With the Lakers facing the prospect of a seventh straight loss after falling behind early to Boston 13-4 on Friday night, Kobe Bryant decided enough was enough.

Reversing his pattern of distributing the ball early in the game, he decided to find his own shot, scoring the next 13 Laker points, including nailing three straight from beyond the arc. By the time the dust had settled, Bryant had poured in 22 first-quarter points and memories of a certain 81-point game had been rekindled.

Once the Lakers took complete control of the game, however, Kobe wasn't needed much in the second half, playing just 31 minutes in total for the night. He still managed a sweet line for his owners: 13-for-23 from the field (including 5-of-7 from downtown) for 38 points with nine assists, five steals and two boards.

Better yet for the Lakers, they snapped their skid and avoided losing a sixth straight home game which would have tied the franchise's worst run since heading west from Minneapolis in 1960.

Of course, the Celtics know a thing or two about extended losing streaks, having suffered a franchise record 18 straight losses recently. But the NBA's weakest team was no match for the Lakers last night, falling 122-96 in a game that was well in hand by the third quarter.

In today's action-packed Dose, we check in on the medical status of Wally Szczerbiak, Emeka Okafor, Andres Nocioni, Josh Howard, Chris Webber, Baron Davis, Yao Ming, Marquis Daniels, Chris Kaman, Cuttino Mobley, Sam Cassell, Earl Boykins, Richard Jefferson, David Lee, Steve Francis, Boris Diaw, Antawn Jamison, Joel Przybilla, Kenny Thomas, Mehmet Okur and Andrei Kirilenko. Phew.

Atlanta Hawks

Zaza Pachulia continues to come off the bench in deference to Lorenzen Wright, but it has been Zaza seeing the bulk of the PT and Friday he continued to prove he's still a very useful play with 12 points, seven boards and a block. Anthony Johnson arrived too late to play last night, so he's expected to join the Hawks on Sunday. Watch and see how the backcourt minutes get dispersed before you do anything.

Boston Celtics

Gerald Green is still looking inconsistent, but last night he shot 7-of-13 for 21 points, adding five boards. I still love him long term. Wally Szczerbiak has been sent back to Boston to get him ankle checked out by the team doctor, meaning he'll miss at the least the next three games. This isn't good. In fact, Coach Rivers says he doesn't expect to know more about Wally World's status for another week or two. Watch for Leon Powe to get more burn in the coming weeks.

Charlotte Bobcats

Emeka Okafor, limited by an illness earlier this week, came off the bench for the first time this season on Friday. Despite not feeling 100 percent, Okafor still put up 16 points, 16 boards and a block. He'll probably be back in the starting lineup Saturday night when the red-hot Raptors pay a visit.

Chicago Bulls

Andres Nocioni's foot woes don't seem anywhere near an end as he aggravated the injury in his return Thursday and was missing in action last night as a result. Now he says the plantar fasciitis may keep him out another three weeks. He'll be on crutches for five days and then be in a protective boot for almost two weeks. It may be time to think about sending Nocioni packing from your squad. Ben Wallace continued his scorching play Friday with 12 boards, eight points and five blocks. In the last three games, Big Ben has exploded for 45 rebounds and 14 blocks. This is the kind of play the Bulls and his owners have been waiting for.

Dallas Mavericks

Josh Howard seemed fine Thursday, returning to the game after twisting his ankle, but he missed practice yesterday and will be a game-time decision for Saturday's contest.

Denver Nuggets

Nene had an off night Friday, managing just eight points on 1-for-7 shooting with nine boards and a steal. Don't sweat it, though. The Nuggets play three times next week, but have a fantastic schedule going forward, so expect Nene to be a stud down the stretch. Meanwhile Allen Iverson (11-for-18, 33 points, five assists) and Carmelo Anthony (12-for-18, 36 points, six assists) did their part, but the Nuggets lost again with their two superstars in the lineup. I know the Nuggets need time to gel, but Denver doesn't have much time before things are going to start getting tenuous in terms of its playoff standing.

