Lakers Intel -- 3/16

Injuries Never Seem To Stop
It all started when Vlade Divac decided his back wasn't firm enough, nor was his desire, even with $5.4 million left in the last year of his contract. The Lakers have since experienced a cavalcade of injuries and ailments, from Aaron McKie's quadriceps to Slava Medvedenko's back, so many stacked one on top of the other that Coach Phil Jackson had never really seen a team so banged up. "Not one that I've coached," he said Wednesday. -- Los Angeles Times

Kobe Conspiracy Theory
Phil Jackson suggested that Kobe Bryant hasn't been getting to the free-throw line because officials have been told not to call fouls for him. Bryant shot just one free throw against Minnesota on Wednesday. He shot just 15 in the three previous games combined. "I've heard of weirder conspiracy theories. There might be some truth to that," Bryant said. "I'm not getting to the line as much I would like to right now." -- Riverside Press-Enterprise


Odom Has Stepped Up As Sidekick
For these Lakers to be anything close to comparably successful, Kobe Bryant has to have that kind of help, especially now that Coach Phil Jackson said of Bryant: "He's tired." Lamar Odom might be tired, too, but he's quietly improving when it matters most. Odom keyed the Lakers' 92-89 victory over the Timberwolves on Wednesday night. He had 20 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists, scoring nine consecutive Lakers points in their second-quarter surge while Bryant rested. ... Although Odom has doubts about the Lakers defense, he has become increasingly confident about the offense, especially his offense. In an ESPN.com chat Wednesday afternoon, Odom sounded an optimistic note for the near future. "Another year or two with Kobe in this offense, we're going to be competing for a championship," he said. -- Orange County Register