Dave McMenamin
Dave McMenamin spent five seasons as a staff writer for NBA.com in New York and Los Angeles before joining ESPNLosAngeles.com to cover the Lakers and the NBA.
Into the unknown for Pau Gasol
As Paul Gasol enters the unknown this offseason, what is certain is that the center immersed himself in the reality of Lakers lore.
Injuries just too much for Lakers
The Lakers have been injured all season, but the Game 2 loss magnified the issue.
Time for Mike D'Antoni to earn it
After a Game 1 loss, it's up to Mike D'Antoni to make the adjustments for the Lakers.
Steve Nash can't do it all alone
Steve Nash's example is something most teams savor, but the Lakers don't seem to.
Lakers: Reality of final push sets in
The reality of a final push to make the playoffs is settling in for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Mike D'Antoni defends short rotation
Mike D'Antoni's short rotation left starters fatigued and reserves restless during the tail end of a back-to-back.
Lakers seize Kobe's vacated limelight
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Lakers moving past all the drama
With all the drama the Lakers have endured, it's nice for L.A. to finally focus on the playoff chase.
Dwight Howard finally finding himself
Dwight Howard's strong play of late couldn't have come at a better time with a trip to Orlando looming.
Kobe-Dwight partnership forged
The Kobe Bryant-Dwight Howard partnership might have finally been forged.
Despite loss, Lakers still believers
Despite the loss to the Thunder, the Lakers are still believers in their playoff push.
Reality of season hitting Lakers
The reality of a failed season is starting to hit the Lakers fast.
The seven-game Grammy Trip was typical of the Lakers' difficult season
No comparison between Lakers, Heat
The Heat are playoff contenders while the Lakers are on the outside.
Mike D'Antoni's charge is to ensure the Lakers block out distractions
Dwight Howard's return changes little
Dwight Howard's return to the Lakers' lineup did little to change L.A's fortunes.
Earl Clark stepping up for Lakers
Earl Clark has earned a lot of trust from his coach and teammates after becoming a regular in the lineup.
Pau Gasol reminds us what he can be
Pau Gasol's effort against the Wolves is a reminder of the kind of player he can be.
A three-game win streak is nice, but the Lakers will be defined by their upcoming seven-game trip.
Lakers continue dud of a season
After another loss, the Lakers' dud of a season seems close to a breaking point.
Kobe wants all the blame. Not so fast
Kobe Bryant wants to take all the blame for the Los Angeles Lakers' failures, but it's not that simple.
This is Dwight Howard Lakers need
Lately, Dwight Howard is reminding everyone why he's the best big man in the NBA.
Lakers still have plenty to prove
The Lakers stopped the bleeding, but don't be fooled as things don't get any easier.
Kobe Bryant feeling fine in Philly
For Kobe Bryant, a return to Philly delivers a rejuvenation on his spirits and a Lakers victory.
Dwight Howard slowly coming along
Some forget how injured Dwight Howard was, but he's slowly making an impact for the Lakers.
Lakers' problems remain fixable
Despite the doom and gloom after the latest loss in New York, the Lakers' problems remain fixable.
Coach Mike D'Antoni says it all about the Lakers: "Umm, you know, we're not very good right now."
Kobe says Lakers right on track
Despite a loss to the Thunder, Kobe Bryant says he believes the Lakers are on track for good things.
Kobe Bryant shows his staying power
Kobe Bryant has reached 30,000 career points, and it's his relentless spirit that sets him apart.
For this group of Lakers players and coaches, summer is a key time.
After two failed title runs, it's time for the Lakers to make changes.
With no end game, is end in sight?
Lakers must learn to finish if they expect to extend series with Thunder.
After two tough losses to the Thunder, L.A. has to dig deep to come back.
The Lakers are partly to blame for the emergence of the Thunder.
Bryant stomachs illness in Game 6
Despite being sick and weak, you can't blame Kobe for L.A.'s loss.