Detroit Pistons

Chris Webber is still bothered by a scratched cornea. His eye was swollen and closed at yesterday morning's shootaround, but thanks to eye drops, the Pistons squeezed 32 minutes out of him last night. He should be okay Sunday, and then the Pistons have several days off, so Webber's eye probably won't be a problem going forward.

Golden St. Warriors

Baron Davis won't play during the upcoming road trip, so the earliest we'll see B. Diddy back on the court is March 7. He'll have his knee checked out Monday or Tuesday, so hopefully we'll have more information by mid-week.

Houston Rockets

Dikembe Mutombo is looking good again, with nine points, 12 boards and three blocks Friday night. News that Yao Ming will remain out for a while longer makes Mutombo look like a good bet for the time being. I admit it: I really didn't expect the old guy to be able to keep up his production levels, but he's been just tremendous in Yao's absence. Yao, by the way, says he hopes to play in seven to 10 days, but concedes that medical clearance will probably take longer.

Indiana Pacers

Mike Dunleavy, who exploded the last time these two teams met, was completely invisible Friday night as the Pacers got routed by the Raptors. He took an 0-for-4, scoring just two points with only three rebounds and was a complete non-factor. With Dunleavy and the rest of the starters on the bench, Indy's second unit went on a 16-0 run to make the game mildly interesting for a while, so Coach Carlisle waited longer than normal to get his starters back in the game. Marquis Daniels, who's finally been rolling lately, re-injured his knee on a slam dunk in the second quarter, leaving his status for Sunday in doubt. On the plus side, it was one nasty dunk.

L.A. Clippers

Chris Kaman, still dealing with the flu, missed practice yesterday and likely will be sidelined Saturday. They're pumping him full of meds, so hopefully he'll be ready to go next week, especially considering how well he was playing heading into the break. Cuttino Mobley (groin strain) will probably miss his second straight game today, but Sam Cassell (abdomen) is probable.

L.A. Lakers

We take back what we said about Vladimir Radmanovic being a bad skater. Turns out he's just a bad liar. That slipping on the ice, hands in his pockets story he told to explain his separated shoulder? Total fabrication. Radman was actually snowboarding, and Friday he fessed up to the truth. I doubt this wins him any points with the Zen Master or the Lakers' brass. Meanwhile, Radmanovic's injury may provide the impetus for the Lakers to sign Scottie Pippen. At the very least, Coach Jackson says, he plans to talk to the man who helped him earn six rings in Chicago.

Memphis Grizzlies

Chucky Atkins took a mysterious DNP on Wednesday, but was back in the lineup Friday. Was he held out because of a pending deal that never materialized? Dr. A has been on the case for days, but there's no definitive answer. This may go down as a 'what happened to Jimmy Hoffa' moment. Atkins managed 11 points last night, but they all came consecutively during a hot stretch in the first half. He only played 19 minutes for the night, so perhaps he's in Tony Barone's doghouse. Hakim Warrick isn't starting these days, but may be worth considering judging by how well he's playing. Friday he scored 20 points with seven boards and a block, nailing all 10 of his FT attempts. Warrick has now hit double figures in six of his past seven games.

Miami Heat

Dorell Wright could get a boost in minutes in the absence of Dwyane Wade.

Milwaukee Bucks

Michael Redd's rust may finally be showing. One game after a 38-point explosion against the Pacers, he managed just a dozen points last night on 4-for-13 shooting. Consider it a blip and expect Redd to be back to his usual self next game. After missing the past three games, Charlie Villanueva returned from his sprained ankle Friday, but only played 19 minutes off the bench, managing just nine points. His production will obviously be limited as a reserve, so you may want to wait until the Bucks get him back in the starting lineup before doing the same yourself. Earl Boykins was out with a sprained thumb. The little man is really beat up right now, so don't hesitate to dump him.

