Times columnist T.J. Simers praises Jim Buss (Web links)

-- Times’ columnist T.J. Simers argues Lakers fans owe Jim Buss, the Lakers’ executive vice president of player personnel, an apology for all their criticism toward him.

-- The Times’ Mike Bresnahan reports Lakers coaches are fine with Andrew Bynum taking three-pointers, but only if he practices them on off days and makes some of them.

-- The Orange County Register’s Kevin Ding notes Bynum reintegrated himself back in Wednesday’s practice.

-- ESPN Los Angeles’ Brian Kamenetzky highlights how Lakers Coach Mike Brown stood firm over benching Bynum.

-- A panel of NBA.com writers discuss the merits over Brown benching Kobe Bryant for four of the last six minutes in the Lakers’ loss Sunday to Memphis.

-- The Oklahoman’s John Rohde details how much Derek Fisher has helped with the Thunder’s spacing. Rohde also details how Fisher has made his teammates more comfortable by having a subtle approach.

--Yahoo! Sports’ Marc Spears notes how Lakers guard Ramon Sessions is handling the pressure in improving the team’s point guard play.

Radio Interviews: I appeared on XX1090’s Jordan Carruth to discuss Brown benching Bryant and Bynum in separate games.

Tweet of the Day: “Can the Lakers and Knicks go 24 freaking hours without some ridiculous story/non-story happening?” -- ZachLowe_SI (Sports Illustrated’s Zach Lowe)

Rick Friedman Reader Comment of the Day: “As a season-ticket holder, I value my investment into this team. I expect to see professional basketball at it’s best every game. I deserve that much. If this team keeps giving sub-par effort acts like spoiled children, pouting and complaining, I am not getting my money’s worth. These guys are getting paid way too much for the product they are putting out. They need to stop with this lackadaisical attitude and act like champions with class. This act is getting old.” -- Fanner50