Tweetbag: Kobe Bryant's "most challenging stretch" in his career

(Welcome to the first installment of the Lakers Tweetbag, where we compile a handful of the most interesting tweets from the Lakers beat writers throughout the Twittersphere. This is a prime cut from the people who follow the in's and out's of the purple and gold for a living. Also, any miscellaneous goodness from the Lakers season journey included. Enjoy!)

The Lakers are struggling to start this season and nobody is hiding this fact...

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>The great TJ Simers asked D'Antoni if Phil dodged a bullet for not getting Lakers job. D'Antoni: "I took it right it in the kneecap."</p>&mdash; Mark Medina (@MedinaLakersNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/MedinaLakersNBA/status/278644066663673856" data-datetime="2012-12-11T23:34:57+00:00">December 11, 2012</a></blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Dwight on Lakers' future: "There'll come a day when it'll all be done. Right now, we're rabbits. Everybody has a gun."</p>&mdash; KEVIN DING (@KevinDing) <a href="https://twitter.com/KevinDing/status/278701206862434305" data-datetime="2012-12-12T03:22:00+00:00">December 12, 2012</a></blockquote>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>D'Antoni on Lakers: "Right now, we're all screwed up."</p>&mdash; KEVIN DING (@KevinDing) <a href="https://twitter.com/KevinDing/status/278692049585307648" data-datetime="2012-12-12T02:45:37+00:00">December 12, 2012</a></blockquote>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>LAL are shell-shocked to have lost 13 games by Dec. 11. Weird mix of injuries, lack of continuity + resulting lack of confidence.</p>&mdash; Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) <a href="https://twitter.com/LakersReporter/status/278732032236982272" data-datetime="2012-12-12T05:24:29+00:00">December 12, 2012</a></blockquote>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Meanwhile, the Lakers begin to consider their options at point guard with Steve Nash out at least two more weeks, and Steve Blake out another two months. Delonte West is a name we've kicked around here plenty, and finally the Lakers have started to seriously consider bringing him in to help stabilize the situation. Yes, Delonte West, stabilizing.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Source tells <a href="http://t.co/Nz3sUNZT" title="http://ESPNLA.com">ESPNLA.com</a> Lakers hweighing other options at PG. Situation w/ Nash too unclear. Can't keep waiting while they lose.</p>&mdash; Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) <a href="https://twitter.com/ramonashelburne/status/278707877278011392" data-datetime="2012-12-12T03:48:30+00:00">December 12, 2012</a></blockquote>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

And, tweet of the night goes to Kobe Bryant who claims this might be the toughest stretch in his entire career.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Kobe: "This is the toughest stretch. This is the most challenging stretch that I’ve been in my 17 years."</p>&mdash; Mark Medina (@MedinaLakersNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/MedinaLakersNBA/status/278710207171919872" data-datetime="2012-12-12T03:57:46+00:00">December 12, 2012</a></blockquote>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Kobe Bryant spent a good 15 minutes w/ us talking about the state of the team. Called the latest loss an "embarrassment."</p>&mdash; Mark Medina (@MedinaLakersNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/MedinaLakersNBA/status/278699877406478336" data-datetime="2012-12-12T03:16:43+00:00">December 12, 2012</a></blockquote>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Kobe's been talking for a while, &amp; he's certainly very upset. Said he literally can't put his finger on how season has gone.</p>&mdash; Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) <a href="https://twitter.com/LakersReporter/status/278695790858338305" data-datetime="2012-12-12T03:00:29+00:00">December 12, 2012</a></blockquote>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Miscellaneous Goodies:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/NmnWc88u2L8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

via assets.sbnation.com

What's going on at Silver Screen & Roll:

• Los Angeles Lakers are considering adding Delonte West to fill point guard void
• Mitch Kupchak says plan has always been to keep Pau Gasol all season
• Steve Nash still two weeks away from returning for Los Angeles Lakers
• Beast or Burden: Lakers no longer have margin of error
• Video: Mike D'Antoni pissed off as reporters questions the Lakers defense
• The Lakers Continue Their Nightmare Start to the Season, Falling In Cleveland to the 5-17 Cavaliers
• Los Angeles Lakers demolished by Cleveland Cavaliers, final score: 100-94 - Silver Screen and Roll

- Drew

- Follow this author on Twitter @BallReasons