Andrew Bynum no longer a luxury
Andrew Bynum is no longer simply a luxury for the Lakers.
Lakers' health may be key to title
If the Lakers can avoid injuries and oddities, they just might have a chance.
Andrew Bynum controls Game 1 for the Lakers.
Bynum jumped from good to elite
Andrew Bynum deserves to be awarded most improved player.
Lakers just may not have enough
Another rout by the Spurs shows Lakers may not be title material.
Matt Barnes comes up big for Lakers
Matt Barnes comes through when the Lakers need him most.
Bynum's 30 rebounds lift a leaderless L.A. squad over the Spurs.
Andrew Bynum will be key for Lakers
Despite his recent missteps, Andrew Bynum remains the key for Lakers.
Derek Fisher returns to face a Lakers team that could use his leadership.
Ramon Sessions fitting in just fine
Ramon Sessions is earning plenty of praise and fast becoming Kobe-approved.
Lakers can't build consistency
Mental lapses have prevented the Lakers from gaining momentum this season.
Be patient with Ramon Sessions
Ramon Sessions will take time to adjust, but when he does, he'll help the team.
Andrew Bynum playing 'different' now
With Andrew Bynum playing 'different' now, Lakers seem poised to make a run.
Andrew Bynum steps up as closer
Kobe Bryant's trust in Andrew Bynum grows, and Lakers are rewarded.
Kobe Bryant willing Lakers to win
The NBA's leading scorer has already faced a full season's worth of adversity.
Lakers' players running the show
Forget management. Kobe, Fish and Gasol are setting the tone in Los Angeles.
Lakers used to handling adversity
Bryant's statements didn't throw the Lakers off their game against the Blazers.
Lakers believing in their potential
The Lakers are starting to become believers in their playoff potential.
Bynum no longer a luxury for the Lakers
Production from Andrew Bynum is no longer a bonus but a necessity for Lakers.
Time running out on a great rivalry
How many classics do these Lakers and Celtics have left as currently constructed?
Talk to Kobe when he scores sixth ring
Kobe passes Shaq en route to 5th all-time in scoring but he wants a sixth ring.
Lakers can't find any fire on road
One of the Lakers' consistencies so far is their inability to give effort on the road.
The Lakers and Pau Gasol find what they've been searching for.
Kobe can't hold all the keys to scoring
To solve woes on offense, Lakers must resist urge to let Kobe Bryant run loose.
If L.A. can't win away from Staples, it will get more road games in the playoffs.
Not-so-easy pickings for Lakers
The Lakers face some big challenges during their current six-game stretch.
Bryant continues torrid pace with 48-point barrage against Phoenix.
In Bynum, Bryant sees some of himself
Andrew Bynum and Kobe Bryant share a determination to overcome injury.
Lakers' center says he's only just beginning
Lakers show encouraging signs, despite their opening night loss.
Mike Brown brings his own style
Mike Brown brings a different coaching style to practice, and players notice.
Lakers need youth, not experience
Odds are better that potential talent could help L.A. more than an aging superstar.
The NBA's tentative deal might hurt in the future, but L.A. has a title shot again.
The great Carrier Classic wasn't immune to talk of the continuing NBA lockout.
Concessions that could end the lockout
Four concessions the players and owners could make that would end the lockout.
Kobe Bryant should focus on the NBA
Flirtation with Virtus Bologna distracts from business at hand
Five ways NBA lockout affects Lakers
Rules. Limits on salaries. Some kind of cap. How will it affect the Lakers?
Lakers at a coaching crossroads
Based on the coaching candidates, L.A. could go in very different directions.
Uncomfortable questions begin for L.A.
Can the Lakers cure what ails them in an uncertain off-season?
Lakers past inspirational speeches
Lakers know what needs to be done, but the question is, can they do it?
Lakers have fallen short all season
Lakers have fallen short all season; Game 3 was no different.
Pau Gasol searching for his Black Swan
Everyone -- even Pau Gasol -- is concerned for the Lakers' power forward.
