Lakers finally have pizzazz

And it's no coincidence that it happens with the return of Pau Gasol to the lineup.

• Times reporters discuss Lakers' win over the Thunder

Lakers owner Jerry Buss honors the streak

He discusses why he is willing to spend a league-high $112.7 million on payroll, his desire to keep Bryant and Jackson, and why he skipped the title festivities.

• Talk about the Lakers with other fans at our Lakers blog

Lakers owner Jerry Buss cautiously optimistic on labor front

Buss says he recognizes the potential for collective-bargaining trouble in the summer of 2011 but is hopeful that the NBA and its players can get a deal done.

Defense, turnovers top Lakers Coach Phil Jackson's list of concerns

Initially reluctant to offer a state-of-the-team assessment so early in season, Jackson allows that 'I'm not real happy with our defense,' and adds, 'turnovers is another thing I'm always focused on.'

• Lakers center Andrew Bynum misses another practice

Victories coming at a high price for Lakers owner Jerry Buss

The team has the highest payroll in the NBA, with $91.3 million in player salaries and $21.4 million in luxury taxes.

• Lakers' Lamar Odom leads from the bench

Lakers' Gasol proves his worth, even if fans don't notice

The forward/center, who made his season debut Thursday night against the Bulls, makes the Lakers contenders again.

• VIDEO: Pau Gasol on frustration in recovery from injury

Pau Gasol's freelancing: Buss has a stand, what's yours?

When is too much basketball too much? In a men's room interview, the Lakers' owner allows as how he thinks Gasol overdid it in the off-season.

• Pau Gasol says he will play today

Pau Gasol's return should help Lakers soar

Text messages from press row ...

A happy return for Lakers' Pau Gasol

He has 24 points and 13 rebounds in his season debut, a rout of the Bulls.

• VIDEO: Pau Gasol on his season debut against Chicago

Five years later, Ron Artest recalls the Brawl at the Palace

Now with the Lakers, Artest says the melee wasn't his fault and he should get some of the $5 million he lost during a 73-game suspension.

The Pau Watch extends to TV

Phil Jackson has a field day with Pau Gasol's extended injury, and his guest spot on 'CSI: Miami.'

• Video: Pau Gasol on his return to the Lakers, CSI and more

Lakers almost let it get away

Second unit struggles against Pistons, but L.A. ends losing streak at two.

• Video: Bresnahan and Turner on Lakers' win over Detroit

Pau Gasol should be back Thursday

Gasol, now an actor as well, feeling less pain in his hamstring.

• Video: Kamenetzky brothers discuss the Lakers' win over Detroit

Kwame Brown reflects on time with Lakers

Now backing up Ben Wallace in Detroit, Brown is happy for his former teammates and is pleased with Andrew Bynum's progress.

• Missing their A game, Lakers hope Pau Gasol can play a game

Andrew Bynum keeps scoring even as Lakers struggle

The center has 19 points in a loss at Denver and 21 in a loss to Houston.

• Andrew Bynum discusses Lakers' loss to Houston

Ragged Lakers are well off-pace

Their second loss in a row makes Kobe Bryant's goal of 70 wins this season seem far-fetched. Better goals should be short term and revolve around consistency and focused defense.

• Rockets still a thorn in Lakers' side

Ariza emotional as he joins inner circle

Former Lakers forward Trevor Ariza receives his NBA championship ring prior to the start of Sunday's game.

• Videos: Interviews after the Lakers' loss to the Rockets

Lakers' Phil Jackson cancels practice to take inventory

The schedule will loosen up over the next few weeks, but the team must first figure out what went wrong in its 105-79 loss to Denver.

Nuggets hope they sent message to Lakers and league

Denver's 105-79 win over L.A. on Friday erased some of the Nuggets' pain from last season's loss in the Western Conference finals and showed they want more this season.

• Half measures fail miserably for Lakers