One Pacific Division team, the Clippers, picked up a win over the Grizzlies in the day's only matinee, while two more Pacific teams, the Warriors and Kings, meet tonight. They're all chasing the first-place Lakers, who look well in control following the acquisition of Ramon Sessions last week. Here's what going on along the West coast:
- The Warriors have sent forward Chris Wright to the Dakota Wizards of the D-League, according to a statement released by the team. Wright, in his first NBA season, has averaged 2.1 points and 1.1 rebounds in limited action during 17 games this year. The team has signed big men Mickell Gladness and Keith Benson in recent days, pushing the 6'8", 226-pound Wright farther down the bench.
- Ben Golliver, writing for CBS Sports, takes a look at the desire of Lakers executive Jim Buss, son of owner Jerry Buss, to keep Kobe Bryant past his current contract, which expires after two more seasons. Golliver believes making Bryant a "Laker for life" will be an expensive proposition.
- The Lakers have a $16.1MM option on Andrew Bynum next season, but there's little doubt they'll exercise it, especially given his continued development this season, as chronicled by Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Times.