Lakers can't change Mavs' game
The Lakers let the Mavs do exactly what they planned against them in Game 1.
23 reasons to watch Lakers vs. Mavs
23 reasons to watch Lakers vs. Mavs, in honor of their last postseason meeting.
The message has been sent to the NBA: the Lakers aren't taking it anymore.
It's best to trust Kobe Bryant
After his Game 5 performance, maybe it's time to trust Kobe Bryant.
Kobe Bryant's ankle another plot twist
All attention will be on the Lakers' star and his bum ankle versus the Hornets.
Lakers have no solution for Chris Paul
Chris Paul poses problems for the Lakers in a way only superstars can.
Ron Artest assumes utility role
Ron Artest has quietly become the most versatile player on the Lakers.
Pau Gasol finds his missing game
Pau Gasol broke out of his slump just in time to put Game 3 out of reach.
Lakers' early guard changes succeed
By switching Kobe to guard Chris Paul, the Lakers limited the Hornets' leader.
Lakers' other guys lift team in Game 2
The Lakers beat the Hornets in Game 2 thanks to everyone but Kobe and Pau.
These Lakers aren't strangers to upsets
Lakers' confounding Game 1 loss is an extension of a strange season.
All signs point to the Lakers being able to roll over the Hornets.
Dave McMenamin justifies his first NBA postseason awards ballot submission.
Andrew Bynum's injury reveals issues
Andrew Bynum's latest injury puts the Lakers' recent issues into focus.
Lakers' backs are now against the wall
Mired in a five-game losing streak, the Lakers find their playoff spot at risk.
Lakers dance to a familiar tune
Phil's upset, and the Lakers are in a shambles. Haven't we heard this before?
Phil Jackson turns a meeting into a self-examination of man and career.
Lakers reeling in the reeling Spurs
L.A. sets its sights on West's best record, once a far-fetched notion.
Bryant, Nowitzki remain connected
Kobe and Dirk share much in common, aside from on-court team success.
Trevor Ariza looks back fondly
Former Laker Trevor Ariza looks to help carry his new team to the postseason.
Lakers' Lamar Odom is makes a good case for the Sixth Man of the Year award.
Kobe Bryant rises above his injuries
Kobe Bryant overcame his cold shooting streak when L.A. needed him most.
Health always a key for Lakers
Lakers have managed to stay healthy in contrast to teams like Portland.
Despite success this season, the Wolves' Kevin Love has struggled against L.A.
Andrew Bynum's confidence soaring
Andrew Bynum is smiling a lot lately, and the Lakers couldn't be more pleased.
Lakers simply need to win in Dallas
For the Lakers, it's quite simple: Go out and beat the Mavs
The Lakers' ability to deal with adversity is what separates them from the Heat.
Person, Bynum remake Lakers' defense
Andrew Bynum relishes his new role and L.A.'s recent success.
Lakers pass test with extra credit
The Lakers surpassed all expectations in their dismantling of the Spurs.
Standing in Lakers' way? The Spurs
The Lakers ultimate test -- again -- will be their ability to beat the Spurs
By cutting his news conference short, Phil Jackson is preventing a fire.
Kobe Bryant enjoys the big stage
The big stage of New York is always a welcome sight for Kobe Bryant.
Mamba bites the Boston Celtics
Kobe skewered Boston's defense in the second half, sealing the Lakers' win.
Lakers vs. Celtics: Always a big game
Not even the Melodrama could tarnish the importance of Lakers-Celtics.
Zach Randolph and Lamar Odom: two lefties deserving All-Star consideration.
Don't group this loss with others
Sure, the Lakers lost to another elite team, but this effort was a worthy one.
Pau Gasol fell back into his old habits by letting the Celtics push him around.
In the final analysis, Lakers-Celtics will still be decided by the big men.
Bryant's big scoring days may be over
With almost two years since Kobe's last 50-point game, points aren't the priority.
