Year begins with much unresolved in the NBA

It’s getting harder to get a meaningful resolution out of our NBA heroes. Not that it will keep me from persisting, as long as I have a column due that week.

Lakers F Walton out at least two weeks (PA SportsTicker)
Los Angeles Lakers forward Luke Walton will miss a minimum of two weeks with a right foot injury, the team announced Monday.

Lakers beat Blazers for 15th straight home win (AP)

Once again, the Lakers have the best record in the NBA — thanks to a little help from the Celtics and Cavaliers. Kobe Bryant scored 26 points, Pau Gasol added 19 and Los Angeles beat the Portland Trail Blazers 100-86 Sunday night for its sixth consecutive victory and 15th straight at home. The defending Western Conference champions realize that not having homecourt advantage against the Celtics in…

Miami’s Marion could return Monday to face Spurs (Yahoo! Sports)
Miami Heat forward Shawn Marion said he expects to play Monday against San Antonio after missing Saturday’s…

Growth is a slow process for Oden (Yahoo! Sports)
Patience is a necessity for the young Blazers center, who continues to adjust to life in the NBA.

Lakers’ Walton sidelined by foot soreness (AP)
Los Angeles Lakers forward Luke Walton will be sidelined for at least two weeks by a foot injury. Walton, who started 11 consecutive games before missing Sunday’s 100-86 win over Portland, has sesamoiditis in his right foot and will wear a protective boot for a week, the team said Monday. The condition is an irritation of the sesamoid bones that extend to the big toe and generally heals without…