Laker Diary

Touching Home
Time to put the suitcases away for a few days. The familiar rituals—and faces—give players a chance to recharge, although some lives are more hectic than others. Rick Fox and Vanessa Williams both have careers that put them on the road for months at a time, which is why God made nannies.

... Playa del Rey March 7th
Boss's daughter Jeamie Buss & Phil Jackson test the windchill factor near the beach at sunset. Says Jackson, She's too pretty for me."

Owner Jerry Buss and some of his friends go through their pregame warmups in the Chairman's Lounge.

March 30th
At home with Yanessa & Rick...

It may be Kobe's world, but this is Shaq's team He is, in all ways, the center of attention.

3/3
Jackson's usual pregame "room service" meal from the arena's restaurant.

3/5
Lakers stalwarts Magic Johnson & Dyan Cannon Stand for the national anthem.

Tourist Traps
Not much time for sightseeing in New York. Kobe's day started with practice, followed by interviews and then some corporate glad-handing at a McDonald's. As darkness fell, it was back to his room for pizza and a little rest. But just a little. At 6:30, Kobe walked back to the gym to lift weights. No rest for the gifted.

New York City

LAX to Philly�6...Kobe in his usual front-row seat on the charter, catching up with the rest of the world