With the Melo drama in the air, no one wants to talk about Lakers vs. Nuggets.
Lack of defense bites Lakers again
Defense is again the Lakers' undoing in Dallas, and something needs to change.
Mavericks' bigs could give Lakers fits
They might be struggling, but Dallas can still match the size of L.A.
Thunder brings out best in Lakers
The Lakers notched their best win of the year by beating the Thunder.
The next test begins this week as the Lakers navigate a series of playoff teams.
Don't let the Cavs' record fool you, the Lakers can't seem to beat bad teams.
Two players facing off on Sunday share a common path to the NBA.
New defense could be salvation
Focus and commitment to a new defense could be Lakers' ultimate salvation.
Returning to fundamentals could be the best option for a Lakers team off track.
New year, same problems for L.A.
The Lakers don't learn from their mistakes and suffer another tough home loss.
Lakers show some signs of life
Odom and Bynum give the Lakers some desperately needed spring in their step.
Lakers really need to talk it up
If the Lakers expect to snap out of their funk, they better start talking.
LeBron James and Kobe Bryant share quite an interesting dynamic.
Andrew Bynum gives Lakers big lift
His numbers weren't dazzling, but all the Lakers were better with Bynum back.
Lakers on familiar turf with Obama
The president met most of the Lakers last year at the White House.
Lakers hope for an early Christmas
Nothing would make the Lakers happier than getting Andrew Bynum back.
The Lakers fell into the same defenseless pattern in their loss at Chicago.
Closers (even Kobe) need a night off
All closers, even the Lakers' Kobe Bryant, need a night off now and then.
Ron Artest learning another role
As Matt Barnes' presence increases, Artest is taking the team approach.
The issues are beginning to pile up while the Lakers figure out how to win again.
Lakers dealing with a little adversity
There are chinks in the Lakers armor, yes, but good luck finding any real holes.
Lakers' growth measured by depth
The scariest thing about the Lakers these days is that they have grown a bench.
Kobe says winning is his only motivation, but some think it's more than that.
Road trip puts shine on L.A. life
After stops in Milwaukee, Detroit and Minneapolis, L.A. looks pretty good.
Despite early talk of record-breaking, Phil Jackson isn't counting his chips yet.
Shannon Brown elevates his game
Lakers benefit from Shannon Brown's quickness and precision on opening night.
The path to a Lakers' three-peat will likely run through the Spaniard in the paint.
Curtain goes up on Lakers' show
As the curtain rises, the Lakers' show is as compelling as ever.
Humility carried Jerry Buss to HOF
Jerry Buss' induction into the Hall of Fame is a testament to his humility.
Odom the grizzled vet in this bunch
With USA Basketball, Lamar Odom takes on the role of leader quite easily.
Derrick Caracter has slimmed down and has a shot at making the team.
Lakers working on details of roster
The Lakers are working on their roster and can go in a number of directions.
Mixed debut for Clippers rookies
The Clippers rookies showed flashes of brilliance, but are a work in progress.
If Derek Fisher leaves for Miami, he risks tarnishing his image.
Look out L.A., Ron Artest has arrived
Lakers' Ron Artest has his ring, a new single, and he's ready to party.
Reflections on the Lakers' title run and the moments we won't forget.
Lakers hope to keep this feeling
The Lakers' bench finally stepped up in Game 6. Now it needs a similar effort.
Lakers finally play like champs
By playing with urgency, the Lakers force what promises to be an epic Game 7.
Defense leaves Lakers in Game 5
The Lakers abandoned their defensive mantra, and now are in danger of losing.
Tony Allen has taken Kobe out of the game when guarding him in the Finals.
Lakers make up for Mamba's misses
Fisher, Odom, Artest & Co. stepped up when Bryant couldn't in Game 3.
Lakers break down in stretch run
Eight misses and three turnovers were the Lakers' undoing in Game 2.
