Kobe Bryant hasn’t been 100% so far this season. The Lakers star tore a ligament in his wrist during the first preseason game and has refused to rest the injury.

Now that the Lakers are 2-0, some critics are saying that its time for Kobe to take a seat on the bench. But it isn’t because of poor performance. Kobe is still the best player on the Lakers and leads the team in scoring, but with a jam packed schedule Kobe is giving his wrist little time to heal.

Coach Mike Brown said:

“It’s tough to monitor him because he doesn’t complain about anything. I’ve been around him a short amount of time and he hasn’t complained about one thing. I’m trying to watch him to make sure he doesn’t overdo it because I know he won’t watch himself. Mentally and physically, he is about as tough as they come.”

According to CBS, Bryant has only missed 16 regular season games in the last six seasons. And if it’s up to Bryant, he’ll continue to play with his injured wrist.

Bryant told Yahoo Sports:

“There are no excuses. You got to be smart about it. You can’t make it worse, but you got to go out there and play. This is painful and so forth. But it’s not going to be worse. You might as well suck it up and go out and perform.”

The Lakers play the Utah Jazz tonight and Kobe is scheduled to start. Do you think Brown should bench Kobe for a few games to allow his star to recuperate?

Kobe Bryant Playing in Constant Pain is a post from: The Inquisitr

Regardless of changing his role, his position, even his handle, Metta World Peace (formerly and more widely-known as Ron Artest) is still struggling with the same problems that haunted him under his Christian-name.

In the man’s own words:

“I think I’m 100%. I feel awesome. I feel really good. We obviously lost. But as far as grading how I feel? I feel awesome.”

Despite his upbeat attitude and can-do thinking, the part that really catches everyone’s attention in that quote should be that bit about losing.

Indeed, his performance in the Lakers/Clippers preseason game on Monday testifies as much. Though not a dramatic loss, (114 Clippers, 95 Lakers) World Peace was still playing like Ron Artest. Here’s a quick rundown: World Peace went zero for eight from the field, including zero for five from three-point range. While every other bench player on the team shot over 50%, well… let’s just say World Peace’s self-enthusiasm might be a little misplaced. His overall playing seemed sluggish. So maybe we should say that his self-enthusiasm borders on comical.

However, Lakers Coach Mike Brown seems to believe in World Peace’s potential, despite benching him. He asked everyone to be patient and just give the player-formerly-known-as-Artest a chance:

“He can play basketball the right way whether he comes off the bench or starts. I thought he had a couple of good looks. He rushed his shot a couple of times. One of his threes kind of went in and came out. I just wanted to keep trying to get him touches if we could so he could eventually get into a little bit of a rhythm.”

Fair enough, Brown. It is still the preseason. I will withhold criticism for now.

Do you think all this positive thinking will pay off? Will World Peace/Artest’s reinvention pay dividends?

Metta World Peace Fights Bench Threats is a post from: The Inquisitr

Vanessa Bryant has filed for divorce from LA Lakers star Kobe Bryant. Vanessa cited “irreconcilable differences” when she stated her intention to end her 10-year marriage with Bryant.

According to the LA Times, Kobe and Vanessa have ”resolved all the issues” related to their divorce in private. The divorce will be finalized in the new year. A representative for the couple released a statement, saying:

“The Bryants have resolved all issues incident to their divorce privately with the assistance of counsel and a Judgment dissolving their marital status will be entered in 2012.”

Kobe and Vanessa also released a statement asking for privacy over the holidays. The statement reads:

“We ask that in the interest of our young children and in light of the upcoming holiday season the public respect our privacy during this most difficult time.”

MSNBC reports that Kobe and Vanessa have two daughters. One 8-year-old and one 5-year-old.

Kobe and Vanessa’s marriage was strained back in 2003 when Kobe was accused of sexual assault. Kobe denied the assault but admitted that he had cheated on his wife.

At the time, Kobe said:

“You’re my backbone. I’m so sorry I put you through this and having to put our family through this.”

Are you surprised Vanessa Bryant’s and Kobe Bryant’s marriage lasted 10-years?

Vanessa Bryant Cites “Irreconcilable Differences,” Files For Divorce From Kobe Bryant is a post from: The Inquisitr

Elite Transportation Limo and Security Services is suing Lindsay Lohan for availing their services but not paying $90,000, including chauffeured services and private security.

Reports had it that the company made attempts to resolve the issue with the actress, but Lohan never responded. The lawsuit alleged that Lohan booked limo services for her friends and family between February 2009 and May 2009. The cost of VIP limo service from the company is placed within the range of $55 and $1,000. She was picked up and dropped off at her Hollywood residence, different airports, hotels, Staples Center for a Lakers basketball game, and even at a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program.

Lohan initially owed the company $32,515. With late charges piling up, the total amount has ballooned to $90,585.79.

A statement from Lohan’s representative said:

“Lindsay has not been served with any lawsuit and we cannot comment on a lawsuit we have not yet seen.”

Records, however, show that the lawsuit was originally filed last October 7, so it seems that we will be seeing Lohan in the courtroom again.

Lindsay Lohan Sued for Not Paying $90,000 Limo Service is a post from: The Inquisitr

Matt Barnes, a forward for the L.A. Lakers, was arrested last night and charged with maliciously obstructing a phone line after a woman “who lived with him and with whom he had a dating relationship” made an incomplete 911 call.

The LA Times “Lakers Blog” reports that police responded to the call and it appeared that Barnes had prevented the unidentified woman from completing the report:

The story states that deputies determined that Barnes and a woman believed to be his girlfriend had a physical confrontation, that Barnes prevented her from talking to 911 operators and that both had visible injuries.

Barnes, who was signed for a two-year deal to the Lakers this year, posted $50,000 in bond and was released at 9:40 pm from the Sacramento County Main Jail. Barnes later texted a local news anchor and asserted that he was actually “the victim” in the incident:

Barnes responded to a text message from News10′s Bryan May late Wednesday, texting, “U know any domestic violence situation 9 outa 10 times the man gets arrested. That’s the case here I was the victim but still got arrested. No matter what I say people are gonna think what they want…”

Barnes later tweeted:

DON’T LET YOUR EARS WITNESS, WHAT YOUR EYES DIDN’T SEE!!!

He is due to appear in court on Monday.

Lakers forward Matt Barnes arrested on Domestic Violence charges, says he was ‘the victim’ is a post from: The Inquisitr

LA Lakers coach Phil Jackson will return for another year despite ongoing health issues.

“After consulting with Lakers team internist Dr. John Moe, I feel confident that I can gainfully pursue an NBA season with another long playoff postseason. All things point to go!” Jackson said in a statement.

Jackson has endured an angioplasty, suffers from gout and has also had problems with his hip, back and leg.

Jackson holds the NBA record for most championships for a coach, having delivered 10 championships in his 18 years of coaching so far.

Phil Jackson signs on for another year at the Lakers is a post from: The Inquisitr