Kobe Bryant concussion: Masked Mamba overcomes odds

Game stories

-- The Times’ Mike Bresnahan calls Kobe Bryant the “masked marvel.”

-- The Orange County Register’s Kevin Ding highlights Bryant’s 31-point effort in the Lakers’ 104-85 victory Wednesday over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

-- The Daily News’ Elliott Teaford marvels at Bryant’s 31-point performance against Minnesota despite wearing a plastic mask.

-- The Star Tribune’s Jerry Zgoda details how the Timberwolves struggled without Kevin Love.

Video

-- The Times’ Melissa Rohlin and I break down the Lakers’ win over Minnesota.

Notebooks

-- The Times’ Bresnahan explains how Bryant remained symptom-free only three days after suffering a concussion in the NBA All-Star game.

-- The Daily News’ Teaford focuses on all the various trade rumors involving the Lakers.

-- The Star Tribune’s Zgoda highlights L.A. radio personality Vic “The Brick” Jacobs asking Michael Beasley how he’d respond if Wade broke his nose. Said Beasley: “You know what I’d do if I was Kobe? I’d sit out tonight’s game.”

Sidebar

-- NBA.com’s Fran Blinebury reflects on Wilt Chamberlain scoring 100 points.

-- ESPN The Magazine’s Chris Broussard reports the Lakers declined Minnesota’s offer to trade Michael Beasley for a first-round pick.

-- ESPN Dallas’ Jeff Caplan reports skepticism has increased on whether Lamar Odom will return to the Mavericks.

-- ESPN Los Angeles’ Dave McMenamin explains why Bryant isn’t upset with Miami guard Dwyane Wade, who delivered a hard foul that ultimately broke his nose and gave him a concussion.

-- Sports Illustrated’s Ian Thomsen highlights the Magic Johnson-Larry Bird Broadway show.

Columns

-- ESPN.com’s J.A. Adande remains conflicted on admiring Bryant to come back quickly from a concussion or wonder why he rushed back so soon.

-- Fox Sports West’s Michael Martinez argues it’s not surprising Bryant played despite suffering a broken nose and concussion.

Blogs

-- Ball Don’t Lie’s Kelly Dwyer focuses on Ron Artest’s growth since the Malice at the Palace.

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

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

-- Silver Screen and Roll’s Dexter Fishmore notes how the Lakers’ schedule gets easier.

Tweet of the Day: “Guys, video appears to show Kobe Bryant wearing a mask last night. Did anyone report this story?” -- ZachLowe_SI (Sports Illustrated‘s Zach Lowe)