Lakers hit 'Easy' button in win
Lakers hit "Easy" button en route to Game 1 win.
The Lakers have to play tougher than in 2008 if they want to beat Boston.
Artest may get the glory, but the Lakers' win goes to the whole team.
Kobe Bryant cited the Lakers' lack of defense as the reason for their losses.
Lack of execution hurts Lakers
Suns shoot 42 free throws (20 by Stoudemire) to the Lakers' 18.
Andrew Bynum forgoes knee surgery to finish a playoff run he missed last year.
Artest shaking Ariza comparisons
Ron Artest's recent numbers prove he's a better fit for the Lakers than Trevor Ariza.
Unfounded stigma still following Bryant
Kobe Bryant didn't deserve so much criticism four years ago.
Odom's effort locks Lakers' win
Lamar Odom's Game 1 performance shows why the Lakers need him.
Lakers' troubles a distant memory
All the Lakers needed to do is step up to erase their cloud of issues.
Lakers beat Jazz from the outside
The Lakers became surprisingly proficient from the 3-point line in Game 3.
Lakers' Fisher has all the answers
Lakers' Fisher has seen and conquered adversity on and off the court.
Injuries don't get in Lakers' way
The Lakers have quickly become a team that won't let injuries get in the way.
Williams' speed a challenge for Artest
Lakers' Ron Artest puts his experience against Deron Williams' speed.
Bryant showed L.A. and the Jazz his teeth and grit in the Lakers' Game 1 win.
Defense was the constant for Lakers
The Lakers had their struggles, but defense carried them past the Thunder.
Lakers want to shut multiple doors
The big question for Game 6 vs. Thunder? Which Lakers team will show up.
Not knowing which team will show up each game is part of the Lakers' charm.
Problems are piling up for Lakers
Problems have piled up quickly for the Lakers and there's growing concern.
Poor fourth quarter buries Lakers
The Lakers played three good quarters, but poor play at the end lost the game.
Nothing reserved about Lakers' Powell
Powell, the end-of-the-bench reserve, is a Lakers team leader.
Kobe Bryant returned to fundamentals in the Lakers' Game 2 victory.
Bynum improves Lakers' chances
The return of Andrew Bynum lifted the Lakers around him in Game 1.
Kobe's shooting through the pain
As the NBA playoffs begin, Kobe Bryant has already had to overcome a year's worth of bumps and bruises.
Bench gets chance to rise again
With the playoffs looming, it's a chance for the Lakers' bench to rise again.
The Lakers might be struggling, but Pau Gasol is ready for the playoffs.
Numbers can tell story with Lakers
The numbers can tell much of the story when it comes to the Lakers.
The Lakers' switch-flipping confidence might spell trouble in the playoffs.
The Lakers are struggling with their execution of the triangle.
Lamar Odom doesn't let his injury shoulder any of the blame.
When Bryant shares, Lakers excel
Kobe Bryant the passer is always appreciated by the Lakers.
Beyond success for Jackson, Rambis
Phil Jackson and Kurt Rambis learn as much from losing than winning.
A night of candor with Craig Hodges
The Lakers' assistant unplugged. Talks Lakers, Kobe and the triangle.
Lakers look to pick up the pace heading into the NBA Playoffs.
Lakers answer the urgency call
Lakers finally take their cue for urgency from quite an unlikely source.
Kobe Bryant calls the last-second win over the Raptors 'garbage.'
Figuring out the Lakers' struggles is a lesson in conflict.
Lakers now have plenty to prove
In this Finals rematch, Lakers suddenly are the ones with something to prove.
Jackson earns pay on this night
After losing big at Charlotte, a lot of teams would panic. Not the Lakers.
Lakers silence Denver as rivalry grows
The Lakers' rivalry with the Nuggets has grown into an all-out battle.
Despite numbers, Bryant has last word
Despite what numbers might say, Kobe Bryant always gets the last word.
Lamar Odom has plenty of unfinished business in the Olympics.
