Bryant out with sore right shoulder

The Los Angeles Lakers continue on their tough season, and at this rate seem destined for their protected Top-3 pick, while the Thunder continue their hot start to the season as they sit third in the West, behind Golden State and San Antonio. When you see players like Randle and Clarkson, the Lakers are in great hand, not only do you have a core group to build around, but they are so young that they will only get better as they mature.

The Lakers came no closer than 25 points in the second half and Westbrook and Durant spent the entire fourth quarter on the bench.

The Thunder’s ball movement was so good, it looked like the Lakers were stuck watching poetry in motion.

Steven Adams had another productive game for Oklahoma City as the Thunder thumped the Los Angeles Lakers 118-78 in the National Basketball Association today.

Any Bryant injury is important to track because his last three seasons ended early – an Achilles’ tendon rupture in 2012-13, a fractured knee in 2013-14 and then his shoulder last season after a baseline dunk in New Orleans. “And it’s very easy to forget I haven’t played because of it. My timing is off, my rhythm is off. It was about me continuing my training and believing my timing will come back and that’s what happened”. Randle scored two points on 1-of-7 shooting off the bench.

Despite that, they say Howard’s having problems, he says that he is in it to win and wants to work things out for him and the team.

Bryant said the Lakers need to “make smart decisions” and “build the team” to return to their winning ways.

He dunked Thursday for the first time this season, an impressive slam in which he moved past Houston forward Trevor Ariza and beat power forward Clint Capela. Among the group of jubilant Lakers, was rookie D’Angelo Russell. He felt that his point guard needs to do a better job of getting other players involved.

Carmelo Anthony led the Knicks with 27 points.

The Bulls’ 147-144 home loss to Detroit finished about 20 hours before Saturday’s tipoff at Madison Square Garden, and they didn’t get to their NY hotel until after 4 a.m. Pau Gasol didn’t even make the trip after playing 48 minutes Friday, remaining behind in Chicago for rest and treatment for some recent soreness. They really just got embarrassed by the way we played tonight, and I told them it was pathetic in every area.

“I’m sure it didn’t help”, he said, adding that his shoulder bothered him before the play. “You can’t do anything but think”, Durant said.

Lakers Coach Byron Scott called the team’s popularity “a little bit” surprising based on their record.

Gasol, who also grabbed 12 rebounds, and Conley, who added eight assists, fueled a late run to push the Grizzlies’ lead to 14 in the closing minutes and keep the Pacers from putting together a comeback.