Minnesota Timberwolves

KG nailed 11-of-16 from the floor and 6-for-6 from the line for 28 points Friday, while tying his season high with 19 rebounds. Sweet, right? But fantasy owners were left scratching their heads when Garnett failed to record an assist, steal or block. More alarming were The Big Ticket's comments after the game when he expressed unhappiness about Minnesota's lack of deadline activity. "Thank God for opt-outs," he said, referring to a clause in his contract that allows him to leave after next season. Meanwhile, Randy Foye secured his starting gig with a 14-point, eight-assist, five-rebound night, adding two steals and one trey. Mike James had looked pretty good of late, but he managed just nine points and three assists off the bench last night, so Foye's job looks safe heading into next week. Don't look for Eddie Griffin to return to the team this season; his name was removed from his dressing room stall before Friday's game. I don't think that's a good sign. Mark Madsen (ankle) will probably miss about two weeks.

New Jersey Nets

Cracked rib? Sore back? Trade talk distraction? No problem-o. Jason Kidd tied a career high with his ninth triple-double of the season last night, dropping 22 points, 13 boards and 10 assists on the Kings. Despite wearing a vest to protect his rib, Kidd didn't exactly look the part of the infirmed, torching Sacramento with a triple-double for the sixth time in his career. Overall, that's No. 84 for Kidd, who's now 54 back of Magic Johnson for second place on the all-time list. When Kidd didn't wind up getting moved at the deadline, Marcus Williams started getting dumped en masse. But let's not be too hasty here, people. The rook proved he could still have value even with Kidd in the lineup when he shot 7-of-10 Friday for 19 points, three assists and two rebounds. Williams nailed a trio of treys, so he could still be very useful in deeper leagues – and in all leagues should Kidd be sidelined again at some point. RJ took shots for about 20 minutes before last night's game. He's expected back in two weeks.

NOK Hornets

Bobby Jackson looks like he's finally put his health issues behind him, hitting double-digit points for the sixth time in eight games Friday with 17 points. He nailed three 3-pointers, giving him 11 over this stretch, so if you need outside help, Jackson could be worth a look. Is Tyson Chandler the NBA's most improved player this year? After scoring 15 points and pulling down 19 boards last night, he's now had at least 12 rebounds in 15 straight games – a new Hornets' record.

New York Knicks

It looks like Q-Rich's shoulder is okay after he bruised it last game. He hit 5-of-12 shots including 4-for-9 from downtown Friday for 14 points while adding five boards. Starbury also seemed fine, despite ongoing issues with a sore knee and turf toe. He put up 22 points, eight assists, four boards, two 3-pointers and a steal. Still, Marbury has said the toe may cause him to miss some time at some point, so be alert for any reports on this situation. The Knicks may have gotten more bad news when David Lee went down with an ankle sprain and had to leave in the third quarter last night. He was doubtful for the contest to begin with because of the flu, but he played and now perhaps his owners are wishing he hadn't. X-rays on the ankle were negative and Lee will be re-evaluated today to determine his status for Sunday, but it doesn't look good, even though he says he'll be okay. The injury is apparently a high ankle sprain, and those tend to be far more serious. We should know more later today. Stevie Franchise missed the game because of the flu.

Orlando Magic

Grant Hill, playing with his new, smaller knee brace, looked a bit better last night, putting up 15 points, five boards and a couple of steals. It looks like as long as he stays healthy, he'll be a useful fantasy asset for the remainder of the season. Trevor Ariza, expected to return from his knee injury Friday, dressed and was available, but Coach Hill opted to keep him on the bench as the team's substitution patterns were working real well. Ariza will probably return to action next game.

Philadelphia 76ers

Of course. Just as I tout Andre Iguodala as one of the top studs of the second half, he goes into the tank. After Friday's 3-for-12, 10-point stinker, Iggy is now stuck in a 7-for-36 slump over the past three games, averaging just 11 PPG. He's being blanketed defensively with double- and triple-teams, but I still believe he's going to break free and be a major difference maker down the stretch.