Gasol (Marc) deserves some respect
Pau's younger brother was not a throw-in in the trade that brought Pau to L.A.
Lakers need to learn from this loss
The Lakers finally lost without injured Kobe Bryant and there are lessons.
Ron Artest has been slow to pick up the Lakers' playbook, but is improving.
Rumors of Lakers' trades don't make sense when you crunch the numbers.
Pau Gasol kept to his non-flashy productive style in his 6th All-Star Game.
Shannon Brown wants to be known for more than just being a dunker.
Some Lakers will be busy this weekend in Dallas for the NBA's All-Star Game.
Pau Gasol's intellectual approach has boosted the Lakers in Bryant's absence.
Lakers pundits need to start trusting Kobe Bryant on his playing status.
No excuses for Lakers in victory
The Lakers had every reason not to win at Portland but somehow did.
Mamba's misinformed medics silenced
Mamba's misinformed medics need to stop doubting Bryant
Jackson's burned bridges repaired
Phil Jackson passing Pat Riley in the record books signifies mended wounds.
Passing West highlights season
For Kobe Bryant, eclipsing Jerry West highlights a record-setting year.
Quick guards a concern for Lakers
The Lakers' inability to slow quick guards remains a major problem.
Do Lakers need to be tough to win?
The big question is whether the Lakers need to be tough to beat the Celtics.
Artest feeling like his old self
With his feet feeling better, Ron Artest has one his best games as a Laker.
Andrew Bynum should be on this year's substitute All-Star list.
Inspired by the president's speech the day before, the Lakers dominate.
The Lakers' visit to the White House was an emotional honor for team, family.
The Lakers are better off with Kobe Bryant, broken finger and all.
Gasol forgets ... and that's good
Pau Gasol put a bad night behind him and helped the Lakers beat the Knicks.
The Lakers continue to have trouble winning games against physical teams.
Kobe Bryant becomes the youngest NBA player ever to reach 25,000 points.
No question about game's importance
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The Lakers-Magic NBA Finals rematch was upstaged by a couple of backups.
Bynum, Gasol play together nicely
Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol prove they can be a dynamic force for the Lakers.
Bryant, Fisher among NBA's ironmen
Kobe Bryant gets a lot of credit for being tough, but so should Derek Fisher.
The Lakers finally became a team Wednesday night in Dallas.
Some wondering who the Lakers are
After another road loss, it's hard to know who the real Lakers are.
Trading Bynum doesn't add up for Lakers
Trading Andrew Bynum doesn't add up for the Lakers.
Blazers' Webster gets to defend his idol
Blazers forward Martell Webster gets to defend his idol Kobe Bryant.
Lesson: Don't take win, loss for granted
Imagine: The Lakers learned something from the Clippers on Wednesday.
Rockets GM has a theory about height -- it's overrated.
Lakers bench busts out in rout
The Lakers' defeat of the Mavs was a true team win.
Kobe's hot when Lakers need him most
Kobe Bryant's hot streak could not have come at a better time for the Lakers.
Brand on L.A. return: "No hard feelings"
Elton Brand has no hard feelings toward the Clippers.
Artest's memory of concussion unclear
Ron Artest may be a distraction through no fault of his own.
Artest's value proved in absence
The Lakers were without Ron Artest on Monday, and it showed.
On a court full of seven-footers, Kobe rises above
On a court full of seven-footers, Kobe rises above them all.
Loss shows flaws in Lakers' abilities
Does this Lakers team just not remember what it is like to be tested?
Lakers versus Cavaliers is not a rivalry game.
Gasol signing is forward thinking
If Kobe follows Gasol's lead, Lakers could have foundation for multiple titles.
Odom: bench leader or team leader?
Versatile Lamar Odom's most important role is as the leader of the Lakers' bench.
Lakers ace their test on the road
Lakers take four out of five on their first big trip of the season.
Magic Johnson tops the list of the 50 greatest L.A. Lakers of all time.
