Ramon Sessions makes strong case for starting spot (Web links)

Game stories

--The Times’ Mike Bresnahan believes Ramon Sessions may have played his last game off the bench. In just his fourth game as a Laker, Sessions posted 17 points on seven-of-eight shooting, nine assists and five rebounds in the Lakers’ 109-93 victory Wednesday over the Dallas Mavericks.

--The Orange County Register’s Jon Machota highlights Sessions’ bench effort against Dallas.

--The Daily News’ Elliott Teaford explains how the Lakers were able to play well against Dallas after performing horribly the night before against the Houston Rockets.

Notebooks

--The Times’ Bresnahan notes Kobe Bryant’s admission that it will be emotional for him to face the Oklahoma City Thunder next week featuring former longtime teammate Derek Fisher.

--The Times’ Broderick Turner talks to Fisher, who said he has “moved on” from getting traded by the Lakers.

--The Daily News’ Teaford highlights Sessions’ belief that he’s not yet fully caught up with the offense.

Sidebars

--The Oklahoman’s Darnell Mayberry features all of Fisher’s interview.

--Sports Illustrated’s Britt Robson ranks the Lakers at No. 5.

--Fox Sports list Bryant and Andrew Bynum as league MVP candidates.

Columns

--ESPN Dallas’ Jeff Caplan remains concerned with the Mavericks’ health.

--The Oklahoman’s Jenni Carlson believes Fisher will bring to Oklahoma City more than just intangibles.

--ESPN Dallas’ Tim MacMahon compares/constrasts Sessions’ immediate impact with the Lakers and Odom’s never-ending inconsistency. MacMahon also highlights Bryant’s criticism toward fans that boo Odom.

--ESPN Los Angeles’ Arash Markazi says it was weird to see Fisher in an OKC uniform.

--The Dallas Morning News’ Eddie Sefko notes how Shawn Marion’s absence made a difference in Bryant’s scoring.

Blogs

--Ball Don’t Lie’s Kelly Dwyer analyzes Odom’s game.

--Sports Illustrated’s Zach Lowe argues that the Fisher signing by Oklahoma City makes sense. Lowe also breaks down Sessions’ immediate impact.

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

--ESPN Los Angeles’ Dave McMenamin gets the Lakers’ reaction to Fisher joining the Thunder.

--Silver Screen and Roll’s DexterFishmore doesn’t have a problem with Sessions coming off the bench so long as he plays more than Steve Blake, particularly in the fourth quarter.

--Forum Blue and Gold’s Emile Avanessian breaks down the good, the bad and the ugly in the Lakers’ win over Dallas.

--Lakers.com’s Mike Trudell has a running diary of the Lakers-Mavericks game. Lakers executive Jim Buss will have a live chat today on the team’s website at 4.

Tweet of the Day: “Finally, the Lakers will be able to defend a Thunder point guard” -- SI_LeeJenkins (Sports Illustrated’s Lee Jenkins)

Rick Friedman Reader Comment of the Day: “Maybe putting Blake back into the backup role he is most suited for will help him relax and start playing ball again. Sessions is providing the leadership the Lakers need from their point guard and makes the game easier for the starters as well as the bench mob.” -- BaylorFan

— Mark Medina

Email the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com