Los Angeles Lakers defeat Minnesota Timberwolves, 99-94

LOS ANGELES - Already undermanned and overmatched, the Timberwolves' road back to respectability took another detour Tuesday when they determined starting point guard Luke Ridnour will miss at least the next week because of that strained left hamstring.

Ridnour was examined by a doctor Monday in Los Angeles after leaving Sunday's game in Houston in the first half. He was told to rest the hamstring until next Tuesday, when he will be evaluated again.

"I just want to g...

LOS ANGELES - In an hour of need, Timberwolves coach Kurt Rambis sought inspiration for a team battered physically and emotionally, and he just might have found some in an old friend Tuesday night at Staples Center.

Former teammate Magic Johnson's pregame visit to the Wolves' locker room didn't fuel a colossal upset. The Lakers remained unbeaten (8-0) anyway with a 99-94 victory, but at least this one remained in question until the final minutes, something you couldn't ...