Lakers Hold Closed-Door Bitch Session

Coach Phil Jackson called the meeting Sunday on the practice court at FedExForum, as winds howled outside in below-freezing temperatures. Fifteen minutes of it were spent on the Lakers' defense, which started out among the league leaders in virtually every category but had given up more than 100 points in eight of the last 11 games.

There was also time devoted to the offense. Bryant told teammates not to worry about forcing the ball to him. He would get his shots regardless.His message in a nutshell: If you have a shot, go with it. Don't stand around and wait for me.

The players openly questioned their commitment to defense and cleared the air with each other as coaches verbally jumped into the mix from time to time in an environment that was called "sparky" by a source who requested anonymity because team personnel were instructed not to talk about it publicly.

Still, the Lakers didn't look very committed to anything going into the locker room at halftime, down 57-49 to Memphis. Nor Bryant seem happy during the first half against the Grizzlies, frowning on several occasions and slamming his hand on a chair on the Lakers' bench during a timeout.

Maybe if this doesn't resolve the Lakers' problems, they can go on Dr. Phil or Oprah.