me a better player and a better person and it's going to make this team better", Howard said. In 2014, Nash said that "everyone could see [the relationship between Bryant and Howard] was going to be tough from the start."Highkin Sean Steve Nash says Dwight Howard never wanted to be a Laker March 14, 2014 USA Today http://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/03/nba-steve-nash-dwight-howard-lakers-kobe-bryant/ https://web.archive.org/web/20140317010928/http://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/03/nba-steve-nash-dwight-howard-lakers-kobe-bryant/ March 17, 2014 live Steve Nash on His Future and Playing With Kobe and Dwight March 13, 2014 Grantland Podcasts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVJwE37WxwU&t=17m58s 17:58 March 17, 2014 Season summary Struggles with Princeton offense thumb|upright|left|Head coach Mike Brown was fired after a 1–4 start. Howard had back surgery earlier in April, and the Lakers had acquired him with the possibility that he might be out until December or January. He did not play basketball until training camp in October.McMenamin Dave Dwight Howard reflects on injuries March 6, 2013 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/9020232/dwight-howard-los-angeles-lakers-reflects-injuries-vows-keep-pushing https://web.archive.org/web/20130308153239/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/9020232/dwight-howard-los-angeles-lakers-reflects-injuries-vows-keep-pushing March 8, 2013 live Bresnahan Mike Lakers' Dwight Howard still not all the way back February 23, 2013 Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-fyi-20130224,0,5095798.story https://web.archive.org/web/20130225035908/http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-fyi-20130224,0,5095798.story 2013-02-25 live 2013-02-27 Shelburne Ramona Dwight Howard shoulders blame February 23, 2013 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8978453/dwight-howard-admits-poor-conditioning-cost-los-angeles-lakers-some-games https://web.archive.org/web/20130226092843/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8978453/dwight-howard-admits-poor-conditioning-cost-los-angeles-lakers-some-games February 26, 2013 live The Lakers went a winless 0–8 in the preseason with Howard playing in just two of the games while he was still recovering.Lakers lose to Kings, complete 0-8 preseason October 25, 2012 ESPN.com Associated Press https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/recap?id=400400566 https://web.archive.org/web/20121030030841/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/recap?id=400400566 October 30, 2012 live Pincus Eric Dwight Howard confident in back, but still rebuilding October 29, 2012 Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-howard-confident-in-back-20121029,0,3374311.story https://web.archive.org/web/20121101130116/http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-howard-confident-in-back-20121029,0,3374311.story 2012-11-01 live 2012-10-31 Brown estimated it could take until January for the Lakers to fully master the new offense.Markazi Arash Five key questions for the Lakers January 7, 2013 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/35349/five-key-questions-for-the-lakers https://web.archive.org/web/20130110104812/http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/35349/five-key-questions-for-the-lakers January 10, 2013 live The Lakers starting lineup at the start of the regular season was both the league's tallest and its oldest with Nash (38 years old), Bryant (34), Gasol and World Peace (32), and Howard (26). The five All-Stars had a combined 33 All-Star appearances, and the team had the league's highest payroll at just over $100 million.Stein Marc Lakers' Mike Brown on hot seat November 9, 2012 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8610263/los-angeles-lakers-coach-mike-brown-needs-good-homestand-sources-say https://web.archive.org/web/20121111193741/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8610263/los-angeles-lakers-coach-mike-brown-needs-good-homestand-sources-say November 11, 2012 live The New York Times called them "one of the most talented lineups in NBA history."Beck Howard Lakers Fire Their Coach, and Jackson Is on Radar November 9, 2012 The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/10/sports/basketball/lakers-fire-coach-mike-brown-after-1-4-start.html?pagewanted=all https://web.archive.org/web/20220608031832/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/10/sports/basketball/lakers-fire-coach-mike-brown-after-1-4-start.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0 2022-06-08 live 2017-02-26 ESPN wrote that the Lakers were "not only expected to win the title but to do so in record-breaking fashion." Bryant cautioned that they were not "the most athletic team in the world" and could be limited in their rebounding and transition game. Howard was ready for the start of the season, but he was still recovering from his back surgery.Shelburne Ramona Lakers fire Mike Brown November 9, 2012 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8610888/los-angeles-lakers-fire-coach-mike-brown https://web.archive.org/web/20121110190030/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8610888/los-angeles-lakers-fire-coach-mike-brown November 10, 2012 live In his Laker debut, Howard had 19 points and 10 rebounds, but he was only 3-for-14 on free throws and fouled out; the Lakers lost 99–91.Deveney Sean Dwight Howard's bottom line: He has to produce in LA ... quickly October 31, 2012 sportingnews.com http://aol.sportingnews.com/nba/story/2012-10-31/lakers-trail-blazers-dwight-howard-free-throw-shooting-mike-brown-orlando-magic https://web.archive.org/web/20121102193354/http://aol.sportingnews.com/nba/story/2012-10-31/lakers-trail-blazers-dwight-howard-free-throw-shooting-mike-brown-orlando-magic November 2, 2012 live Bryant said patience was needed as the team adjusted to the Princeton offense. He endorsed the new scheme, comparing it to the triangle offense's ball-sharing principles as well as its difficult learning curve.Shelburne Ramona Kobe stresses patience with offense November 2, 2012 Los Angeles Times https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8581957/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-stresses-patience-new-princeton-offense https://web.archive.org/web/20121103104819/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8581957/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-stresses-patience-new-princeton-offense November 3, 2012 live The Lakers fell to the Los Angeles Clippers 105–95 in a "home" game, and they started the season 0–3 for the first time since 34 years ago in 1978 and just the fourth time in franchise history. Bryant scored 40 points in the loss with two steals, and he passed Magic Johnson (1,724) as the Lakers career leader in steals. Nash did not play after suffering a non-displaced fracture in his left leg in the previous game, and he was expected to miss at least a week.Chris Paul, Clippers deal Lakers third straight loss to open season November 2, 2012 ESPN.com Associated Press https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400277745 https://web.archive.org/web/20121104115133/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400277745 November 4, 2012 live The Lakers beat the Detroit Pistons 108–79 for their first win, and avoided their first 0–4 start since 1957.Bresnahan Mike Good news, bad news for Lakers November 5, 2012 Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-pistons-20121105,0,42578.story https://web.archive.org/web/20121106053205/http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-pistons-20121105,0,42578.story 2012-11-06 live 2012-11-06 However, after a 1–4 start, Brown was fired as head coach.Amick Sam Lakers have fired Mike Brown https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/lakers/2012/11/09/mike-brown-fired-by-lakers/1694785/ USA Today https://web.archive.org/web/20121110030007/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/lakers/2012/11/09/mike-brown-fired-by-lakers/1694785/ November 10, 2012 November 9, 2012 live The team was still adjusting to the new offense and committing a high number of turnovers; the defense, a specialty of Brown's, was also vulnerable.Elliott Helene Mike Brown played his game until the end November 9, 2012 Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-1110-brown-last-day-20121110,0,1234616.story https://web.archive.org/web/20121110120544/http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-1110-brown-last-day-20121110,0,1234616.story 2012-11-10 live 2012-11-10 In addition to Nash's and Howard's ailments, Bryant had been playing with an injured foot and was unable to practice. The Lakers, however, had an urgency to win and were not compelled to wait given their aging stars, Howard's pending free agency the coming summer, and owner Jerry Buss' deteriorating health.Owner's health factored into firing February 27, 2013 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8996064/dr-jerry-buss-failing-health-was-factor-mike-brown-firing-los-angeles-lakers-gm-mitch-kupchak-said https://web.archive.org/web/20130302111322/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8996064/dr-jerry-buss-failing-health-was-factor-mike-brown-firing-los-angeles-lakers-gm-mitch-kupchak-said March 2, 2013 live Brown's dismissal after five games was the third-fastest coaching change in NBA history.Stein Marc Shelburne Ramona Sources: Lakers rebuff trade talks December 6, 2012 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8719587/los-angeles-lakers-rebuffing-trade-inquiries-pau-gasol https://web.archive.org/web/20121208064900/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8719587/los-angeles-lakers-rebuffing-trade-inquiries-pau-gasol December 8, 2012 live D'Antoni takes over thumb|upright|left|Mike D'Antoni was hired as new Lakers coach. In the media, former Lakers coach Phil Jackson became the leading candidate to replace Brown.Bresnahan Mike Lakers' coaching job appears to be Phil Jackson's if he wants it November 10, 2012 Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-20121111,0,3015889.story November 11, 2012Wojnarowski Adrian Phil Jackson reunion with Lakers could lack perfect Hollywood ending November 10, 2012 yahoo.com https://sports.yahoo.com/news/nba--phil-jackson-reunion-with-lakers-could-lack-perfect-hollywood-ending-09281209.html November 11, 2012 In the meantime, assistant coach Bernie Bickerstaff was the interim head coach. He won the first two games he coached, while the crowd at Staples Center chanted "We Want Phil" during the games.Beck Howard The Lakers Change Direction and Hire D'Antoni as Coach November 12, 2012 The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/13/sports/the-lakers-change-direction-and-hire-mike-dantoni-as-coach.html?ref=sports&_r=0 https://archive.today/20130104062027/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/13/sports/the-lakers-change-direction-and-hire-mike-dantoni-as-coach.html?ref=sports&_r=1& 2013-01-04 live 2017-02-26 Elliott Helene Lakers defeat Golden State, 101-77 November 9, 2012 Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-warriors-20121110,0,6811178.story November 11, 2012 The Lakers talked with Jackson first, but he requested two days to consider the opening. He believed the Lakers would wait for his response, but the Lakers thought it was understood they would continue their search. The next day, the team talked with Mike D'Antoni and signed him to a multi-year contract in a unanimous decision by the front office.Bresnahan Mike Kupchak: If Phil Jackson hadn't hesitated he might be Lakers coach November 13, 2012 Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-kupchak-20121114,0,1350996,full.story https://web.archive.org/web/20121114201231/http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-kupchak-20121114,0,1350996,full.story 2012-11-14 dead 2012-11-14 McMenamin Dave Kupchak: Mike D'Antoni a better fit November 13, 2012 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8628871/mitch-kupchak-los-angeles-lakers-explains-decision-hire-mike-dantoni https://web.archive.org/web/20121114055456/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8628871/mitch-kupchak-los-angeles-lakers-explains-decision-hire-mike-dantoni November 14, 2012 live Simers T. J. It's unanimous: Lakers' selection of Mike D'Antoni over Phil Jackson is wrong November 13, 2012 Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-simers-lakers-20121113,0,1201548,full.column https://web.archive.org/web/20121114043601/http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-simers-lakers-20121113,0,1201548,full.column 2012-11-14 dead 2012-11-13 They felt that D'Antoni's fast-paced style of play made him a "great fit" for the team, more suitable than Jackson's structured triangle offense. Bresnahan Mike Phil Jackson gets call from Lakers and it's not what he expected November 12, 2012 Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-coach-jackson-20121113,0,2707499,full.story https://web.archive.org/web/20121113132503/http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-coach-jackson-20121113,0,2707499,full.story 2012-11-13 dead 2012-11-13Ding Kevin Lakers' fast break away from Jackson opens door for D'Antoni November 12, 2012 Orange County Register http://www.ocregister.com/sports/lakers-377569-jackson-antoni.html https://web.archive.org/web/20121115061652/http://www.ocregister.com/sports/lakers-377569-jackson-antoni.html November 15, 2012 live Buss' preference had always been for the Lakers to have a wide-open offense. D'Antoni was reunited with Nash, who was a league MVP twice in four seasons under D'Antoni while with the Phoenix Suns. Bryant was also familiar with D'Antoni; Bryant as a child knew him when D'Antoni was a star in Italy and Bryant's father was also playing there. Bryant grew close with D'Antoni during their time with the United States national team.Bresnahan Mike Mike D'Antoni to be next coach of the Lakers November 12, 2012 Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-hire-mike-dantoni-20121112,0,7850509.story?track=rss https://web.archive.org/web/20121112131321/http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-hire-mike-dantoni-20121112,0,7850509.story?track=rss 2012-11-12 live 2012-11-12 D'Antoni's coaching debut with the Lakers was delayed as he recovered from knee replacement surgery. He had surgery weeks before on October 31, as he originally expected that he was taking a year off from coaching and would have months to recover.Beck Howard For the Lakers and D'Antoni, It's About Validation November 13, 2012 The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/14/sports/basketball/mike-dantoni-is-poised-to-validate-lakers-choice.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0 https://web.archive.org/web/20240511043320/https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/14/sports/basketball/mike-dantoni-is-poised-to-validate-lakers-choice.html?pagewanted=all&_r=1& 2024-05-11 live 2017-02-26 Bickerstaff continued to be the Lakers' interim coach;Beck Howard D'Antoni, Recovering From Knee Surgery, Pushes Back Lakers Debut November 18, 2012 The New York Times http://offthedribble.