The Credits: "Cry Baby"

Last night, the Lakers played an injury-depleted Warriors team doing everything in their power to tank this season. The Lakers almost helped them miss that goal, but in the end won a close game, 104-101, thanks in large part to huge games from Matt Barnes, Pau Gasol and Metta World Peace, and clutch shots from Kobe Bryant in the last 90 seconds. The name missing from that list is Andrew Bynum. Why? Because Andrew wasn't there. Yes, he played 23 minutes, scored 11 points and grabbed 5 rebounds, but when it counted, he was on the bench, sulking.

Bynum was benched after he took an ill-advised 3-pointer with 16 seconds on the shot clock early in the third quarter. Mike Brown pulled him immediately and put in Josh McRoberts. By the time Andrew came back in, he had already mentally checked out of the game. While the shot itself should not have been taken, it is not the real issue. The aftermath is where all the heat is. Andrew decided he didn't care to play any more. When he was put back into the game, he was lackadaisical at best, shooting a free throw with a "so what" attitude even remarked upon by Stu Lantz, the Lakers' long-time color man. The real issue is Bynum's maturity, particularly his assertion that he will continue to take 3-point shots even if his coach doesn't want him to.

"I'm good," Bynum said. "I guess it's 'Don't take threes'’ is the message, but I'm going to take another one and I'm going to take some more, so I just hope it's not the same result. Hopefully, I make it."

While Kobe sees something of himself in Andrew, he has been "praised" for his handling of being "benched" in Sunday's game against the Grizzlies. Bynum, on the other hand, will rightly be scorned for his attitude. What happens going forward is anybody's guess.

Overlooked in last night's game: Kobe passed Michael Jordan for second all time single team scoring. He now sits behind Karl Malone. Congratulations Kobe. We won a milestone game!

Around the league, the Clippers say Vinny Del Negro isn't going anywhere (neither are Blake Griffin or Chris Paul--EVAR!); Amar'e Stoudemire is out indefinitely; Lamar Odom seems on the verge of a breakdown; David Stern says this has been a "surprising good season"; and Sasha Vujacic has left town for good.

Something else big happened yesterday, but I can't remember what it is. Oh yeah, that's right, MAGIC JOHNSON BOUGHT THE DODGERS--WOOOOOT!!!

↓ More after the jump ↓

L.A. Times

• This time, Kobe plays down stretch and Lakers bench Warriors, 104-101
• Five things to take from Lakers 104-101 victory over Warriors
• Kobe Bryant says Andrew Bynum should be handled with care
• Lakers Coach Mike Brown doesn't regret benching Kobe Bryant
• Implications remain unclear over Kobe Bryant's benching
• Kobe Bryant had a front-row seat, not that Lakers' star wanted it
• Former Laker Sasha Vujacic lists Rancho Palos Verdes home at $2.749 million

ESPN/ESPNLA

• Rapid Reaction: Lakers 104, Warriors 101 - Lakers Blog - ESPNLA
• Kurt Rambis on Kobe Bryant, Mike Brown, and Ramon Sessions - Lakers Blog - ESPNLA
• Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors - Recap - March 27, 2012 - ESPN
• Los Angeles Lakers' Mike Brown stands by Kobe Bryant substitution - ESPNLA
• Los Angeles Lakers' Andrew Bynum benched late against Golden State Warriors - ESPNLA
• Lakers Late Night replay vs. Golden State - Los Angeles Lakers Blog - ESPNLA
• David Stern says NBA season has been 'surprisingly good' - ESPN
• Los Angeles Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro has backing of owner Donald Sterling, GM Neil Olshey - ESPNLA
• Los Angeles Dodgers selling team to Magic Johnson's group for $2B - ESPNLA
• Los Angeles' Most Beloved - ESPNLA

Yahoo! Sports

• Bryant leads Lakers past Warriors, 104-101
• Ricky Rubio could be top factor in keeping Kevin Love happy with the Timberwolves
• Lakers' Andrew Bynum plans to keep shooting 3-pointers -- even after coach's benching
• Kobe Bryant jokes he wanted in on Magic Johnson's purchase of Dodgers
• Memphis probably doesn’t have to worry about losing its Grizzlies | Ball Don't Lie
• A ‘broke’ and ‘sick’ Dennis Rodman is way behind on his child support payments | Ball Don't Lie

Orange County Register

• Bryant rallies Lakers
• Fisher would’ve lost his voice on Lakers’ bench
• Kobe can see himself in Andrew Bynum now
• Mike Brown on ‘fuss’ over Kobe getting rest time - Lakers blog
• Ramon Sessions shows leadership potential - Lakers blog
• Jordan Hill re-injures MCL in right knee - Lakers blog

ProBasketballTalk/SLAMonline

• Andrew Bynum’s turn to be benched by Mike Brown after taking three | ProBasketballTalk
• SLAM ONLINE | " Andrew Bynum Doesn’t Understand Benching, Will Shoot More Threes
• SLAM ONLINE | " A Less Than Golden State
• David Stern says league will discuss adding goaltending calls to instant replay list | ProBasketballTalk
• Odom says he is confused, hurt by boos in Dallas | ProBasketballTalk

Lakers Nation

• Video: The Reason Mike Brown Benched Andrew Bynum vs. the Warriors
• Lakers Finish Warriors Despite Benched Andrew Bynum
• A Look Ahead: The Lakers Forecast Shows Thunder
• ESPN NBA Playoff Predictor has Lakers Beating Grizzlies in Playoffs

Other Links

• Forum Blue And Gold " Lakers/Warriors: A Crazy, Crazy Game
• LAL 104, GSW 101: March 27 Running Diary " Lakers Blog
• Notebook: Lakers 104, Warriors 101
• With Amar'e Stoudemire out indefinitely, Knicks' hopes hinge on Carmelo Anthony - Chris Mannix - SI.com
• Is Bynum Lakers' new leader?
• Lakers coach Mike Brown benches Andrew Bynum after three-point shot - CBSSports
• NBA Recap - Oklahoma City Thunder at Portland Trail Blazers - Mar 27, 2012 - CBSSports.com
• Breaking Down the N.B.A.'s Transition Specialists - NYTimes.com
• Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Is Still Expanding His Horizons - NYTimes.com
• Sterling supports Del Negro, says he's never letting Griffin or Paul go - CBSSports