Andrew Bynum to have innovative knee procedure in Germany

The Times’ Mike Bresnahan reports that Lakers center Andrew Bynum won’t play in the 2012 Olympics so he can get rest and receive an innovative procedure on his surgically repaired right knee in Germany. Bresnahan says it’s similar to the procedure Kobe Bryant had on his right knee and left ankle last summer.

Game stories

--The Times’ Bresnahan observes the Lakers didn’t do much to complement Kobe Bryant in his return to the lineup in the Lakers’ 121-97 loss Friday to the San Antonio Spurs.

--The Orange County Register’s Kevin Ding faults the Lakers’ defense for their loss to the Spurs.

--The San Antonio Express-News’ Jeff McDonald highlights Kawhi Leonard’s contribution.

--The L.A. Daily News’ Elliott Teaford highlights the Lakers’ struggles this week against San Antonio.

Notebooks

--The Express-News’ Mike Monroe explains how the Spurs limited Bynum.

--The Daily News’ Teaford highlights Mike Brown’s preference that Bynum rest in the summer.

Sidebars

--NBA.com’s Scott Howard-Cooper highlights San Antonio’s past week.

--ESPN.com’s Patrick Dorsey presents some awesome pictures depicting similar reactions from “Coach Kobe” and Phil Jackson on the sideline.

Columns

--ESPN Los Angeles’ Dave McMenamin says the Lakers are showing signs that they’re not NBA title material.

--Fox Sports West’s Billy Witz faults the Lakers’ supporting cast for their loss to the Spurs.

Blogs

--ESPN Los Angeles’ Brian Kamenetzky breaks down the Lakers’ loss to San Antonio.

--Forum Blue and Gold’s Darius Soriano notices some persisting issues plaguing the Lakers.

--Silver Screen and Roll’s SoCalGal argues the losses this week to San Antonio are pretty significant.

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

Tweet of the Day: “Overall response so far from Laker fans - still prefer Spurs over Thunder - some on the fence” -- EricPincus (Hoopsworld’s Eric Pincus)

Rick Friedman Reader Comment of the Day: “Perhaps the worst thing about playing the Spurs three time in nine days at the end of the season is that we weren’t able to see what a gap there is in terms of quality of play. Was there any area of the game in the last two contests against the Spurs where the Lakers played better than San Antonio? It’s troubling that nothing changed after Tuesday’s game, even with Kobe back. Just like last season, I feel like the only way the Lakers will succeed is if they just become a different team: better defensively, more consistently exploit their size inside, get more from the bench, cut down on turnovers. “ -- thomas.hicks