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/11/18/dantoni-recovering-from-knee-surgery-pushes-back-lakers-debut/ November 19, 2012 he finished with a 4–1 record, winning his last two as D'Antoni started leading team practices.McMenamin Dave Mike D'Antoni leads Lakers practice November 16, 2012 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8637170/mike-dantoni-crutches-leads-first-los-angeles-lakers-practice https://web.archive.org/web/20121124004633/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8637170/mike-dantoni-crutches-leads-first-los-angeles-lakers-practice November 24, 2012 live Moore David Leon Mike D'Antoni debuts on Lakers bench: 'This is special' November 20, 2012 USA Today https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/lakers/2012/11/20/mike-dantoni-los-angeles-debut-coach-nets/1718433/ https://web.archive.org/web/20121121151006/http://usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/lakers/2012/11/20/mike-dantoni-los-angeles-debut-coach-nets/1718433/ November 21, 2012 live Older brother Dan D'Antoni was named a new assistant coach and also assisted. In his first press conference, D'Antoni predicted that the Lakers, then 3–5 and ranked 20th in scoring with 96.5 points per game, should instead be scoring "110–115 points a game". He wanted to revive Showtime.Bresnahan Mike Mike D'Antoni says Lakers would love to play 'Showtime' ball December 12, 2012 Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-mike-dantoni-lakers-showtime-20121115,0,5748763.story https://web.archive.org/web/20121121013358/http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-mike-dantoni-lakers-showtime-20121115,0,5748763.story 2012-11-21 live 2013-01-05 He reiterated general manager Mitch Kupchak's belief that the Lakers were built to win an NBA championship that season. D'Antoni was glad to be back with Nash, noting his unsuccessful stint with the New York Knicks without him. On November 20, he coached his first game—nine days after he was hired—in a 95–90 win against the Brooklyn Nets.Lakers edge Nets as Mike D'Antoni makes debut on L.A. bench November 20, 2012 ESPN.com Associated Press https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400277876 https://web.archive.org/web/20121121142041/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400277876 November 21, 2012 live The Lakers matched their worst start on the road (0–4) since the 1995–96 season, but snapped the streak with a 115–89 win over the Dallas Mavericks; it was also their first 100-point effort in the first four games under D'Antoni.Lakers start hot, cruise to victory against Mavericks November 24, 2012 ESPN.com Associated Press https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400277907 https://web.archive.org/web/20121125054457/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400277907 November 25, 2012 live thumb|upright|Antawn Jamison became the first Laker since 1998 to score 30 points in a game off the bench. With Nash still out, D'Antoni started 2–3 as a Laker, a minimal improvement over Brown's 1–4 start.Adande J. A. Yes, November games count, too December 1, 2012 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/8697109/los-angeles-lakers-show-do https://web.archive.org/web/20121204054315/http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/8697109/los-angeles-lakers-show-do December 4, 2012 live The team had been struggling to get the big men Gasol and Howard involved in the new offense.Shelburne Ramona Mike D'Antoni looks at offense November 24, 2012 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8672356/mike-dantoni-los-angeles-lakers-coach-hopes-get-pau-gasol-dwight-howard-involved https://web.archive.org/web/20121125054454/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8672356/mike-dantoni-los-angeles-lakers-coach-hopes-get-pau-gasol-dwight-howard-involved November 25, 2012 live Bryant was also adjusting, running more screen-rolls and fewer post ups than at any time in his career.McMenamin Dave Kobe Bryant calls out Pau Gasol December 3, 2012 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8704495/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-calls-pau-gasol-loss https://web.archive.org/web/20121204022210/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8704495/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-calls-pau-gasol-loss December 4, 2012 live Additionally, backup point guard Steve Blake had been out since an abdominal injury on November 11, and he would not return until late January.Lakers hold on despite late surge from Hornets January 29, 2013 ESPN.com Associated Press https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/400278389 https://web.archive.org/web/20130216024408/http://espn.go.com/nba/recap?id=400278389 February 16, 2013 live On November 30, the Lakers made 17 three-point field goals—tying a team record for a regulation game—in a 122–103 win over the Denver Nuggets. Free agent acquisition Antawn Jamison scored 33 points, the first time a Laker had scored 30 points as a reserve since Shaquille O'Neal in 1998. Jamison also made five three-pointers, while Jodie Meeks scored 21 on a career-high seven three-pointers. Howard even added the second three-pointer of his career in addition to his 28 points and 20 rebounds.Lakers use 17 3-pointers to trounce Nuggets November 30, 2012 ESPN.com Associated Press https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400277952 https://web.archive.org/web/20121201190049/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400277952 December 1, 2012 live They lost 113–103 to the Orlando Magic the following home game in Howard's first matchup against his former team. He had 21 points and 15 rebounds, but he was intentionally fouled and shot only 9–for-21 on his free throws.Magic defeat Lakers in first game vs. Dwight Howard December 2, 2012 ESPN.com Associated Press https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400277964 https://web.archive.org/web/20121204022202/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400277964 December 4, 2012 live thumb|upright|left|Steve Nash returned in late December after missing 24 games with a fractured left leg. After being bothered by tendinitis in both knees since training camp, Gasol missed the next game. He was struggling after seven games under D'Antoni, averaging 10.1 points and 8.0 rebounds while shooting 38.8 percent, and he was benched in the fourth quarter in multiple games.Golliver Ben Lakers reportedly tell Gasol to adjust to D'Antoni's system or face trade December 4, 2012 SI.com http://nba.si.com/2012/12/04/pau-gasol-trade-talks-los-angeles-lakers-mitch-kupchak/ https://web.archive.org/web/20121205230834/http://nba.si.com/2012/12/04/pau-gasol-trade-talks-los-angeles-lakers-mitch-kupchak/ 2012-12-05 dead 2012-12-05 McMenamin Dave Lakers F Pau Gasol out Tuesday December 4, 2012 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8709159/pau-gasol-los-angeles-lakers-tuesday-houston-rockets-tendinitis-knees https://web.archive.org/web/20121206080336/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8709159/pau-gasol-los-angeles-lakers-tuesday-houston-rockets-tendinitis-knees December 6, 2012 live The Lakers lost 116–107 to the Knicks in D'Antoni's first game back to New York since he left the previous season. The Lakers allowed another big quarter as they trailed 41–27 in the first quarter. Bryant scored 31, but Los Angeles fell to 1–11 when he scored 30+ points, 1–5 without Gasol, and 4–9 overall under D'Antoni.Bresnahan Mike Lakers' defense takes night off against Knicks, 116-107 December 13, 2012 Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-knicks-20121214,0,2598455.story https://web.archive.org/web/20121215125257/http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-knicks-20121214,0,2598455.story 2012-12-15 live 2012-12-15 Numbers to know: Knicks run Lakers out December 14, 2012 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/52530/numbers-to-know-knicks-run-lakers-out https://web.archive.org/web/20121217072245/http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/52530/numbers-to-know-knicks-run-lakers-out December 17, 2012 live Gasol returned after an eight-game absence, contributing 10 points, nine rebounds and five assists in a 101–100 win over the lowly Charlotte Bobcats. The Lakers overcame an 18-point deficit for their third win in a row, only the second time in the season the streak had been achieved.Bolch Ben Lakers hang on to edge Bobcats, 101-100 December 18, 2012 Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-bobcats-20121219,0,3084796.story December 19, 2012Kobe Bryant (30 pts.), Lakers need comeback to top woeful Bobcats December 18, 2012 ESPN.com Associated Press https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400278084 December 19, 2012Shelburne Ramona Pau Gasol to start vs. Bobcats December 18, 2012 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8759524/pau-gasol-los-angeles-lakers-forward-start-charlotte-bobcats December 19, 2012 Nash started against the Golden State Warriors after missing 24 games, and he had 12 points and nine assists in a 118–115 overtime road victory.Steve Nash makes return to Lakers in OT victory over Warriors December 22, 2012 ESPN.com Associated Press https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400278118 https://web.archive.org/web/20121226063831/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400278118 December 26, 2012 live The team was 12–12 during his absence,Beck Howard Lakers Are Again a Changed Team February 4, 2013 The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/05/sports/basketball/los-angeles-lakers-season-has-been-one-of-change.html?_r=0 https://archive.today/20130411141228/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/05/sports/basketball/los-angeles-lakers-season-has-been-one-of-change.html?_r=1& 2013-04-11 live 2017-02-26 and won three of their first four games after his return. Early 2013 struggles thumb|upright|Jordan Hill (No. 27) was out for the season after a hip injury in January. The Lakers lost on New Year's Day, and their 15–16 record matched their worst start after 31 games since the 2002–03 season.Jrue Holiday powers Sixers past Lakers January 2, 2013 USA Today Associated Press https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2013/01/02/philadelphia-76ers-los-angeles-lakers-jrue-holiday/1803447/ https://web.archive.org/web/20130105233812/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2013/01/02/philadelphia-76ers-los-angeles-lakers-jrue-holiday/1803447/ January 5, 2013 live According to Bryant, the team lacked energy "because we're old as ..."Bolch Ben Lakers clang in the New Year with desultory loss to 76ers, 103-99 January 1, 2013 Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-76ers-20130102,0,7041110.story https://web.archive.org/web/20130103070628/http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-76ers-20130102,0,7041110.story 2013-01-03 live 2013-01-04 Prior to their second meeting with their crosstown rivals on January 4, the Clippers were 25–8 and fighting for the best record in the league, while the Lakers were nine games behind the Clippers and looking to secure a playoff spot in the Western Conference.Bresnahan Mike Turner Broderick Lakers' Kobe Bryant says the Clippers are 'spectacular' January 4, 2013 Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-clippers-20130104,0,7703396,full.story https://web.archive.org/web/20130105222000/http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-clippers-20130104,0,7703396,full.story 2013-01-05 dead 2013-01-05 For only the fourth time in their prior 127 meetings since they moved to Los Angeles, the Clippers had a better record than the Lakers entering their matchup when both teams had played 30 or more games.McMenamin Dave Five keys for Lakers against Clippers January 3, 2013 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/35272/five-keys-for-lakers-against-clippers https://web.archive.org/web/20130107062326/http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/35272/five-keys-for-lakers-against-clippers January 7, 2013 live Bryant called the Clippers "top contenders" for a championship before the Lakers lost again to the Clippers.McMenamin Dave Rapid Reaction: Nuggets 112, Lakers 105 January 6, 2013 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/35325/rapid-reaction-nuggets-112-lakers-105 https://web.archive.org/web/20130109182219/http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/35325/rapid-reaction-nuggets-112-lakers-105 January 9, 2013 live Kupchak told Lakers season-ticket holders the team needed Gasol to be more involved, and the Lakers needed to play better defense. He did not believe that the team, whose roster's average age was 28.5, was too old to win a championship.Pincus Eric GM Mitch Kupchak tells fans he's disappointed in team January 6, 2013 Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-fyi-20130107,0,4833654.story https://web.archive.org/web/20130107182545/http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-fyi-20130107,0,4833654.story 2013-01-07 live 2013-01-07 The Lakers followed with a home loss to Denver, when Lakers fans revived the "We Want Phil" chants from two months earlier.Bresnahan Mike Lakers continue to slide with 112-105 loss to Nuggets January 6, 2013 Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-nuggets-20130107,0,313907.story https://web.archive.org/web/20130108070459/http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-nuggets-20130107,0,313907.story 2013-01-08 live 2013-01-08 It was their fourth loss in five games, dropping them to 15–18 and 11th place in the West, three games behind the Portland Trail Blazers for the eighth and final playoff spot.McMenamin Dave Title talk replaced by postseason goal as Lakers lower expectations January 7, 2013 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/35336/title-talk-replaced-by-postseason-goal-as-lakers-lower-expecations https://web.archive.org/web/20130107235330/http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/35336/title-talk-replaced-by-postseason-goal-as-lakers-lower-expecations January 7, 2013 live Nash estimated the Lakers would need a minimum of 45 wins to qualify for the playoffs, which would require the team go 30–19 (.612) the following 49 games after playing .455 ball in their first 33 games. After the Denver game, Howard had his right shoulder heavily wrapped in ice. He had played through an injury suffered the previous game against the Clippers, and had tied a career high with 26 rebounds against Denver. Gasol suffered a concussion in the game after receiving a blow to the face from Denver's JaVale McGee in the fourth quarter, and back-up big man Jordan Hill also injured his right hip in the game.McMenamin Dave Dwight Howard, Pau Gasol out January 7, 2013 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8821787/injured-los-angeles-lakers-dwight-howard-pau-gasol-indefinitely January 7, 2013 Howard and Gasol were declared out indefinitely.Ferguson Alan Lakers–Spurs preview January 9, 2013 NBA.com http://www.nba.com/lakers/gameday/130109_gameday_spurs January 9, 2013 Hill, who had brought hustle that was lacking in the team, required surgery that was expected to keep him out until summer.Pincus Eric Jordan Hill shocked and devastated by hip injury January 12, 2013 Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-jordan-hill-shocked-devastated-hip-injury-20130112,0,171937.story?track=rss https://web.archive.org/web/20130116051313/http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-jordan-hill-shocked-devastated-hip-injury-20130112,0,171937.story?track=rss 2013-01-16 live 2013-01-12 Bresnahan Mike Losses keep piling up for Lakers