Phoenix Suns

Do you think Shawn Marion is stoked to have Steve Nash back? After struggling while the point guard was out, Marion has been on fire this week with Captain Canada back in the Suns lineup. After a 12-for-17, 27-point performance last night, the Matrix is now averaging 25 PPG in the three games since the break. He added 14 rebounds, three treys, three blocks and two steals on Friday, all the while having to defend KG. Nash, meanwhile, is obviously not quite himself these days. He sunk just 1-of-7 last night for nine points, but still helped owners with 15 assists and six boards. Nash says it will take him a couple of weeks before he's right, but even at less than 100 percent, you've got to have him in your lineup. Raja Bell, struggled with his shot Friday, but was able to play through his hyperextended knee. The fact that he saw 41 minutes of action suggests he's fine. Boris Diaw, out for the past five games because of his back, remains questionable for tomorrow's game.

Portland Trailblazers

Jamaal Magloire got the start at center for the Blazers in place of the injured Joel Przybilla (sore left knee) Friday night. Wasn't Magloire supposed to be dealt to clear the decks for LaMarcus Aldridge to take these assignments? Aldridge owners must be crushed by the non-developments on Thursday, as the rookie stood to be one of the biggest beneficiaries of a deal. Meanwhile, Magloire may suddenly have value. He came through last night with 14 points, 10 boards and two blocks, so if you're in need a big man, it may be time to give the Canadian another look with Przybilla expected to miss three games. Sergio Rodriguez returned to action last night. Watch him closely as I felt like he was very close to taking Jarrett Jack's job before he went down with an ankle injury.

Sacramento Kings

Ron Artest shooting issues? Ancient history. He nailed 8-of-13 last night en route to 33 points and a stat-sheet filling night with seven assists, five rebounds, two steals, two 3-pointers and a block. Coach Musselman benched most of his starters for a long period Friday, but not Artest, and he took advantage by topping 30 points for the third time in the past five games. The Kings are struggling again, and Musselman has to be on the hot seat in Sacramento. Kenny Thomas sprained his jaw last night and had to leave early. He's considered day-to-day at this point. Expect further details later this weekend.

Seattle Sonics

The whole Luke Ridnour-Earl Watson situation is still a risky proposition given the difficulty in figuring out who to play. Ridnour's been strong lately, but last night he managed just seven points and four assists while Watson came off the bench and had 18 points and five assists. Maybe it's best to just steer clear of this one for the time being.

Toronto Raptors

Jorge Garbajosa, fresh off his Rookie-Soph appearance last weekend (because everyone knows that this 29-year-old Euroleague vet is a rookie), has been playing great for the scorching Raptors lately. He came up big again last night with 16 points, eight boards, five assists, two steals and a trey. Garbo's first steal was an amazing hustle play that epitomized his value to Toronto this season. He lunged at the sidelines to intercept a pass and then threw it back inbounds to a teammate as he tumbled into the crowd, nearly taking out a whole family in the process. It's about time fantasy owners gave Garbajosa another look: he's hit double figures in scoring in five of the past eight games, and has buried 16 3-pointers over the stretch. Juan Dixon was in town, but with the paperwork on Fred Jones still incomplete in Portland, he didn't dress. Watch for Dixon to compete with Joey Graham for minutes behind Anthony Parker.

Utah Jazz

Carlos Boozer and Deron Williams were both back in action for the Jazz last night, and while Boozer will be worked in slowly, Williams looked none the worse for wear after his groin injury, scoring 26 points and dishing 14 dimes. That's the good news, Jazz fans. Now, the bad tidings: Mehmet Okur missed the game with back spasms and, having played 233 straight, he's not exactly a powder puff so this must have been bad. His status for tonight is questionable. Worse yet, Andrei Kirilenko had to leave the game in the first half because of a bruised knee. In nine minutes, he failed to score. It's been a lost year for AK-47 and his owners as he simply can't get on a roll with all these injuries. He's also questionable for Saturday's action.

Washington Wizards

Caron Butler's tepid play since Antawn Jamison's injury continued Friday as he sunk just 5-of-14 shots for 14 points. The seven boards and four assists were nice, but Butler failed to get a steal. You have to keep starting him regardless of his current skid. Speaking of Jamison, he's traveling with the team and could return as soon as Tuesday. Watch for more definitive information later this week.