Lakers absorbing Kobe Bryant’s absence well (Web links)

Game stories

--The Times’ Mike Bresnahan highlights the Lakers’ dominance over Dallas.

--The Orange County Register’s Kevin Ding’s explains how the Lakers are adjusting to Kobe Bryant’s absence.

--The Daily News’ Elliott Teaford mentions how there is no timetable for Bryant’s return.

Notebooks

--The Times’ Bresnahan says the Lakers’ front office made a wise choice in not using the amnesty clause on Metta World Peace.

--The Daily News’ Teaford credits Metta World Peace and Matt Barnes’ elevated play.

Sidebars

--I highlight Andrew Bynum fighting through an upper respiratory infection.

--The Times’ Ben Bolch talks to the Mavericks, who aren’t worried about losing all four of their regular-season games to the Lakers.

Columns

--ESPN.com’s J.A. Adande argues that Bynum is better than Dwight Howard.

--ESPN Dallas’ Jeff Caplan believes the Mavericks would have no chance against the Lakers in the playoffs.

--ESPN Los Angeles’ Dave McMenamin reports Barnes’ comments that he’s more focused on winning a title than worrying about what will happen once he becomes an unrestricted free agent this off-season.

--The Dallas Morning News’ Eddie Sefko also predicts Dallas would have trouble against the Lakers in the playoffs.

--Fox Sports’ Billy Witz argues Bryant needs to realize the Lakers play more as a team without him.

Blogs

--ESPN Dallas’ Caplan mentions how Dallas didn’t wallow in self-pity over the Lakers’ loss.

--ESPN Los Angeles’ Andy Kamenetzky breaks down the Lakers’ win over Dallas.

--Lakers.com’s Mike Trudell provides a running diary of the Lakers-Mavericks game.

--Silver Screen and Roll’s Ben R explains how the Lakers have played well without Bryant.

--Forum Blue and Gold’s Darius Soriano loved the Lakers-Mavs game.

Tweet of the Day: “How do you know this is the biggest Kings playoff hockey game in over a decade? Kobe’s here with his daughters.” — Mike Bresnahan (L.A. Times’ Lakers beat writer)

Rick Friedman Reader Comment of the Day: “My sources tell me that there are behind closed doors talks underway in which Kobe will be a player coach for the playoffs. Jerry Buss has offered Kobe an unspecified amount to be “player coach” as soon as the playoffs begin.” -- California 11