January 11, 2013 Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-thunder-20130112,0,4684147,full.story https://web.archive.org/web/20130119012209/http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-thunder-20130112,0,4684147,full.story 2013-01-19 dead 2013-01-12 The team had divergent viewpoints on how they would improve. Howard thought that team chemistry needed to improve. Bryant believed it was okay if the locker room was chippy. D'Antoni said that chemistry-building was overrated if the team played with maximum effort.Bolch Ben Lakers, and Coach Mike D'Antoni, are flunking chemistry January 6, 2013 Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-bolch-lakers-20130107-13,0,3897526.story https://web.archive.org/web/20130108070811/http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-bolch-lakers-20130107-13,0,3897526.story 2013-01-08 live 2013-01-08 In response to a New York Daily News report that Howard had to be restrained from going after him, Bryant posted a photo on Twitter of Howard and him jokingly squaring off as D'Antoni looks on with a shocked expression.Strauss Chris Kobe, Dwight Howard use awesome Twitter photo to joke about 'fight' January 7, 2013 USA Today https://www.usatoday.com/story/gameon/2013/01/07/nba-lakers-bryant-howard/1813701/ https://web.archive.org/web/20130108203501/http://www.usatoday.com/story/gameon/2013/01/07/nba-lakers-bryant-howard/1813701/ January 8, 2013 live On January 8, 2013, Nash became the fifth player in NBA history to reach 10,000 career assists; however, Los Angeles lost the game 125–112 to the Houston Rockets for their fourth consecutive loss, tying their longest streak of the season.Bolch Ben Steve Nash reaches milestone but is it on a Lakers road to nowhere? January 8, 2013 Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-bolch-lakers-20130109,0,52973.column https://web.archive.org/web/20130328104939/http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-bolch-lakers-20130109,0,52973.column 2013-03-28 live 2013-01-10 Lakers feel impact of no Howard and Gasol January 9, 2013 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/53340/lakers-feel-impact-of-no-howard-and-gasol January 9, 2013 Due to the Lakers' injuries, rookie center Robert Sacre also made his first career start against the Rockets, finishing with 10 points, four blocked shots and three rebounds;James Harden scores 31 as surging Rockets pick up 5th straight win January 8, 2013 ESPN.com Associated Press https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/recap?id=400278234 January 9, 2013 Their losing streak grew after losses to the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder,Char Lorne Ailing on Court and Off, Lakers Lose Fifth Straight January 9, 2013 The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/10/sports/basketball/ailing-on-court-and-off-lakers-fall-short-against-spurs.html?_r=0 January 10, 2013 dropping the Lakers to 15–21 for their worst start since the 1993–94 season. World Peace also suffered a right leg injury against the Thunder that would hamper him for two months.McMenamin Dave Metta World Peace feeling, playing better March 17, 2013 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/36136/world-peace-feeling-better-playing-better https://web.archive.org/web/20130322034413/http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/36136/world-peace-feeling-better-playing-better March 22, 2013 live Compared to the 2011–12 team that finished 41–25, the Lakers offense had improved in points per 100 possessions (108.3 vs. 106.0), but their defense underperformed. The team was lacking continuity with the projected starting lineup at the beginning of the season having played just 117 minutes together, primarily due to injuries.Hoffman Benjamin Off the Dribble: Bryant Now Deals with Mediocrity http://offthedribble.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/01/12/bryant-now-deals-with-mediocrity/ January 14, 2013 The New York Times January 12, 2013 Howard returned the following game as the Lakers won their first game of 2013, stopping their losing streak at six with a 113–93 win over the lowly Cleveland Cavaliers (9–30).Dwight Howard returns to help Lakers end 6-game losing streak January 13, 2013 ESPN.com Associated Press https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/recap?id=400278275 January 14, 2013 In a move to improve the team's defense, D'Antoni began having Bryant guard the opponent's best perimeter player; Bryant was the primary defender on the Cavaliers' Kyrie Irving, who was held to 15 points.McMenamin Dave Bigger defensive role for Kobe Bryant January 15, 2013 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8844744/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-take-more-important-defensive-role-mike-dantoni-says https://web.archive.org/web/20130121220347/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8844744/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-take-more-important-defensive-role-mike-dantoni-says January 21, 2013 live Pincus Eric Kobe Bryant recognizes he's better defending on the ball January 16, 2013 Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-kobe-bryant-better-defending-on-ball-20130116,0,33000.story https://web.archive.org/web/20130120072012/http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-kobe-bryant-better-defending-on-ball-20130116,0,33000.story 2013-01-20 dead 2013-01-24 Bryant acknowledged he was a more focused defender when he had a challenging defensive assignment as opposed to when he played off the ball against weaker players.Mahoney Rob Mike D'Antoni minces words when describing Kobe Bryant's defense January 14, 2013 SI.com http://nba.si.com/2013/01/14/mike-dantoni-minces-words-when-describing-kobe-bryants-defense/ https://web.archive.org/web/20130121014040/http://nba.si.com/2013/01/14/mike-dantoni-minces-words-when-describing-kobe-bryants-defense/ 2013-01-21 dead 2013-01-24 His defense disrupted opponents and freed Nash from unfavorable matchups.McMenamin Dave Lakers found formula, can they repeat it? January 26, 2013 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/35592/lakers-found-the-formula-can-they-repeat-it https://web.archive.org/web/20130130054635/http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/35592/lakers-found-the-formula-can-they-repeat-it January 30, 2013 live In addition to his leg injury, World Peace also suffered an injury to his right arm that made it difficult to bend. Things got so bad, D'Antoni moved him off the perimeter on defense and had him guard power forwards instead. thumb|upright|left|Earl Clark was added to the starting lineup for his quickness. Gasol returned after missing five games, coming off the bench in his first game back before returning to the starting lineup.McMenamin Dave Pau Gasol may come off bench January 18, 2013 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8858553/mike-dantoni-los-angeles-lakers-considers-bringing-pau-gasol-bench https://web.archive.org/web/20130123005155/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8858553/mike-dantoni-los-angeles-lakers-considers-bringing-pau-gasol-bench January 23, 2013 live McMenamin Dave Pau Gasol to be reserve for Lakers January 22, 2013 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8867466/pau-gasol-los-angeles-lakers-come-bench https://web.archive.org/web/20130122171117/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8867466/pau-gasol-los-angeles-lakers-come-bench January 22, 2013 live After a 95–83 road loss to the Chicago Bulls, the Lakers ninth loss in 11 games for an overall 5–14 road record, Los Angeles fell to 12th place in the West with a 17–24 record at the midpoint of the season. Calling it a permanent move, D'Antoni had benched Gasol in the game and started Earl Clark to form the faster and smaller lineup that the coach preferred.Bresnahan Mike Lakers keep falling on court and in standings January 21, 2013 Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-bulls-20130122,0,5609751.story https://web.archive.org/web/20130123024248/http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-bulls-20130122,0,5609751.story 2013-01-23 live 2013-01-22 Golliver Ben Lakers' Pau Gasol benched for Earl Clark by coach Mike D'Antoni January 21, 2013 SI.com http://nba.si.com/2013/01/21/pau-gasol-benched-lakers-mike-dantoni/ https://web.archive.org/web/20130126011339/http://nba.si.com/2013/01/21/pau-gasol-benched-lakers-mike-dantoni/ 2013-01-26 dead 2013-01-26 Bolch Ben Despite win over Utah, Lakers have a long way to go January 25, 2013 Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-bolch-lakers-20130126,0,503635,full.column https://web.archive.org/web/20160131060931/http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-bolch-lakers-20130126,0,503635,full.column 2016-01-31 dead 2013-01-26 The team was already ranked No. 2 in pace. Under D'Antoni, the Lakers dropped to 12-19 while scoring an average of 103.3 points a game but surrendering 103.4.Bresnahan Mike Forget 'Showtime,' struggling Lakers may need slow time January 22, 2013 Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-20130123,0,3343572.story https://web.archive.org/web/20130122231548/http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-20130123,0,3343572.story 2013-01-22 live 2013-01-22 Offensively, they reached the 110-point threshold just eight times in the 31 games, going 5–3.McMenamin Dave GM: Mike D'Antoni not the problem January 23, 2013 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8871522/mitch-kupchak-los-angeles-lakers-says-team-problem-effort-not-mike-dantoni https://web.archive.org/web/20130123121341/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8871522/mitch-kupchak-los-angeles-lakers-says-team-problem-effort-not-mike-dantoni January 23, 2013 live However, D'Antoni stressed that the team's focus needed to be on its defense, not offense.Bresnahan Mike Lakers 'went at each other a little bit' in morning meeting January 23, 2013 Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-meeting-20130123,0,7455225,print.story https://web.archive.org/web/20130124144822/http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-meeting-20130123,0,7455225,print.story 2013-01-24 dead 2013-01-24 Another new offense The Lakers struggled to run D'Antoni's fast-paced offense. Howard's back surgery was still affecting his conditioning, and he struggled with Nash to run the pick and roll, a play that D'Antoni expected would be a staple for the team.Plaschke Bill This is not the Steve Nash the Lakers hoped for February 12, 2013 Los Angeles Times https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm-2013-feb-12-la-sp-plaschke-lakers-20130213-story.html https://web.archive.org/web/20130221114642/http://articles.latimes.com/2013/feb/12/sports/la-sp-plaschke-lakers-20130213 February 21, 2013 live Shelburne Rmona Lakers accept the play it must be February 26, 2013 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8990243/los-angeles-lakers-accept-play-be https://web.archive.org/web/20130301054833/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8990243/los-angeles-lakers-accept-play-be March 1, 2013 live The team also lacked the shooters and speed that the offense required. Before playing the Memphis Grizzlies, the Lakers held a team meeting to clear the air; the Los Angeles Times reported that "guys went at each other a little bit."Bresnahan Mike The Lakers don't even talk a good game January 23, 2013 Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-grizzlies-20130124,0,2301856,full.story https://web.archive.org/web/20130128145004/http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-grizzlies-20130124,0,2301856,full.story 2013-01-28 dead 2013-01-24 The players told D'Antoni that they needed to slow down the pace.Pincus Eric Antawn Jamison says he and D'Antoni have improved relationship March 1, 2013 Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-antawn-jamison-d-antoni-improved-relationship-20130301,0,3303761.story?track=rss https://web.archive.org/web/20130302203228/http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-antawn-jamison-d-antoni-improved-relationship-20130301,0,3303761.story?track=rss 2013-03-02 live 2013-03-03 The coach likened the Lakers to an All-Star team in which "everybody gets the ball and goes one on one and then they play no defense." He added that they "haven't learned that there's a pecking order" where stars need to know their roles. Howard, who was averaging 17.1 points, 12.3 rebounds and 2.5 blocks, said he needed to "bring it" and dominate in more ways than just scoring.McMenamin Dave Dwight Howard plans to 'bring it' January 23, 2013 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8873873/dwight-howard-los-angeles-lakers-apologizes-immature-comments-vows-dominate https://web.archive.org/web/20130125053941/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8873873/dwight-howard-los-angeles-lakers-apologizes-immature-comments-vows-dominate January 25, 2013 live Many times Howard had been upset that he was not getting the ball enough, and he felt that Bryant was shooting too much.McMenamin Dave Dwight Howard trying to avoid 'circus' February 5, 2013 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8915802/dwight-howard-los-angeles-lakers-remains-focused-season https://web.archive.org/web/20130206035457/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8915802/dwight-howard-los-angeles-lakers-remains-focused-season February 6, 2013 live Howard predicted the next game would be "the start of a new season"; D'Antoni had made a similar declaration a week earlier, when they won two games before losing three in a row. thumb|upright|New Lakers offense made Kobe Bryant more of a facilitator. In their first game of the second half, the Lakers lost 106–93 to Memphis. Los Angeles was four games behind eighth-place Portland, but only three games ahead of last-place Phoenix and New Orleans. Only five Western teams had ever made the playoffs after a start of 17–25 or worse, the last being Denver in 2004–05 when they went 32–8 to finish 49–33.Schuhmann John L.A. Recovery Wouldn't Be Unprecedented January 24, 2013 NBA.com http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2013/01/24/l-a-recovery-wouldnt-be-unprecedented/ January 24, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130126092705/http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2013/01/24/l-a-recovery-wouldnt-be-unprecedented/ January 26, 2013 dead Their defensive rating, points per 100 possessions, was ranked only 20th in the league. The Lakers won their next three home games after they dropped D'Antoni's offense and played without any system.Verrier Justin 1. Lakers Just Trying To Keep It Simple January 30, 2013 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/nba/notebook?w=1ckk4&i=TOP&id=8895996 https://web.archive.org/web/20131007054239/http://espn.go.com/nba/notebook?w=1ckk4&i=TOP&id=8895996 October 7, 2013 live McMenamin Dave Lakers rise as D'Antoni's offense ditched January 27, 2013 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/35614/lakers-rise-as-dantonis-offense-ditched https://web.archive.org/web/20130202210334/http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/35614/lakers-rise-as-dantonis-offense-ditched February 2, 2013 live "We play basketball. The system is move the ball, play hard defense, space the floor and who's open shoots. It's not a difficult thing", said D'Antoni. The coach moved Nash off the ball and made him more of a spot-up shooter, while Bryant became the primary facilitator on offense.Shelburne Ramona Have the Lakers found their groove? January 28, 2013 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8889009/have-lakers-found-their-groove https://web.archive.org/web/20130131133929/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8889009/have-lakers-found-their-groove January 31, 2013 live The defense was also more energized.McMenamin Dave Lakers must prove it on road January 30, 2013 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8896373/los-angeles-lakers-step-their-game-trip https://web.archive.org/web/20130131004425/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8896373/los-angeles-lakers-step-their-game-trip January 31, 2013 live Bryant had at least 10 assists in all three wins with a three-game total of 39 assists, the most in his career. He missed a triple-double in each game with nine rebounds twice and eight in the other.Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash help Lakers hold on for 2nd straight win January 27, 2013 ESPN.com Associated Press https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/400278373 https://web.archive.org/web/20130204000843/http://espn.go.com/nba/recap?id=400278373 February 4, 2013 live Prior to the role change, Bryant had been leading the league in scoring though much of the first 42 games.McMenamin Dave Bryant chasing triple-doubles? February 2, 2013 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/35655/bryant-chasing-triple-doubles https://web.archive.org/web/20130206152857/http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/35655/bryant-chasing-triple-doubles February 6, 2013 live Howard and Bryant credited the meeting in Memphis with bringing the team together.Markazi Arash Dwight Howard: Meeting helped L.A. January 29, 2013 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8892494/dwight-howard-kobe-bryant-getting-same-page-los-angeles-lakers January 31, 2013 The Lakers, who were 5–15 on the road, went on an important seven-game, 12-day road trip. They lost the first game of the trip to the Suns on January 30 after blowing 13-point lead in the fourth quarter. Los Angeles finished January winless in seven games on the road, the first time in franchise history they finished a calendar month 0–7 or worse.Suns rally to top Lakers as Dwight Howard reinjures shoulder January 30, 2013 ESPN.com Associated Press https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400278401 January 31, 2013 Howard left the Phoenix game early after re-aggravating his shoulder. Playing without Howard, Gasol returned to the starting lineup and the Lakers won the next two games, their first road wins in 2013 despite blowing double-digit leads in the four games since Phoenix.Bresnahan Mike 'Leadership' role doesn't fit Lakers, again, but they beat Pistons February 3, 2013 Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-pistons-20130204,0,3031968,full.story https://web.archive.org/web/20130205000004/http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-pistons-20130204,0,3031968,full.story 2013-02-05 dead 2013-02-05 Bresnahan Mike Lakers find a road to joy in Minnesota February 1, 2013 Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-timberwolves-20130202,0,4989949.story https://web.archive.org/web/20130204000049/http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-timberwolves-20130202,0,4989949.story 2013-02-04 live 2013-02-05 On February 5, they won 92–83 at Brooklyn—their sixth win in seven games and third straight without Howard—but lost Gasol for an estimated six-to-eight weeks after he tore the plantar fascia of his right foot towards the end of the game.Kobe Bryant leads short-handed Lakers past Nets for 3rd straight win February 5, 2013 ESPN.com Associated Press https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400278436 https://web.archive.org/web/20130208082948/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400278436 February 8, 2013 live Pau Gasol has tear in plantar fascia February 6, 2013 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8923175/pau-gasol-los-angeles-lakers-tear-plantar-fascia-right-foot https://web.archive.org/web/20130207001135/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8923175/pau-gasol-los-angeles-lakers-tear-plantar-fascia-right-foot February 7, 2013 live Bryant urged Howard to return and play through the pain, saying that the center "worries too much" and was tentative to return because he "doesn't want to let anyone down".Kobe Bryant urges Dwight Howard February 7, 2013 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8924249/kobe-bryant-challenges-dwight-howard-return-shoulder-injury-play-pain https://web.archive.org/web/20130207150934/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8924249/kobe-bryant-challenges-dwight-howard-return-shoulder-injury-play-pain February 7, 2013 live Howard mentioned that Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal needed three years to win a title together, but Bryant replied, "We don't have three years. We've got this year." Howard responded that Bryant was "not a doctor, I'm not a doctor. That's his opinion."McMenamin Dave Dwight Howard fires back at critics February 7, 2013 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8926084/dwight-howard-los-angeles-lakers-tired-people-questioning-shoulder-injury https://web.archive.org/web/20130213053258/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8926084/dwight-howard-los-angeles-lakers-tired-people-questioning-shoulder-injury February 13, 2013 live Howard returned the next game after missing three games, but the Lakers lost 116–95 to the Boston Celtics.Bresnahan Mike Lakers go quietly against Celtics, 116-95 February 7, 2013 Los Angeles Times https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm-2013-feb-07-la-sp-lakers-celtics-20130208-story.html https://web.archive.org/web/20130215155559/http://articles.latimes.com/2013/feb/07/sports/la-sp-lakers-celtics-20130208 February 15, 2013 live They finished their road trip 4–3 after a loss to the defending NBA champion Miami Heat. The Lakers were tied at the half and trailed the Heat by only five entering the final period, but committed eight turnovers in the final 10 minutes.Bresnahan Mike Lakers hit wrong notes in fourth quarter and lose to Heat, 107-97 February 10, 2013 Los Angeles Times https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm-2013-feb-10-la-sp-lakers-heat-20130211-story.html https://web.archive.org/web/20130220162211/http://articles.latimes.com/2013/feb/10/sports/la-sp-lakers-heat-20130211 February 20, 2013 live In their next game at home, Bryant had eight turnovers and scored only four points—his lowest since a two-point game in his second season 1998—but had nine assists in a win over a weak Phoenix team.Bresnahan Mike Kobe Bryant clanks but Lakers don't tank in win over lowly Suns February 12, 2013 Los Angeles Times https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm-2013-feb-12-la-sp-lakers-suns-20130213-story.html https://web.archive.org/web/20130220162116/http://articles.latimes.com/2013/feb/12/sports/la-sp-lakers-suns-20130213 February 20, 2013 live In their last game before the All-Star break, they were outscored by the Clippers 15–0 to start the game and lost 125–101, clinching the season series for the Clippers for the first time in 20 years since 1992–93.Bresnahan Mike Clippers dominate Lakers, 125-101, to win season series February 14, 2013 Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-clippers-20130215,0,70155.story February 14, 2013 The Lakers entered the break 25–29 after winning 8 of their last 12 games.Beck Howard Taking a Break, of Sorts, From the Lakers' Dysfunction February 15, 2013 The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/16/sports/basketball/kobe-bryant-and-dwight-howard-take-questions-in-houston.html?ref=losangeleslakers&_r=0 https://archive.today/20130411143215/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/16/sports/basketball/kobe-bryant-and-dwight-howard-take-questions-in-houston.html?ref=losangeleslakers&_r=1& 2013-04-11 live 2017-02-26 They were represented at the All-Star Game by Bryant and Howard, who were both starters.Shelburne Ramona Dwight Howard wants to play February 11, 2013 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8938022/dwight-howard-wants-play-2013-nba-all-star-game-shoulder-injury https://web.archive.org/web/20130216013653/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8938022/dwight-howard-wants-play-2013-nba-all-star-game-shoulder-injury February 16, 2013 live Jerry Buss' death and Post All-Star success thumb|upright|left|Owner Jerry Buss died over the All-Star break. During the break, Howard committed to having a better second half. An avid candy lover, Howard adopted a healthier diet to get into better shape to anchor the Lakers' defense and run D'Antoni's preferred pick and rolls.Shelburne Ramona Dwight Howard: I changed at break March 11, 2013 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/9035343/dwight-howard-los-angeles-lakers-rededicates-self-assist-kobe-bryant https://web.archive.org/web/20130313073807/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/9035343/dwight-howard-los-angeles-lakers-rededicates-self-assist-kobe-bryant March 13, 2013 live Pincus Eric Dwight Howard inspired by Kobe Bryant's dedication March 9, 2013 Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-howard-seeing-bryant-influence-20130309,0,5524524.story https://web.archive.org/web/20130313022811/http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-howard-seeing-bryant-influence-20130309,0,5524524.story 2013-03-13 live 2013-03-12 On February 18, the day after the All-Star game, Buss died after being hospitalized for 18 months with cancer.Goldstein Richard https://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/19/sports/basketball/jerry-buss-longtime-lakers-owner-is-dead-at-80.html Jerry Buss, Longtime Lakers Owner, Is Dead at 80 The New York Times February 18, 2013 https://archive.today/20240526130546/https://www.webcitation.org/6EYtkn5Nl?url=http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/19/sports/basketball/jerry-buss-longtime-lakers-owner-is-dead-at-80.html%3F_r=1&pagewanted=all& 2024-05-26 live 2017-02-26 In honor of their owner, the team wore commemorative patches with the initials "JB" on their jerseys for the remainder of the season.Pincus Eric Lakers to wear commemorative patch to honor Jerry Buss February 20, 2013 Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-commemorative-patch-jerry-buss-20130220,0,7862882.story https://web.archive.org/web/20130226193050/http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-commemorative-patch-jerry-buss-20130220,0,7862882.story 2013-02-26 live 2013-02-26 The Lakers entered their post-All-Star schedule with a 25–29 (.463) record, 3 1 2 games behind eighth-place Houston. D'Antoni predicted that Lakers needed at least 45 wins to qualify for the playoffs, requiring them to finish 20–8 (.714).McMenamin Dave D'Antoni: Lakers need at least 45 wins to make the playoffs February 19, 2013 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/35829/dantoni-lakers-need-at-least-45-wins-to-make-the-playoffs February 21, 2013 Of the Lakers remaining 28 games, half were against teams with winning records compared to only 44% for the Rockets.Bresnahan Mike Eight big questions about the Lakers; you may not like the answers February 19, 2013 Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-questions-20130220,0,2756012,full.story https://web.archive.org/web/20130221132442/http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-questions-20130220,0,2756012,full.story 2013-02-21 dead 2013-02-20 In the three previous full NBA seasons, the final playoff seed in the West averaged 48 wins. The Lakers were 3–0 in their first week back, including a win over the rival Celtics.Ding Kevin Denver makes Lakers look old, slow February 25, 2013 Orange County Register http://www.ocregister.com/sports/lakers-497284-denver-howard.html February 26, 2013 Bryant was named the Western Conference player of the week after averaging 31.3 points, 7.7 rebounds and 6.0 assists. He scored 38 points while shooting at least 60% in consecutive games, the first time in his career;Pincus Eric Kobe Bryant named Western Conference player of the week February 25, 2013 Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-kobe-named-western-conference-player-week-20130225,0,7656833.story?track=rss https://web.archive.org/web/20130226025126/http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-kobe-named-western-conference-player-week-20130225,0,7656833.story?track=rss 2013-02-26 live 2013-02-26 he also became the oldest player to accomplish the feat.Kobe Bryant outduels Dirk Nowitzki to lead Lakers by Mavs February 24, 2013 ESPN.com Associated Press https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400278550 https://web.archive.org/web/20130226130824/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400278550 February 26, 2013 live Bryant said he was "in attack mode since the [All-Star] break",Bolch Ben Lakers draw the perfect opponent in 116-94 rout of Timberwolves February 28, 2013 Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-timberwolves-20130301,0,5121021.story https://web.archive.org/web/20130302020926/http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-timberwolves-20130301,0,5121021.story 2013-03-02 live 2013-03-02 but was reacting to the defense to determine if he should score or be a playmaker.McMenamin Dave Kobe Bryant finds balance as scorer, distributor February 27, 2013 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/35924/kobe-bryant-finds-balance-as-scorer-distributor https://web.archive.org/web/20130302231932/http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/35924/kobe-bryant-finds-balance-as-scorer-distributor March 2, 2013 live Howard was looking fresher since the break,Pincus Eric Dwight Howard needs Kobe Bryant to keep pushing him March 13, 2013 Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-howard-needs-kobe-pushing-him-20130313,0,2499481.story https://web.archive.org/web/20130316044049/http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-howard-needs-kobe-pushing-him-20130313,0,2499481.story 2013-03-16 live 2013-03-14 yet still said he was "not even close" to physically being where he wanted to be. D'Antoni attributed his conditioning to his difficulty with running the pick and roll. On February 25, the Lakers lost 119–108 at Denver, failing to reach .500 for the first time since New Year's Day.Bresnahan Mike Nuggets put Lakers on the beaten track, 119-108 February 25, 2013 Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-0226-lakers-nuggets-20130226,0,1579527,full.story https://archive.today/20130411065419/http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-0226-lakers-nuggets-20130226,0,1579527,full.story dead April 11, 2013 February 26, 2013 Last in the NBA in points allowed off fast breaks, they were outscored by the Nuggets 33–3 on fast breaks.Tokiti Mike NBA High-5: Golden State's Jarrett Jack making a late case for Sixth Man of the Year award February 26, 2013 The Oregonian http://www.oregonlive.com/nba/index.ssf/2013/02/nba_high-5_320.html February 26, 2013 The Lakers' three-point shooting and turnovers contributed to their season's fast break woes. Their mediocre three-point shooting resulted in an increase in long rebounds, and they were among the worst