THROUGH THE WIRE: THURSDAY (01/13/10)

24. The critics are talking yet again. Allen Iverson has injured his right ankle in a game for his Besiktas and already the critics are writing him off as done. Allen Iverson will return to the U.S. for surgery, but this flight will have a return ticket to Turkey, believe that. A.I.'s manager Gary Moore totally "disputes" this idea. An MRI scan will be conducted Thursday, but some are already predicting the results to read, 'retirement'. Slow down A.I.'s still rolling and enjoying his time in Turkey. Besides he's been playing well and is honoring a contract that no one in the NBA was willing to offer. Injuries have been a problem for Allen his whole career but expect the true crossover king to break more overseas ankle's again soon. He's made of tougher stuff than up and quitting. Besides no ones more tailored to the game than Chuck.

48. Congratulations and welcome to Andrei Kirilenko who along with his wife Masha have now become a U.S citizen. Mr. and Mrs. Kirilenko passed the necessary citizenship tests and were sworn in as U.S. citizens at the start of this week. The couple have two sons in their family who have now been named U.S. citizens also. The proud Russian has been a fond member of the NBA family for years now.

82. After blowing all the Cavs candles this week the Lakers extended their win streak to 6, travelling across the Pacific. Across the Golden gate the Warriors were much tougher opponents however. After a 55 point win on Tuesday the Lake Show squeezed a 5 point win against Golden State. Still the Lakers starting five where more than alright in this clash. With less than 5 to go in the game, Kobe got his Kobe on and took over scoring 17 points to close out the game and the GSW's, en route to 39 points. “It don’t matter who’s on me. When it’s go time, it’s go time,” Kob remarked postgame. Bryant also dropped a dime to Ron Artest for a clutch, three pointer with under 2 minutes remaining, Ron's getting quite good at those isn't he? All round player, Pau Gasol had yet another double, double, with 24 points and 11 rebounds. Lamar Odom also nearly made it double, double trouble, with 20 and 9. What was most crucial was his 10 straight in the fourth which was as instrumental as Kobe's play and Ron's three in icing the game. Andrew Bynum also doubled with 11 points and 14 rebounds. he Lakers are looking pretty solid right now.

O.T. It's been over a year since the earthquake in Haiti, but the nation still needs help and native Samuel Dalembert is doing all he can, don't forget...Michael Beasley will be a game time decision today as the Timberwolves may have to soldier on without their star...he's done it again, the red hot Matt Bonner helped his Spurs past the Bucks with his Robery Horry-esque clutch play...anything you can do, we can do but not as good: after witnessing rivals L.A. trounce the Cavs, defending East champs Boston beat the Kings by 24...meanwhile anybody heard anything about 'Melo going to the Nets? Well apparently Knick, Amare Stoudemire is trying to get him to travel a little further over the Hudson. Now wouldn't that be something? hey, Chris Paul? TIM DAVID HARVEY.