Andrew Bynum admits poor effort in loss to Denver (Web links)

--The Times’ Bill Plaschke remains troubled with Andrew Bynum’s admission that he wasn’t prepared physically or mentally in the Lakers’ Game 3 loss Friday to the Denver Nuggets.

--The Times’ Mike Bresnahan focuses on the Lakers’ poor rebounding in games 2 and 3 vs. Denver.

--The Times’ Ben Bolch highlights the Nuggets’ contributions from JaVale McGee and Kenneth Faried in Denver’s Game 3 win.

--NBA.com’s Scott Howard-Cooper says Bynum needs to sharpen his focus.

--The Orange County Register’s Kevin Ding notes the increased bond between Kobe Bryant and Bynum.

--The Denver Post’s Benjamin Hochman highlights Kenneth Faried’s hustle.

--The Denver Post’s Mark Kiszla pleads for Nuggets fans not to settle for a first-round exit.

--ESPN Los Angeles’ Dave McMenamin and The Daily News’ Elliott Teaford also note Bynum’s admission that he didn’t try hard enough against Denver. McMenamin also details the Lakers’ Game 3 struggles from three-point range.

--The Denver Post’s Woody Paige notes Ty Lawson’s progression in the series.

--Lakers.com’s Mike Trudell breaks down a few post-game numbers from Game 3.

--Silver Screen and Roll’s SoCalGirl believes the Lakers are giving the Nuggets dangerous hope.

--Forum Blue and Gold’s Darius Soriano previews Game 4.

Tweet of the Day: “Andrew Bynum, on his slow start Friday: “I don’t know. Maybe just not ready to play.” Oh, well. No big deal. It’s only the playoffs.” -- SHowardCooper (NBA.com’s Scott Howard-Cooper)

Rick Friedman Reader Comment of the Day: “The Lakers’ Championship hopes lie on two collective pair of shoulders: 1. Andrew Bynum 2. Kobe Bryant and the Bench when Andrew’s energy/maturity wanes. Let’s face it. If Andrew is going to be able to maintain consistent focus, energy, and determination and plays like a rabid beast with its head on straight (oxymoron, I know), then we win a Championship.

That’s not going to happen. At least all the time it won’t. Andrew Bynum is a David Robinson-type player. His greatest weakness is his own energy and commitment, not his ability. We can HOPE that Andrew Bynum is going to bring The Beast 75% of the time — that’s realistic — but the 25% he won’t, players like Kobe, Sessions, Hill, Blake, Artest are all going to have to play out of their minds... because the level of competition we’ll be facing is that good.

No potential opponent has an answer for Andrew Bynum. Not one. When Andrew can’t bring it with focus for whatever spiritual reasons, the rest of the team is going to have to carry him to victory. It’s that simple.” -- Jon K.