in the league in turnovers and last in points allowed per game off turnovers.Bresnahan Mike Lakers lead the league in surrendering fastbreak points February 26, 2013 Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-fyi-20130227,0,5292409.story https://web.archive.org/web/20130227225720/http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-fyi-20130227,0,5292409.story 2013-02-27 live 2013-02-27 The Lakers were 9–4 in February, ending the month with a 29–30 record after entering it 20–26. Bryant was named Western Conference player of the month after averaging 23.9 points with 6.6 assists and 6.7 rebounds a game.Pincus Eric Kobe Bryant named Western Conference player of the month for February March 1, 2013 Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-kobe-western-conference-player-month-february-20130301,0,6959963.story?track=rss https://web.archive.org/web/20130302230150/http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-kobe-western-conference-player-month-february-20130301,0,6959963.story?track=rss 2013-03-02 live 2013-03-02 thumb|upright|Bryant won Western Conference Player of the Week honors after the Lakers climbed to eighth place. On March 3, the Lakers won 99–98 against a quality opponent in the Atlanta Hawks, and they reached .500 for the first time since December 28. They blew a 16-point lead in the second half, but Bryant scored the Lakers' final six points, including the game-winner with nine seconds left in the game. There were four lead changes in the final minute. The Lakers improved to 13–5, the fourth best record in the NBA, since their team meeting in Memphis. They also gained 1 1 2 games on the final playoff seed during that span.Kobe Bryant scores 34 points as Lakers reach .500 mark March 3, 2013 Associated Press ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400278608 https://web.archive.org/web/20130307202741/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400278608 March 7, 2013 live However, they dropped below .500 again after a 122–105 loss at Oklahoma City. The Lakers fell to 10–20 on the road and 2–13 against the top five teams in the Western Conference.Bresnahan Mike Kobe Bryant and Lakers can't elbow their way past Thunder March 5, 2013 Los Angeles Times https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm-2013-mar-05-la-sp-lakers-thunder-20130306-story.html https://web.archive.org/web/20130315105516/http://articles.latimes.com/2013/mar/05/sports/la-sp-lakers-thunder-20130306 March 15, 2013 live They won their next two games with 25- and 15-point comebacks over New Orleans and Toronto, respectively.Bresnahan Mike Kobe Bryant's closing act helps Lakers avoid bad loss March 6, 2013 Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-hornets-20130307,0,4573755.story https://web.archive.org/web/20130315105446/http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-hornets-20130307,0,4573755.story 2013-03-15 live 2013-03-09 Bresnahan Mike It's never over for Lakers until Kobe says so March 8, 2013 Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-raptors-20130309,0,6182298,full.story https://web.archive.org/web/20130315105459/http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-raptors-20130309,0,6182298,full.story 2013-03-15 dead 2013-03-09 Bryant scored at least 40 points and had at least 10 assists in both games, becoming the first Laker to accomplish the feat since Jerry West in 1970.Kobe Bryant's heroics help Lakers rally, edge Raptors in OT March 8, 2013 ESPN.com Associated Press https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400278645 https://web.archive.org/web/20130312222549/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400278645 March 12, 2013 live On March 10, Los Angeles beat Chicago 90–81 and moved 1 2 game ahead of the Utah Jazz for the final playoff spot in the West. It was the first time they owned sole possession of a top-8 spot since December 1, and the first time they were two games above .500 all season.Dwight Howard grabs 21 boards as Lakers rip Bulls March 10, 2013 ESPN.com Associated Press https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/recap?id=400278655 https://web.archive.org/web/20130313093218/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/recap?id=400278655 March 13, 2013 live After the 3–0 week in which he averaged 33 points, 8.8 assists and 5.8 rebounds, Bryant was again named Western Conference Player of the Week.Pincus Eric NBA names Kobe Bryant 'Western Conference Player of the Week' March 11, 2013 Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-kobe-bryant-western-conference-player-week-20130311,0,4658246.story https://web.archive.org/web/20130314234807/http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-kobe-bryant-western-conference-player-week-20130311,0,4658246.story 2013-03-14 live 2013-03-12 The Lakers were 8–2 since the All-Star break, and Howard had 10 straight games with 12 or more rebounds while averaging 15.5 points, 14.8 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks.McMenamin Dave Dwight Howard finally finding himself March 11, 2013 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/9038400/los-angeles-lakers-dwight-howard-finding-good-time https://web.archive.org/web/20130314164307/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/9038400/los-angeles-lakers-dwight-howard-finding-good-time March 14, 2013 live In Howard's first return to Orlando on March 12, he scored a season-high 39 points and had 16 rebounds in a 106–97 Lakers win. It was only the second time Los Angeles had won four straight all season. Booed throughout the game, Howard made 25-of-39 free throws, setting Lakers records for free throws made and attempted while tying his NBA record for attempts.The previous Lakers records were held by Bryant, who made 23 twice—most recently in 2006 against New York—while Shaquille O'Neal attempted 31 in 1999 against Chicago. lower-alpha He made 16-of-20 free throws when he was fouled intentionally by the Magic.Bresnahan Mike Hacks and answered: Lakers' Dwight Howard buries Magic at line March 12, 2013 Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-magic-20130313,0,4435786,full.story https://web.archive.org/web/20130428163918/http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-magic-20130313,0,4435786,full.story 2013-04-28 dead 2013-03-13 More injuries The Lakers lost their next game at Atlanta, 96–92, as Bryant severely sprained his left ankle. He was declared out indefinitely after landing on the Hawks' Dahntay Jones' foot.Kobe Bryant hobbles off late as Lakers fall to Hawks March 13, 2013 ESPN.com Associated Press https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400278680 https://web.archive.org/web/20130317180720/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400278680 March 17, 2013 live Bryant suggested that Jones intentionally put his foot under him, which Jones denied. Bryant said it was his worst sprain since he landed on Jalen Rose's foot in Game 2 of the 2000 NBA Finals, which Rose later admitted was on purpose.Bresnahan Mike Kobe Bryant sprains left ankle in Lakers loss, out indefinitely March 14, 2013 Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-kobe-bryant-sprains-ankle-20130313,0,4756531.story https://web.archive.org/web/20130314210424/http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-kobe-bryant-sprains-ankle-20130313,0,4756531.story 2013-03-14 live 2013-03-14 Ryan Chris Jalen Rose on That Time He Intentionally Tried to Injure Kobe Bryant March 14, 2013 grantland.com http://www.grantland.com/blog/the-triangle/post/_/id/54156/jalen-rose-on-that-time-he-intentionally-tried-to-injure-kobe-bryant https://web.archive.org/web/20130317102308/http://www.grantland.com/blog/the-triangle/post/_/id/54156/jalen-rose-on-that-time-he-intentionally-tried-to-injure-kobe-bryant March 17, 2013 live The Lakers failed for the 13th time to win both games played on back-to-back nights, and they fell to 12–21 on the road and 2–16 against teams above .500.Pincus Eric Lakers still unable to win both games on back-to-back nights March 14, 2013 Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-unable-win-back-to-backs-20130313,0,5077060.story https://web.archive.org/web/20130315092150/http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-unable-win-back-to-backs-20130313,0,5077060.story 2013-03-15 live 2013-03-14 Bryant gutted out 12 minutes of play in the next game against the Indiana Pacers, which the Lakers won 99–93; Bryant was scoreless for only the 15th time in his 17-year NBA career.Kobe Bryant plays only 12 minutes, but Lakers still win March 15, 2013 ESPN.com Associated Press https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400278691 https://web.archive.org/web/20130319005226/http://espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400278691 March 19, 2013 live However, he sat out the next two games due to his ankle sprain. The Lakers went 1–1, failing to win back-to-back games again after losing the second night at Phoenix. The Suns were tied with New Orleans for the West's worst record, but the Lakers scored a season low in the 99–76 loss.Bresnahan Mike Lakers yech it up in ugly loss to Suns March 19, 2013 Los Angeles Times http://articles.latimes.com/2013/mar/19/sports/la-sp-lakers-suns-20130319 https://web.archive.org/web/20130402084844/http://articles.latimes.com/2013/mar/19/sports/la-sp-lakers-suns-20130319 April 2, 2013 dead thumb|left|Pau Gasol replaced Clark as a starter in March. Bryant returned against the Washington Wizards along with Gasol, who played for the first time in over six weeks, but the Lakers lost 103–100 at home after leading by 18.Pincus Eric Trevor Ariza bests his former teammate Kobe Bryant March 23, 2013 Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-ariza-bests-former-teammate-kobe-20130323,0,1184038.story https://web.archive.org/web/20130328095557/http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-ariza-bests-former-teammate-kobe-20130323,0,1184038.story 2013-03-28 live 2013-04-10 On March 25, the Lakers lost to the Warriors, virtually eliminating any chance of the Lakers advancing to the 6th or 7th playoffs seeds past Golden State or Houston, which seemed feasible weeks earlier.Pincus Eric Lakers aren't going to climb above 8th, but they may still drop March 26, 2013 Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-wont-climb-above-8-may-drop-20130326,0,6893585.story https://web.archive.org/web/20130329035210/http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-wont-climb-above-8-may-drop-20130326,0,6893585.story 2013-03-29 live 2013-04-10 The Lakers also lost World Peace in the game after he tore the lateral meniscus in his left knee.Pincus Eric Metta World Peace out with torn meniscus in left knee March 26, 2013 Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-metta-world-peace-torn-meniscus-20130326,0,210245.story https://web.archive.org/web/20130401025426/http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-metta-world-peace-torn-meniscus-20130326,0,210245.story 2013-04-01 live 2013-04-10 He underwent surgery that was originally estimated to sideline him for six weeks.Rohlin Melissa Ready for surgery, Metta World Peace tweets he's ready to play March 28, 2013 Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-metta-world-peace-tweets-hes-ready-to-play-as-hes-about-to-have-surgery-20130328,0,2268075.story https://web.archive.org/web/20130331041143/http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-metta-world-peace-tweets-hes-ready-to-play-as-hes-about-to-have-surgery-20130328,0,2268075.story 2013-03-31 live 2013-04-10 The Lakers' three-game losing streak was partially attributed to D'Antoni reintegrating Gasol into the starting lineup over Clark, making the team taller but slower.Pincus Eric Reintegrating Pau Gasol has made the Lakers vulnerable March 26, 2013 Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-pau-gasol-lakers-20130326,0,2116793.story https://web.archive.org/web/20130331041321/http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-pau-gasol-lakers-20130326,0,2116793.story 2013-03-31 live 2013-04-10 After winning the next game against Minnesota, the Lakers failed to win on consecutive nights for the 15th time, losing 113–103 to the Milwaukee Bucks. Nash sat out the end of the game due to hip and hamstring issues. Bothered by a bone spur in his left foot, Bryant also left the game. The Lakers fell behind Utah in the standings. Both Bryant and Nash played in the next game, a 103–98 win over the Sacramento Kings, but Nash left the game after less than two minutes with a strained hamstring.Pincus Eric Lakers' Week 22 in review April 1, 2013 Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-week-22-in-review-20130331,0,5208275.story https://web.archive.org/web/20130406172847/http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-week-22-in-review-20130331,0,5208275.story 2013-04-06 live 2013-04-10 Nash remained out, but the Lakers won their next two games to pull ahead of Utah by a half game. Bryant had a triple-double with 23 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists against Dallas,Kobe Bryant records triple-double as Lakers top Mavericks April 2, 2013 ESPN.com Associated Press https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400278830 https://web.archive.org/web/20130407001325/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400278830 April 7, 2013 live followed by 24 points and nine assists in a win over Memphis.Bresnahan Mike What's left of the Lakers is just enough to beat Memphis, 86-84 April 5, 2013 Los Angeles Times https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm-2013-apr-05-la-sp-lakers-grizzlies-20130406-story.html https://web.archive.org/web/20130411080748/http://articles.latimes.com/2013/apr/05/sports/la-sp-lakers-grizzlies-20130406 April 11, 2013 live Playing most of the game at the elbow on offense, Gasol added 19 points, nine rebounds, and three assists. "We're using him the right way", Bryant said. On April 7, the Lakers lost 109–95 to the Clippers, who clinched their first Pacific Division title in franchise history.Clippers rout Lakers to clinch first division title in franchise history April 7, 2013 ESPN.com Associated Press https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/recap?id=400278866 https://web.archive.org/web/20130411005439/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/recap?id=400278866 April 11, 2013 live The Lakers had won 23 of the previous 42 division titles.Pollakoff Brett Clippers clinch first division title in team history with win over Lakers April 7, 2013 nbcsports.com http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/04/07/clippers-clinch-first-division-title-in-team-history-with-win-over-lakers/ https://web.archive.org/web/20130409112047/http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/04/07/clippers-clinch-first-division-title-in-team-history-with-win-over-lakers/ April 9, 2013 live The loss also completed a season sweep by the Clippers, 4–0. The franchise had not swept the Lakers since 1974–75, when they were the Buffalo Braves. The defeat coupled with a Jazz win dropped the Lakers (40–37) a half game behind Utah (41–37), who would win in the event of a tie after winning the season series 2–1. The Jazz would finish ahead of the Lakers if they won the remaining four games on their schedule.Pincus Eric Lakers' playoff hopes take a hit Sunday as Jazz wins in Golden State April 7, 2013 Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-playoff-hopes-take-hit-jazz-win-20130407,0,4458367.story https://web.archive.org/web/20130410115445/http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-playoff-hopes-take-hit-jazz-win-20130407,0,4458367.story 2013-04-10 live 2013-04-09 Fight for playoffs thumb|upright|Metta World Peace returned 12 days after surgery after initial estimates of six weeks. On April 9, Utah lost to Oklahoma City, while Los Angeles defeated New Orleans 104–96 to regain a half-game lead for eighth place. Bryant scored 23 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter, and Gasol had 22 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and three blocks.McMenamin Dave Rapid Reaction: Lakers 104, Hornets 96 April 9, 2013 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/36356/rapid-reaction-lakers-104-hornets-96 https://web.archive.org/web/20130412120655/http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/36356/rapid-reaction-lakers-104-hornets-96 April 12, 2013 live McMenamin Dave Bryant backs the Gasol reclamation project April 10, 2013 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/36362/bryant-backs-the-gasol-reclamation-project https://web.archive.org/web/20130412120700/http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/36362/bryant-backs-the-gasol-reclamation-project April 12, 2013 live World Peace played 15 minutes in the game, returning 12 days after his surgery though initial estimates were six weeks. In his absence, D'Antoni was using a reduced seven-man rotation with Bryant playing close to all 48 minutes each game.McMenamin Dave Metta World Peace details his recovery April 9, 2013 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/36349/metta-world-peace-details-his-recovery https://web.archive.org/web/20130412120650/http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/36349/metta-world-peace-details-his-recovery April 12, 2013 live The next night, the Lakers played in Portland, where they had lost 12 of their previous 14, and 17 of 21 since 2002.McMenamin Dave Rapid Reaction: Lakers 113, Trail Blazers 106 April 11, 2013 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/36373/rapid-reaction-lakers-113-trail-blazers-106 https://web.archive.org/web/20130414044636/http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/36373/rapid-reaction-lakers-113-trail-blazers-106 April 14, 2013 live Portland appeared vulnerable without three starters and starting four rookies, but they led 95–90 in the fourth quarter.Nowell Danny Lakers Majoring in Drama For This Playoff Push April 11, 2013 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/nba/dailydime https://web.archive.org/web/20130422025612/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/dailydime April 22, 2013 live Kobe Bryant scores 47 points as Lakers stay in playoff position April 10, 2013 ESPN.com Associated Press https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/recap?id=400278891 https://web.archive.org/web/20181124220046/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/recap?id=400278891 November 24, 2018 live The Lakers came back to win, 113–106, as Bryant scored 47 points while playing all 48 minutes. It was the Lakers' first sweep in back-to-back games after 16 attempts during the season.McMenamin Dave Kobe brilliant, but Lakers need team ball, too April 11, 2013 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/36384/kobe-brilliant-but-lakers-need-team-ball-too https://web.archive.org/web/20130414005530/http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/36384/kobe-brilliant-but-lakers-need-team-ball-too April 14, 2013 live Gasol also had 23 points, seven rebounds and nine assists, while Howard contributed 20 points and 10 rebounds. Bryant, Gasol, and Howard combined for 90 points, their highest of the season. The Lakers moved a full game ahead of the Jazz with three games remaining, all at home, against playoff-bound Golden State, San Antonio and Houston. left|thumb|upright|Steve Blake averaged 23.5 points in final two games without Bryant. On April 12, the Lakers beat the Warriors 118–116, but Bryant left with a torn Achilles tendon that ended his season and was expected to sideline him for six to nine months.MRI scheduled to confirm Kobe injury April 13, 2013 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/9166874/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-probably-tore-achilles-team-says https://web.archive.org/web/20130413161543/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/9166874/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-probably-tore-achilles-team-says April 13, 2013 live Martin Jillian Moon Jason Kobe Bryant tears Achilles, sidelined for months April 13, 2013 CNN.com http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/13/sport/kobe-bryant-injury/index.html https://web.archive.org/web/20130413214822/http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/13/sport/kobe-bryant-injury/index.html April 13, 2013 live Bryant had injured both of his knees after collisions with the Warriors' Festus Ezeli in the third quarter, but he played every minute before leaving with 3:06 left in the game. He finished with 34 points, and Gasol had 26 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists for his sixth career triple-double. Howard had 28 points, making 14 of 22 free throws.McMenamin Dave Rapid Reaction: Lakers 118, Golden State Warriors 116 April 12, 2013 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/36403/rapid-reaction-lakers-118-golden-state-warriors-116 https://web.archive.org/web/20130414004148/http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/36403/rapid-reaction-lakers-118-golden-state-warriors-116 April 14, 2013 live Bryant's injury came while he was playing seven consecutive quarters and at least 40 minutes for seven consecutive games. He was averaging his most minutes (38.6) in six years, and only Portland rookie Damian Lillard was averaging more minutes. Kupchak had spoken to Bryant about his extensive playing time 10 days earlier, but Bryant insisted the minutes needed to continue given the Lakers' playoff push.Plaschke Bill Lakers weren't strong enough to protect Kobe Bryant from himself April 13, 2013 Los Angeles Times https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm-2013-apr-13-la-sp-plaschke-kobe-20130414-story.html https://web.archive.org/web/20151017154334/http://articles.latimes.com/print/2013/apr/13/sports/la-sp-plaschke-kobe-20130414 October 17, 2015 live Frustrated by his injury, Bryant expressed a range of emotions while ranting on Facebook in the middle of the night.Pincus Eric Kobe Bryant takes to Facebook to vent after devastating injury April 13, 2013 Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-kobe-bryant-facebook-rant-20130413,0,7602158.story https://web.archive.org/web/20130416014750/http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-kobe-bryant-facebook-rant-20130413,0,7602158.story 2013-04-16 live 2013-04-15 In their first game without Bryant, the Lakers won 91–88 against the Spurs. Howard had 26 points and 17 rebounds and Blake added 23 points.Lakers win in first game without Kobe Bryant, near playoff spot April 14, 2013 ESPN.com Associated Press https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/recap?gameId=400278921 https://web.archive.org/web/20130418112904/http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/recap?gameId=400278921 April 18, 2013 live The Lakers went 4–0 that week, and Bryant won Player of the Week honors for the third time despite missing the San Antonio game. He led the league in scoring that week (37.0), ranked second in the Western Conference in steals (2.67 per game), and averaged 6.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists. On the last day of the season, the Lakers still risked missing the playoffs, but they qualified after a loss by the Jazz.Jazz see playoff hopes end with loss to Grizzlies April 17, 2013 ESPN.com Associated Press https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400278943 https://web.archive.org/web/20130419023908/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400278943 April 19, 2013 live The Lakers then defeated the Rockets 99–95 in overtime, and moved past them into the seventh seed in the West. Gasol had another triple double with 17 points, 20 rebounds, and 11 assists. Blake added 24 points, while Howard had 16 points and 18 rebounds. Nash missed his eighth straight game.McMenamin Dave Lakers ready, but Steve Nash out April 16, 2013 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/9180092/los-angeles-lakers-look-forward-showdown-houston-rockets https://web.archive.org/web/20130417165725/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/9180092/los-angeles-lakers-look-forward-showdown-houston-rockets April 17, 2013 live Lakers 99, Rockets 95, OT April 17, 2013 ESPN.com Associated Press https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400278948 April 18, 2013 D'Antoni was named Western Conference Coach of the Month after the Lakers went 7–1 in April. They finished the season 28–12 after dropping to 17–25 in January the day of their team meeting in Memphis. Their defense also improved to 13th during that span, finishing the season 18th at 103.6 points per 100 possessions.Markazi Arash D'Antoni named West Coach of the Month April 18, 2013 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/36503/dantoni-named-west-coach-of-the-month https://web.archive.org/web/20130419234433/http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/36503/dantoni-named-west-coach-of-the-month April 19, 2013 live The Lakers expected starting five of Bryant, Nash, Howard, Gasol and World Peace started together just seven times all season and without registering a win.Adande J. A. 1. Lakers Make Playoffs After Season On Brink April 17, 2013 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/nba/dailydime/_/page/dime-130417/daily-dime https://web.archive.org/web/20130421151302/http://espn.go.com/nba/dailydime/_/page/dime-130417/daily-dime April 21, 2013 live "The Lakers didn't help things by making the coaching change and putting (D'Antoni) in that situation, which he was glad to take. But I think it was a little bit tougher than he thought it would be", Kupchak said. First-round playoff exit 2013 NBA Playoffs thumb|upright|left|Andrew Goudelock scored a career-high 20 points in his first playoff start. The Lakers faced San Antonio in the first round of the playoffs. In Game 1, Howard had 20 points and 15 rebounds, and Gasol added 16 points and 16 rebounds, but the Lakers did not take full advantage of their inside game and lost 91–79. Nash returned after missing nine games and scored 16 points.Spurs take early lead, cruise past Lakers in series opener April 21, 2013 ESPN.com Associated Press https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400459787 https://web.archive.org/web/20130424005357/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400459787 April 24, 2013 live Meeks sprained his ankle in the game and missed Game 2. The Lakers shot better, but so did the Spurs as Los Angeles lost 102–91. Jordan Hill returned and played for the first time since his injury in January.Tony Parker's second half carries Spurs to 2-0 series lead vs. Lakers April 24, 2013 ESPN.com Associated Press https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/recap?id=400459788 https://web.archive.org/web/20130426232002/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/recap?id=400459788 April 26, 2013 live However, Blake left the game after injuring his right hamstring and was declared out indefinitely.McMenamin Dave Blake out indefinitely; Nash doubtful April 25, 2013 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/9211677/steve-blake-los-angeles-lakers-indefinitely https://web.archive.org/web/20130428095901/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/9211677/steve-blake-los-angeles-lakers-indefinitely April 28, 2013 live Nash also re-injured his hamstring but continued to play in the game; With Nash and Blake out in Game 3, the Lakers instead started second-year guards Darius Morris and Andrew Goudelock.McMenamin Dave Steve Nash ruled out for Spurs April 26, 2013 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/9215577/2013-nba-playoffs-los-angeles-lakers-rule-steve-nash-out https://web.archive.org/web/20130428033153/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/9215577/2013-nba-playoffs-los-angeles-lakers-rule-steve-nash-out April 28, 2013 live In his first playoff start, Goudelock scored a career-high 20 points, but the Lakers lost 120–89 at Staples for their worst home playoff loss in franchise history.Previous mark was a 29-point home loss to Portland on May 22 in the 2000 playoffs. Gasol added his third triple-double in six games.Bolch Ben Lakers' Pau Gasol is steady as he goes ... away? April 28, 2013 Los Angeles Times https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm-2013-apr-28-la-sp-bolch-lakers-20130429-story.html https://web.archive.org/web/20130506015506/http://articles.latimes.com/2013/apr/28/sports/la-sp-bolch-lakers-20130429 May 6, 2013 live Due to the Lakers' other injuries, World Peace played in spite of running with discomfort after having fluid drained from a cyst behind his surgically repaired left knee.Spurs send Lakers to worst home playoff loss, brink of elimination April 26, 2013 ESPN.com Associated Press https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/recap?id=400459789 https://web.archive.org/web/20130430233947/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/recap?id=400459789 April 30, 2013 live He was ruled out of Game 4 along with Nash, Blake, and Meeks.McMenamin Dave Lakers depleted again for Game 4 April 27, 2013 NBA.com https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/9218911/2013-nba-playoffs-los-angeles-lakers-rule-steve-nash-metta-world-peace-game-4 https://web.archive.org/web/20130428081558/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/9218911/2013-nba-playoffs-los-angeles-lakers-rule-steve-nash-metta-world-peace-game-4 April 28, 2013 live They were swept by the Spurs after losing Game 4, 103–82.Dwight Howard ejected as Spurs finish sweep of Lakers April 28, 2013 ESPN.com Associated Press https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400459790 https://web.archive.org/web/20130429124533/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400459790 April 29, 2013 live Howard was ejected from the game with over nine minutes left in the third quarter after receiving his second technical foul. Shortly after, the quiet home crowd roared as Bryant hobbled to the bench, making his first appearance on the court since tearing his Achilles. Gasol received a standing ovation when he left the game with 3:08 remaining.Plaschke Bill Lakers, Dwight Howard need to walk away from each other April 28, 2013 Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-plaschke-lakers-20130429,0,5453293.column https://web.archive.org/web/20130429234744/http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-plaschke-lakers-20130429,0,5453293.column 2013-04-29 live 2013-04-29 The Lakers exited in the opening round of the playoffs for the first time since 2007, and suffered their first opening-round sweep since 1967. Standings LAL LAL Notes c – Clinched home court advantage for the conference playoffs y – Clinched division title x – Clinched playoff spot o – Eliminated from playoff contention Game log Preseason Los Angeles Lakers yes 2013 Total: 0–8 (home: 