Kobe Bryant salvages season (Web links)

Game stories

--The Times’ Ben Bolch explains how the Lakers prevailed in a 99-96 Game 3 victory Friday over the Oklahoma City Thunder.

--The Orange County Register’s Kevin Ding compliments the Lakers’ grittiness.

--The Daily News’ Elliott Teaford praises the Lakers for performing so well at the free-throw line.

Notebooks

--The Times’ Bolch looks at how the Lakers might handle playing back-to-back playoff games.

--The Oklahoman’s John Rohde highlights Metta World Peace’s skirmish with Russell Westbrook.

--Teaford mentions that the Twitter threats directed toward Steve Blake and his family have been reported to police and NBA authorities.

Sidebars

--I highlight Andrew Bynum’s strong performance despite a tough shooting night.

--The Times’ Sam Farmer focuses on the Thunder’s quest to steal a road playoff win at Staples Center.

--The Times’ Melissa Rohlin details Bryant’s brief showdown with former teammate Derek Fisher.

--Sports Illustrated’s Sam Amick details how the Lakers focused simply on the “next play.”

--The Oklahoman’s Darnell Mayberry focuses on the importnace of which team controls the tempo in Game 4.

--ESPN Los Angeles’ Dave McMenamin highlights Pau Gasol’s winning the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award.

--The Oklahoman’s Rohde mentions how free throws made a difference in Game 3.

Columns

--The Times’ Bill Plaschke marvels at Bryant’s ability to maintain his dominance.

--The Daily News’ Vincent Bonsignore believes it’s too early to write off the Lakers.

--Ding lauds the Lakers for relying on their experience and hard work in beating the Thunder in Game 3, but doesn’t think it’ll be enough to win the series.

--NBA.com’s Scott Howard-Cooper believes the Lakers only have a chance against the Thunder if they play physical.

--Fox Sports’ Mark Kriegel focuses on how Bryant wasn’t frustrated with his initially poor shooting performance.

--ESPN L.A.’s Ramona Shelburne praises Bryant for willing the Lakers to a Game 3 win.

--The Oklahoman’s Barry Tramel argues that Kevin Durant needs to shoot more.

--The Orange County Register’s Mark Whicker wonders if the Lakers have enough left in the tank.

--Yahoo Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski argues Bryant saved the Lakers’ season with his Game 3 performance.

Blogs

--Ball Don’t Lie’s Kelly Dwyer dissects the Lakers’ win over the Thunder.

--ESPN L.A.’s Brian Kamenetzky breaks down the Lakers’ win over the Thunder.

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

--Forum Blue and Gold’s Philip Barnett and Silver Screen and Roll’s C.A. Clark credit the Lakers’ Game 3 win to free-throw shooting.

Tweet of the day: “Dear NBA (again): It’s Saturday. WHY ARE THE LAKERS AND THUNDER PLAYING AT 10:30?” -- ChrisMannixSI (Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix)

Rick Friedman reader comment of the day: “Kobe’s the ultimate warrior. His physical skills may be diminished, but his will to win is bigger than anyone in the game. As long as he’s on the court, the Lakers have a chance. If the Lakers win tomorrow, you better start praying because Kobe is going to put it into another gear.” -- Corner J