SI.COM

FOR NOV. 24, 2014

Kobe's Beef

At 1--9 the Lakers are off to the worst 10-game start in the franchise's 66-year history. Things are so bad in L.A. that a 44-point effort by Kobe Bryant couldn't stop a 21-point shellacking by the Warriors. His response to criticism that he still takes too many shots? "I'd rather not have to do that, but we can't sit back and let crime happen." Is this a sign that Kobe and Showtime are over? SI senior writers Chris Mannix and Phil Taylor discuss the Lakers' woes on SI.com's latest video talk show, Give and Go. The duo also weighs in on the 2--7 Nuggets' skid. Go to SI.com/nba for this and other Give and Go segments, and join the discussion on Twitter by using #mannixmailbag and following @ChrisMannixSI and @SI_PhilTaylor

FanNation

PLAY DAILY. WIN BIG

The FanNation fantasy sports app allows you to select a set of NFL players—a quarterback, a running back, and a wide receiver or tight end—each week for the Football Throwdown. Challenge your friends for cash prizes or just for bragging rights. To learn more, go to fannation.SI.com

120 SPORTS

A Thorny Issue

Is Derrick Rose's decision not to play because of a left hamstring injury hurting his career? 120 Sports hosts Ovie Mughelli and Rick Strom disagree. "Derrick's career is not to run for governor," says Mughelli. "He doesn't need fan votes to play. His career is on the court, and he'll get back on it when the time is right." Counters Strom, "Rose's doctor even told him [that in order to] finish his rehab, he had to go out and play. What did he do? Sit out. Players without passion are rarely worth watching." For more of Mughelli and Strom's Point/Counterpoint, plus 24-hour access to video highlights and analysis, go to 120sports.com

SI.COM'S TOP 10

1 Ryan Anderson: Love, Loss and Survival

2 Max Lenox: A Leader Of Character

3 The NBA's Highest Paid

For a roundup of last week's 10 most popular stories on SI.com, including a look at the NBA's highest-paid players, go to SI.com/topstories. The Nets' Joe Johnson, who will earn $23,180,790 this season, ranks third behind Kobe Bryant and Amar'e Stoudemire.

4 AFL-NFL: A Lasting Rivalry

5 Taking the Pledge

6 Minus One McDermott

7 Wayne Simmonds's Mission

8 High Supply, Low Demand

9 The Other Kids On the Block

10 Underdogs: Top of the World

SI PRO-FILES

As successful as some athletes are on the field, some find even more success after they retire. To see videos of athletes turned business leaders, go to SI.com/pro-files, a series from the editors of SPORTS ILLUSTRATED and FORTUNE.

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ANDY LYONS/GETTY IMAGES (BRYANT)

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HEINZ KLUETMEIER FOR SPORTS ILLUSTRATED (JOHNSON)

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CHRIS SWEDA/CHICAGO TRIBUNE/MCT/GETTY IMAGES (ROSE)

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ILLUSTRATION