0–7; road: 0–1) Los Angeles Lakers Preseason yes 0 7 0 1 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 1 | October 7 | Golden State | L 83-110 | 3 players tied (10) | Clark & Gasol (7) | 4 players tied (3) | Save Mart Arena (Fresno, CA)12,015 | 0–1 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 2 | October 10 | Portland | L 75-93 | Steve Nash (13) | Antawn Jamison (7) | Gasol & Nash (4) | Citizens Business Bank Arena (Ontario, CA)10,500 | 0–2 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 3 | October 13 | Utah | L 86-99 | Kobe Bryant (18) | Robert Sacre (10) | Bryant & Nash (5) | Staples Center18,372 | 0–3 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 4 | October 16 | Utah | L 80-114 | Kobe Bryant (31) | Reeves Nelson (7) | Steve Blake (4) | Honda Center (Anaheim, CA)13,896 | 0–4 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 5 | October 19 | Sacramento | L 98-103 | Kobe Bryant (22) | Metta World Peace (8) | Steve Nash (6) | Thomas & Mack Center (Las Vegas, NV)17,792 | 0–5 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 6 | October 21 | Sacramento | L 92-99 | Kobe Bryant (21) | Dwight Howard (12) | Gasol & Nash (5) | Staples Center18,997 | 0–6 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 7 | October 24 | @ L. A. Clippers | L 91-97 | Pau Gasol (17) | Gasol & Hill (8) | Steve Nash (7) | Staples Center19,060 | 0–7 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 8 | October 25 | Sacramento | L 82-94 | Devin Ebanks (14) | Jordan Hill (9) | Jordan Hill (5) | Valley View Casino Center (San Diego, CA)11,200 | 0–8 lal 2013 Regular season Los Angeles Lakers 2013 Total: 45–37 (home: 29–12; road: 16–25) Los Angeles Lakers October yes 0 1 0 1 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 1 | October 30 | Dallas | L 91-99 | Pau Gasol (23) | Pau Gasol (13) | Blake & Gasol (6) | Staples Center18,997 | 0–1 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 2 | October 31 | @ Portland | L 106-116 | Dwight Howard (33) | Dwight Howard (14) | Dwight Howard (5) | Rose Garden20,401 | 0–2 Los Angeles Lakers November 7 3 1 3 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 3 | November 2 | LA Clippers | L 95-105 | Kobe Bryant (40) | Pau Gasol (14) | Gasol & World Peace (3) | Staples Center18,997 | 0–3 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 4 | November 4 | Detroit | W 108-79 | Dwight Howard (28) | 3 players tied (7) | Kobe Bryant (8) | Staples Center18,997 | 1–3 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 5 | November 7 | @ Utah | L 86-95 | Kobe Bryant (29) | Jordan Hill (12) | Kobe Bryant (4) | EnergySolutions Arena19,911 | 1–4 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 6 | November 9 | Golden State | W 101-77 | Kobe Bryant (27) | Pau Gasol (16) | Kobe Bryant (7) | Staples Center18,997 | 2–4 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 7 | November 11 | Sacramento | W 103-90 | Dwight Howard (23) | Dwight Howard (18) | Kobe Bryant (6) | Staples Center18,997 | 3–4 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 8 | November 13 | San Antonio | L 82-84 | Kobe Bryant (28) | Dwight Howard (15) | Kobe Bryant (8) | Staples Center18,997 | 3–5 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 9 | November 16 | Phoenix | W 114-102 | Kobe Bryant (31) | Dwight Howard (12) | Bryant & Morris (6) | Staples Center18,997 | 4–5 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 10 | November 18 | Houston | W 119-108 | Dwight Howard (28) | Dwight Howard (13) | Kobe Bryant (11) | Staples Center18,997 | 5–5 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 11 | November 20 | Brooklyn | W 95-90 | Kobe Bryant (25) | Dwight Howard (15) | Pau Gasol (7) | Staples Center18,997 | 6–5 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 12 | November 21 | @ Sacramento | L 97-113 | Kobe Bryant (38) | Gasol & Howard (9) | Pau Gasol (4) | Sleep Train Arena15,249 | 6–6 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 13 | November 23 | @ Memphis | L 98-106 | Kobe Bryant (30) | Antawn Jamison (7) | Kobe Bryant (4) | FedEx Forum18,119 | 6–7 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 14 | November 24 | @ Dallas | W 115-89 | 3 players tied (19) | Antawn Jamison (15) | Kobe Bryant (5) | American Airlines Center20,423 | 7–7 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 15 | November 27 | Indiana | L 77-79 | Kobe Bryant (40) | Metta World Peace (12) | Metta World Peace (4) | Staples Center18,997 | 7–8 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 16 | November 30 | Denver | W 122-103 | Antawn Jamison (33) | Dwight Howard (20) | 3 players tied (8) | Staples Center18,997 | 8–8 Los Angeles Lakers December 3 2 4 5 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 17 | December 2 | Orlando | 20121202 ORLLAL 103 113 | Kobe Bryant (34) | Dwight Howard (15) | Bryant & World Peace (5) | Staples Center18,997 | 8–9 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 18 | December 4 | @ Houston | 20121204 LALHOU 105 107 | Kobe Bryant (39) | Dwight Howard (12) | Chris Duhon (7) | Toyota Center18,052 | 8–10 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 19 | December 5 | @ New Orleans | 20121205 LALNOH 103 87 | Kobe Bryant (29) | Metta World Peace (9) | Chris Duhon (10) | New Orleans Arena18,449 | 9–10 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 20 | December 7 | @ Oklahoma City | 20121207 LALOKC 108 114 | Kobe Bryant (35) | Dwight Howard (18) | Kobe Bryant (7) | Chesapeake Energy Arena18,203 | 9–11 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 21 | December 9 | Utah | 20121209 UTALAL 110 117 | Kobe Bryant (34) | Dwight Howard (16) | Chris Duhon (11) | Staples Center18,997 | 9–12 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 22 | December 11 | @ Cleveland | 20121209 LALCLE 94 100 | Kobe Bryant (42) | Dwight Howard (20) | Dwight Howard (3) | Quicken Loans Arena19,172 | 9–13 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 23 | December 13 | @ New York | 20121213 LALNYK 107 116 | Kobe Bryant (31) | Kobe Bryant (10) | Kobe Bryant (6) | Madison Square Garden19,033 | 9–14 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 24 | December 14 | @ Washington | 20121214 LALWAS 102 96 | Kobe Bryant (30) | Dwight Howard (14) | Kobe Bryant (7) | Verizon Center20,308 | 10–14 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 25 | December 16 | @ Philadelphia | 20121216 LALPHI 111 98 | Kobe Bryant (34) | Metta World Peace (16) | Kobe Bryant (6) | Wells Fargo Center20,338 | 11–14 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 26 | December 18 | Charlotte | 20121218 CHALAL 101 100 | Kobe Bryant (30) | Dwight Howard (18) | Kobe Bryant (7) | Staples Center18,997 | 12–14 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 27 | December 22 | @ Golden State | 20121222 LALGSW 118 115 1 | Kobe Bryant (34) | Bryant & Gasol (10) | Steve Nash (9) | Oracle Arena19,596 | 13–14 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 28 | December 25 | New York | 20121225 NYKLAL 100 94 | Kobe Bryant (34) | Dwight Howard (12) | Steve Nash (11) | Staples Center18,997 | 14–14 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 29 | December 26 | @ Denver | 20121226 LALDEN 114 126 | Kobe Bryant (40) | Jordan Hill (9) | Steve Nash (8) | Pepsi Center19,155 | 14–15 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 30 | December 28 | Portland | 20121228 PORLAL 104 87 | Kobe Bryant (27) | Dwight Howard (14) | Steve Nash (10) | Staples Center18,997 | 15–15 Los Angeles Lakers January 5 4 0 7 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 31 | January 1 | Philadelphia | 20130101 PHILAL 99 103 | Kobe Bryant (36) | Dwight Howard (14) | Steve Nash (10) | Staples Center18,997 | 15–16 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 32 | January 4 | @ LA Clippers | 20130101 LALLAC 102 107 | Kobe Bryant (38) | Dwight Howard (15) | Steve Nash (10) | Staples Center20,179 | 15–17 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 33 | January 6 | Denver | 20130106 DENLAL 105 112 | Kobe Bryant (29) | Dwight Howard (26) | Steve Nash (13) | Staples Center18,997 | 15–18 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 34 | January 8 | @ Houston | 20130108 LALHOU 112 125 | Metta World Peace (24) | Earl Clark (9) | Steve Nash (10) | Toyota Center18,135 | 15–19 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 35 | January 9 | @ San Antonio | 20130108 LALSAS 105 108 | Kobe Bryant (27) | Earl Clark (13) | Steve Nash (9) | AT&T Center18,581 | 15–20 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 36 | January 11 | Oklahoma City | 20130111 OKCLAL 101 116 | Kobe Bryant (28) | Clark & Jamison (10) | Steve Nash (7) | Staples Center 18,997 | 15–21 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 37 | January 13 | Cleveland | 20130113 CLELAL 113 93 | Kobe Bryant (23) | Dwight Howard (14) | Steve Nash (9) | Staples Center 18,997 | 16–21 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 38 | January 15 | Milwaukee | 20130115 MILLAL 104 88 | Bryant & Howard (31) | Dwight Howard (16) | Steve Nash (11) | Staples Center18,997 | 17–21 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 39 | January 17 | Miami | 20130117 MIALAL 90 99 | Kobe Bryant (22) | Dwight Howard (16) | Steve Nash (7) | Staples Center18,997 | 17–22 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 40 | January 20 | @ Toronto | 20130120 LALTOR 103 108 | Kobe Bryant (26) | Earl Clark (14) | Steve Nash (9) | Air Canada Centre19,800 | 17–23 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 41 | January 21 | @ Chicago | 20130121 LALCHI 83 95 | Steve Nash (18) | Pau Gasol (12) | Steve Nash (6) | United Center22,550 | 17–24 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 42 | January 23 | @ Memphis | 20130123 LALMEM 93 106 | Kobe Bryant (29) | Earl Clark (9) | Steve Nash (8) | FedEx Forum17,984 | 17–25 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 43 | January 25 | Utah | 20130123 UTALAL 102 84 | Howard & World Peace (17) | Dwight Howard (13) | Kobe Bryant (14) | Staples Center18,997 | 18–25 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 44 | January 27 | Oklahoma City | 20130127 OKCLAL 105 96 | Kobe Bryant (21) | Howard & World Peace (10) | Kobe Bryant (14) | Staples Center18,997 | 19–25 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 45 | January 29 | New Orleans | 20130129 NOHLAL 111 106 | Dwight Howard (24) | Earl Clark (12) | Kobe Bryant (11) | Staples Center18,997 | 20–25 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 46 | January 30 | @ Phoenix | 20130130 LALPHX 86 92 | Kobe Bryant (17) | Dwight Howard (14) | Kobe Bryant (9) | US Airways Center17,184 | 20–26 Los Angeles Lakers February 4 1 5 3 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 47 | February 1 | @ Minnesota | 20130201 LALMIN 111 100 | Pau Gasol (22) | Bryant & Gasol (12) | Kobe Bryant (8) | Target Center18,547 | 21–26 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 48 | February 3 | @ Detroit | 20130203 LALDET 98 97 | Pau Gasol (23) | Clark & Gasol (10) | Steve Nash (10) | The Palace of Auburn Hills18,157 | 22–26 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 49 | February 5 | @ Brooklyn | 20130205 LALBKN 92 83 | Kobe Bryant (21) | Earl Clark (12) | Steve Nash (8) | Barclays Center17,732 | 23–26 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 50 | February 7 | @ Boston | 20130207 LALBOS 95 116 | Kobe Bryant (27) | Dwight Howard (9) | Steve Nash (5) | TD Garden18,624 | 23–27 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 51 | February 8 | @ Charlotte | 20130208 LALCHA 100 93 | Kobe Bryant (20) | Dwight Howard (11) | Kobe Bryant (8) | Time Warner Cable Arena19,624 | 24–27 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 52 | February 10 | @ Miami | 20130210 LALMIA 97 107 | Kobe Bryant (28) | Clark & Howard (9) | Kobe Bryant (9) | American Airlines Arena20,300 | 24–28 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 53 | February 12 | Phoenix | 20130212 PHXLAL 91 85 | Dwight Howard (19) | Dwight Howard (18) | Kobe Bryant (9) | Staples Center18,997 | 25–28 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 54 | February 14 | LA Clippers | 20130212 LACLAL 101 125 | Kobe Bryant (20) | Dwight Howard (8) | Kobe Bryant (11) | Staples Center18,997 | 25–29 |- align="center" | colspan="9" bgcolor="#bbcaff"|All–Star Break |- style="background:#cfc;" | 55 | February 20 | Boston | 20130220 BOSLAL 113 99 | Dwight Howard (24) | Earl Clark (16) | Bryant & Nash (7) | Staples Center18,997 | 26–29 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 56 | February 22 | Portland | 20130222 PORLAL 111 107 | Kobe Bryant (40) | Dwight Howard (16) | Steve Nash (6) | Staples Center18,997 | 27–29 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 57 | February 24 | @ Dallas | 20130224 LALDAL 103 99 | Kobe Bryant (38) | Dwight Howard (13) | Kobe Bryant (7) | American Airlines Center20,440 | 28–29 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 58 | February 25 | @ Denver | 20130225 LALDEN 108 119 | Kobe Bryant (29) | Dwight Howard (14) | Kobe Bryant (9) | Pepsi Center19,155 | 28–30 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 59 | February 28 | Minnesota | 20130228 MINLAL 116 94 | Kobe Bryant (33) | Dwight Howard (13) | Steve Nash (7) | Staples Center18,997 | 29–30 Los Angeles Lakers March 4 1 5 5 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 60 | March 3 | Atlanta | 20130228 ATLLAL 99 98 | Kobe Bryant (34) | Dwight Howard (15) | Steve Nash (10) | Staples Center18,997 | 30–30 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 61 | March 5 | @ Oklahoma City | 20130305 LALOKC 105 122 | Kobe Bryant (30) | Dwight Howard (16) | Steve Nash (4) | Chesapeake Energy Arena18,203 | 30–31 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 62 | March 6 | @ New Orleans | 20130306 LALNOH 108 102 | Kobe Bryant (42) | Dwight Howard (15) | Kobe Bryant (12) | New Orleans Arena16,019 | 31–31 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 63 | March 8 | Toronto | 20130308 TORLAL 118 116 1 | Kobe Bryant (41) | Dwight Howard (13) | Kobe Bryant (12) | Staples Center18,997 | 32–31 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 64 | March 10 | Chicago | 20130310 CHILAL 90 81 | Kobe Bryant (19) | Dwight Howard (21) | Kobe Bryant (9) | Staples Center18,997 | 33–31 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 65 | March 12 | @ Orlando | 20130312 LALORL 106 97 | Dwight Howard (39) | Dwight Howard (16) | Kobe Bryant (8) | Amway Center19,287 | 34–31 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 66 | March 13 | @ Atlanta | 20130313 LALATL 92 96 | Kobe Bryant (31) | Dwight Howard (16) | Steve Nash (7) | Philips Arena19,163 | 34–32 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 67 | March 15 | @ Indiana | 20130315 LALIND 99 93 | Dwight Howard (20) | Dwight Howard (12) | Steve Nash (9) | Bankers Life Fieldhouse18,165 | 35–32 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 68 | March 17 | Sacramento | 20130317 SACLAL 113 102 | Antawn Jamison (27) | Dwight Howard (17) | Steve Nash (12) | Staples Center18,997 | 36–32 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 69 | March 18 | @ Phoenix | 20130318 LALPHX 76 99 | Steve Nash (19) | Dwight Howard (11) | Nash & Blake (4) | US Airways Center17,102 | 36–33 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 70 | March 22 | Washington | 20130322 WASLAL 100 103 | Kobe Bryant (21) | Dwight Howard (15) | Kobe Bryant (11) | Staples Center18,997 | 36–34 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 71 | March 25 | @ Golden State | 20130325 LALGSW 103 109 | Kobe Bryant (36) | Dwight Howard (15) | Steve Nash (7) | Oracle Arena19,596 | 36–35 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 72 | March 27 | @ Minnesota | 20130327 LALMIN 120 117 | Kobe Bryant (31) | Dwight Howard (16) | Steve Nash (8) | Target Center18,029 | 37–35 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 73 | March 28 | @ Milwaukee | 20130328 LALMIL 103 113 | Kobe Bryant (30) | Dwight Howard (15) | Steve Nash (6) | BMO Harris Bradley Center16,884 | 37–36 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 74 | March 30 | @ Sacramento | 20130330 LALSAC 103 98 | Dwight Howard (24) | Dwight Howard (15) | Kobe Bryant (14) | Sleep Train Arena17,317 | 38–36 Los Angeles Lakers April 6 0 1 1 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 75 | April 2 | Dallas | 20130402 DALLAL 101 81 | Dwight Howard (24) | Howard & Clark (12) | Kobe Bryant (11) | Staples Center18,997 | 39–36 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 76 | April 5 | Memphis | 20130405 MEMLAL 86 84 | Kobe Bryant (24) | Dwight Howard (10) | Kobe Bryant (9) | Staples Center18,997 | 40–36 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 77 | April 7 | @ LA Clippers | 20130407 LALLAC 95 109 | Howard & Bryant (25) | Pau Gasol (13) | Kobe Bryant (10) | Staples Center19,768 | 40–37 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 78 | April 9 | New Orleans | 20130409 NOHLAL 104 96 | Kobe Bryant (30) | Pau Gasol (11) | Bryant & Blake (6) | Staples Center18,997 | 41–37 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 79 | April 10 | @ Portland | 20130410 LALPOR 113 106 | Kobe Bryant (47) | Dwight Howard (10) | Pau Gasol (9) | Rose Garden20,598 | 42–37 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 80 | April 12 | Golden State | 20130412 GSWLAL 118 116 | Kobe Bryant (34) | Pau Gasol (11) | Pau Gasol (10) | Staples Center18,997 | 43–37 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 81 | April 14 | San Antonio | 20130414 SASLAL 91 88 | Dwight Howard (26) | Dwight Howard (17) | Blake, Meeks, & Morris (4) | Staples Center18,997 | 44–37 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 82 | April 17 | Houston | 20130417 HOULAL 99 95 1 | Steve Blake (24) | Pau Gasol (20) | Pau Gasol (11) | Staples Center18,997 | 45–37 lal 2013 Playoffs Los Angeles Lakers yes 2013 Total: 0–4 (home: 0–2; road: 0–2) Los Angeles Lakers First Round yes yes 0 2 0 2 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 1 | April 21 | @ San Antonio | L 79–91 | Dwight Howard (20) | Pau Gasol (16) | Pau Gasol (6) | AT&T Center18,581 | 0–1 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 2 | April 24 | @ San Antonio | L 91–102 | Blake & Howard (16) | Gasol & Howard (9) | Steve Nash (6) | AT&T Center18,581 | 0–2 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 3 | April 26 | San Antonio | L 89–120 | Dwight Howard (25) | Pau Gasol (13) | Pau Gasol (10) | Staples Center18,997 | 0–3 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 4 | April 28 | San Antonio | L 82–103 | Pau Gasol (16) | Gasol & Howard (8) | Chris Duhon (7) | Staples Center18,997 | 0–4 LAL yes 2013 Player statistics Regular season Player GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG Blake, Steve Steve Blake 45 13 26.1 .422 .421 .771 2.9 3.8 .8 .1 7.3 Bryant, Kobe Kobe Bryant 78 78 38.6 .463 .324 .839 5.6 6.0 1.4 .3 27.3 Clark, Earl Earl Clark 59 36 23.1 .440 .337 .697 5.5 1.1 .6 .7 7.3 Duhon, Chris Chris Duhon 46 9 17.8 .382 .363 .462 1.5 2.9 .4 .0 2.9 Devin, Ebanks Devin Ebanks 19 3 10.4 .329 .273 .786 2.2 .5 .2 .1 3.4 Gasol, Pau Pau Gasol 49 42 33.8 .466 .286 .702 8.6 4.1 .5 1.2 13.7 Goudelock, Andrew Andrew Goudelock 1 0 6.0 .000 . . 1.0 .0 .0 .0 .0 Hill, Jordan Jordan Hill 29 1 15.8 .497 .000 .656 5.7 .4 .3 .7 6.7 Howard, Dwight Dwight Howard 76 76 35.8 .578 .167 .492 12.4 1.4 1.1 2.4 17.1 McRoberts, Josh Josh McRoberts 50 6 14.4 .475 .429 .639 3.4 1.0 .3 .4 2.8 Jamison, Antawn Antawn Jamison 76 6 21.5 .464 .361 .691 4.8 .7 .4 .3 9.4 Johnson-Odom, Darius Darius Johnson-Odom 4 0 1.5 .000 .000 . 1.0 .3 .0 .0 .0 Meeks, Jodie Jodie Meeks 78 10 21.3 .387 .357 .896 2.2 .9 .7 .1 7.9 Morris, Darius Darius Morris 48 17 14.2 .388 .364 .649 1.2 1.6 .4 .0 4.0 Nash, Steve Steve Nash 50 50 32.5 .497 .438 .922 2.8 6.7 .6 .1 12.7 Sacre, Robert Robert Sacre 32 3 6.3 .375 . .636 1.1 .2 .0 .3 1.3 World Peace, Metta Metta World Peace 75 66 33.7 .403 .342 .734 5.0 1.5 1.6 .6 12.4 Playoffs Player GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG Blake, Steve Steve Blake 2 2 37.5 .393 .417 1.000 4.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 14.0 Clark, Earl Earl Clark 4 1 20.5 .368 .000 . 3.0 .3 .3 .3 3.5 Duhon, Chris Chris Duhon 2 0 34.0 .364 .375 . 1.5 3.5 1.0 .5 5.5 Gasol, Pau Pau Gasol 4 4 36.5 .481 . .545 11.5 6.5 .5 .8 14.0 Goudelock, Andrew Andrew Goudelock 3 2 26.7 .444 .200 1.000 1.7 1.0 1.7 .0 12.0 Hill, Jordan Jordan Hill 3 0 10.3 .500 . . 3.7 .3 .0 .7 3.3 Howard, Dwight Dwight Howard 4 4 31.5 .619 . .444 10.8 1.0 .5 2.0 17.0 Jamison, Antawn Antawn Jamison 4 0 19.8 .435 .417 .667 1.8 .3 .3 .5 7.3 Meeks, Jodie Jodie Meeks 1 0 20.0 .250 .000 1.000 2.0 .0 1.0 .0 4.0 Morris, Darius Darius Morris 4 2 26.3 .457 .333 .778 1.3 3.0 .5 .0 10.5 Nash, Steve Steve Nash 2 2 30.5 .435 .000 1.000 2.5 4.5 .0 .0 12.5 Sacre, Robert Robert Sacre 2 0 2.0 .000 . . 1.0 .0 .5 .0 .0 World Peace, Metta Metta World Peace 3 3 28.0 .250 .143 1.000 3.7 1.7 .7 .3 6.0 Awards, records and milestones Awards Week/Month +Western Conference Player of the WeekWeekWinnerRef.16Feb. 19 – Feb. 24Kobe Bryant (1/3)http://www.nba.com/2013/news/02/25/players-of-the-week-lebron-james-kobe-bryant/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpts Heat's James, Lakers' Bryant claim Player of the Week honors NBA.com February 25, 2013 February 25, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130228074434/http://www.nba.com/2013/news/02/25/players-of-the-week-lebron-james-kobe-bryant/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpts February 28, 2013 dead18Mar. 4 – Mar. 10Kobe Bryant (2/3)http://www.nba.com/2013/news/03/11/wade-bryant-players-of-week/index.html Wade, Bryant named Players of the Week NBA.com March 11, 2013 March 11, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130311202826/http://www.nba.com/2013/news/03/11/wade-bryant-players-of-week/index.html March 11, 2013 dead23Apr. 8 – Apr. 14Kobe Bryant (3/3)http://www.nba.com/2013/news/04/15/carmelo-anthony-kobe-bryant-named-players-of-week/index.html Knicks' Anthony, Lakers' Bryant named Players of the Week NBA.com April 15, 2013 April 15, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130419043313/http://www.nba.com/2013/news/04/15/carmelo-anthony-kobe-bryant-named-players-of-week/index.html April 19, 2013 dead +Western Conference Player of the MonthMonthWinnerRef.4FebruaryKobe Bryanthttp://www.nba.com/2013/news/03/01/lebron-kobe-players-of-month/index.html James, Bryant named Kia Players of Month NBA.com March 1, 2013 March 1, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130305164525/http://www.nba.com/2013/news/03/01/lebron-kobe-players-of-month/index.html March 5, 2013 dead +Western Conference Coach of the MonthMonthWinnerRef.4AprilMike D'Antoni All-Star Kobe Bryant was voted as an All-Star starter for the 15th consecutive time. Dwight Howard made his seventh consecutive All-Star appearance at the 2013 NBA All-Star Game held in Houston. All-NBA Bryant was named All-NBA First Team for the 11th time in his career, his 15th overall selection. Howard was named to the Third Team.Trudell Mike Kobe Named All-NBA First Team … Again May 23, 2013 Lakers.com http://blog.lakers.com/lakers/2013/05/23/kobe-named-all-nba-first-team-again/ https://web.archive.org/web/20130607092459/http://blog.lakers.com/lakers/2013/05/23/kobe-named-all-nba-first-team-again/ June 7, 2013 dead mdy-all May 24, 2013 Records In a March 12, 2013 game against his former team, the Orlando Magic, Dwight Howard tied his own NBA record of 39 free throw attempts. He made 25 of the 39 attempts. He had previously set the league mark with 39 free throw attempts in a game while playing for the Orlando Magic vs. the Golden State Warriors on January 12, 2012.http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=320112009 https://web.archive.org/web/20120113165006/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=320112009 dead January 13, 2012 Dwight Howard breaks FT attempts mark as Magic top Warriors January 12, 2012 ESPN.com January 13, 2012https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400278669 Dwight Howard ties FT mark, dominates in return to Orlando March 12, 2013 March 12, 2013 ESPN.com Dwight Howard led the league in defensive rebounds for the sixth consecutive season and sixth season overall in his career, both league records. He led the NBA in defensive rebounds every season starting with the 2007 season. Milestones November 18: Pau Gasol scored his 15,000th career point in a game against the Houston Rockets. December 5: Kobe Bryant scored his 30,000th career point in a win against the New Orleans Hornets. December 5: Metta World Peace became the 6th player to record 12,000 points, 4,000 rebounds, 1,500 steals, and 1,000 3-pointers made in a win against New Orleans. January 8, 2013: Steve Nash became the fifth player in NBA history to reach 10,000 career assists. January 20: Dwight Howard recorded his 1,000th career assist in a loss against the Toronto Raptors. March 30: Bryant passed Wilt Chamberlain's career point total of 31,419 in a win against the Sacramento Kings to become the fourth-highest scorer in NBA history.Pincus Eric Kobe Bryant becomes the NBA's fourth all-time leading scorer March 30, 2013 Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-kobe-bryant-nba-fourth-all-time-leading-scorer-20130330,0,7996928.story https://web.archive.org/web/20130407194949/http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-kobe-bryant-nba-fourth-all-time-leading-scorer-20130330,0,7996928.story 2013-04-07 live 2013-04-10 April 17: Howard became the youngest player in NBA history to reach 9,000 career rebounds in a win against the Houston Rockets.http://www.nba.com/games/20130417/HOULAL/gameinfo.html#nbaGIboxscore Rockets at Lakers - April 17, 2013 April 17, 2013 NBA.com April 19, 2013 Transactions List of 2012–13 NBA season transactions Overview Players added Via draft Darius Johnson-Odom Robert Sacre Via free agency Antawn Jamison Jodie Meeks Via trade Steve Nash Dwight Howard Earl Clark Chris DuhonPlayers lost Via trade Andrew Bynum Josh McRoberts Christian Eyenga Via free agency Ramon Sessions Matt Barnes Waived Additions AdditionsPlayerDate acquiredReason acquiredFormer teamSteve NashJuly 11Sign-and-tradePhoenix SunsJordan HillJuly 25Re-signedLos Angeles LakersAntawn JamisonJuly 25Free AgencyCleveland CavaliersDwight HowardAugust 10TradeOrlando MagicChris DuhonAugust 10TradeOrlando MagicEarl ClarkAugust 10TradeOrlando MagicJodie MeeksAugust 13Free AgencyPhiladelphia 76ersDevin EbanksAugust 13Re-signedLos Angeles LakersGreg SomogyiSeptember 5UndraftedSanta Barbara Breakers (WCBL)Reeves NelsonSeptember 5Free AgencyŽalgiris Kaunas (Lithuania)Robert SacreSeptember 7Draft PickGonzaga (Sr.)Darius Johnson-OdomSeptember 15Draft PickMarquette (Sr.)Ronnie AguilarSeptember 26UndraftedBakersfield Jam (NBA Development League)Chris Douglas-RobertsOctober 1Free AgentVirtus Bologna (Italy)Andrew GoudelockApril 14Free AgentRio Grande Valley Vipers (D-League) Subtractions SubtractionsPlayerReason leftDate leftNew teamTroy MurphyFree AgencyJuly 1N/ARamon SessionsFree AgencyJuly 13Charlotte BobcatsAndrew BynumTradeAugust 10Philadelphia SixersJosh McRobertsTradeAugust 10Orlando MagicChristian EyengaTradeAugust 10Orlando MagicMatt BarnesFree AgencySeptember 14Los Angeles ClippersRonnie AguilarWaivedOctober 20N/AReeves NelsonWaivedOctober 20N/AChris Douglas-RobertsWaivedOctober 22Texas Legends(D-League)Greg SomogyiWaivedOctober 22CB Coruña(LEB Plata)Andrew GoudelockWaivedOctober 27Sioux Falls Skyforce(D-League)Darius Johnson-OdomWaivedJanuary 7BC Spartak Saint Petersburg(PBL) Trades June 28, 2012 To Los Angeles Lakers Rights to Darius Johnson-Odom To Dallas Mavericks Cash Considerations July 11, 2012 To Los Angeles Lakers Steve Nashhttp://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-steve-nash-deal-20120704,0,5899374.story Lakers to acquire Steve Nash in sign-and-trade deal with the Suns Bresnahan Mike July 4, 2012 Los Angeles Times 7 July 2012 To Phoenix Suns Lakers 2015 first-round pick (top 5 protected)http://www.azcentral.com/members/Blog/PaulCoro/165997 How the Suns' picks in the Nash deal look Coro Paul July 6, 2012 AZCentral.com 7 July 2012 Lakers 2014 second-round pick Denver's 2013 second-round pick August 10, 2012 To Los Angeles Lakers Dwight Howard Earl Clark Chris Duhon To Orlando Magic Josh McRoberts Christian Eyenga Lakers 2017 first-round pick To Philadelphia 76ers Andrew Bynum Future draft picks Credits 2013 second-round draft pick from Memphis Memphis' own 2013 second-round pick to the L.A. Lakers (top 55 protected in the 2013 Draft). If Memphis' own 2013 second-round pick is in the top 55 picks, then Memphis' obligations to the L.A. Lakers shall be extinguished. [L.A. Lakers – Memphis, February 18, 2009] Debits 2013 first round draft pick to Phoenix The L.A. Lakers will send the least favorable of their own 1st round pick (top-14 protected), Cleveland's own 2013 1st round pick, Sacramento's own 1st round pick (top-13 protected) and Miami's 2013 1st round pick to Phoenix. If the L.A. Lakers' 1st round pick is within the top-14 selections, Phoenix will automatically receive the L.A. Lakers' 1st round pick. [L.A. Lakers-Phoenix, 7/11/2012] 2013 first round draft pick to Cleveland Cleveland has the right to swap the least favorable of their own 2013 1st round pick, Miami's own 2013 1st round pick (top-10 protected) and Sacramento's own 2013 1st round pick (top-13 protected) with the L.A. Lakers own 2013 first round pick (top-14 protected). If the L.A. Lakers own 2013 first round pick is #1-#14, then the L.A. Lakers' obligation to Cleveland shall be extinguished. [Cleveland-L.A. Lakers, 3/15/2012] 2013 second round draft pick to Dallas Dallas has the right to swap their own 2013 2nd round pick with the L.A. Lakers' own 2013 2nd round pick. [Dallas-L.A. Lakers, 12/11/2011] 2014 second round draft pick to Minnesota The L.A. Lakers' own 2014 2nd round pick to Minnesota via Phoenix. [L.A. Lakers-Phoenix, 7/11/2012 and then Minnesota-New Orleans-Phoenix, 7/27/2012] 2015 first round draft pick to Phoenix The L.A. Lakers own 2015 1st round pick to Phoenix. [L.A. Lakers-Phoenix, 7/11/2012] 2015 second round draft pick to Orlando The L.A. Lakers' own 2015 2nd round draft pick to Orlando (Top-40 Protected). If The L.A. Lakers' own 2015 2nd round pick is within the top-40 selections, then The L.A. Lakers' obligation to Orlando shall be extinguished. [Denver – L.A. Lakers – Orlando – Philadelphia, 8/10/2012] 2017 first round draft pick to Orlando The L.A. Lakers' own 2017 1st round draft pick to Orlando (Top-5 Protected). If The L.A. Lakers' own 2017 1st round pick is within the top-5 selections, then the L.A. Lakers will convey their own second round picks in 2017 and 2018 to Orlando. [L.A. Lakers – Orlando, 8/10/2012] Notes References 30em External links 2012–13 Los Angeles Lakers Roster and Stats at basketball-reference.com Sports Category:Los Angeles Lakers seasons Los Angeles Lakers Los Angeles Lakers Los Angeles Lakers