ol. That was probably my favorite part about being back, was being a

LOS ANGELES -- Russell Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder open a three-game road trip on Tuesday against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center.Westbrook has been arguably the NBAs top performer this season, but the Thunder have struggled recently. After a 6-1 start, they have dropped five of their last seven contests, including a 115-111 overtime defeat by the Indiana Pacers in Oklahoma City on Sunday.Just wasnt ready tonight, said Westbrook, who posted his fifth triple-double of the season with 31 points, 15 assists and 11 rebounds in the loss. Starting with myself. I was (expletive) tonight. I could have did a lot of things better. I have to come out and be ready to play every night. I feel like I let my guys down and we have to be better.Westbrook is averaging 31.6 points and 10.4 assists, both second in the NBA entering Mondays contests. He also is collecting 9.7 boards per outing, which leads the Thunder. Guard Victor Oladipo is second on the team in scoring at 16.9 points.However, Oklahoma Citys defense has been suspect, allowing 103.8 points per game (tied for 14th with Milwaukee) while scoring 105.3. Rebounding, though, has been a strength with the Thunder averaging 46.6 boards (third). The Thunder was 26th in turnovers at 16.3 per game.The Lakers have experienced trouble handling the ball, too, committing 15.5 miscues (24th). Los Angeles also had trouble containing Jimmy Butler on Sunday as he scored a season-high 40 points in 118-110 win over the Lakers on Sunday. The Lakers have lost their last two games.Jimmy Butler had a pretty fantastic game. Hes a pretty fantastic player, Lakers coach Luke Walton said. But if hes going to do that, then we have to shut down the rest of the guys. We let him get his, and the role players all chipped in and did their part as well.You either have to take away the star or take away the role players. You cant let everyone have a night.Defensively, the Lakers are giving up an average of 109.6 points, which ranked them 27th in the league heading into Monday. Lakers opponents are shooting 47.5 percent from the floor, which puts them last in the NBA.Luke came in here and said thats two teams that have shot above 50 percent on our home court, said Lakers forward Larry Nance Jr., according to the Los Angeles Times after the Bulls hit 51.7 of their shots. That came on the heels of the San Antonio Spurs making 56.4 percent of their shots in a 116-107 win over the Lakers on Friday.Our interior defense is something that weve obviously got to get better, said Nance, who scored a career-high 18 points against the Bulls.The Lakers will attempt to return to their winning ways despite an upcoming tough stretch. After the Oklahoma City game, they visit the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday and play them again on Friday at home. They host the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday.The Thunder cap their journey at the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday and at the Denver Nuggets on Friday. Joe Greene Steelers Jersey . The team said Saturday that Lopez was hurt during its 121-120 overtime loss at Philadelphia on Friday. The Nets said they would issue another update next week after consultation with their doctors. Jack Butler Womens Jersey . One game after a miserable showing in Oklahoma City, Gay tied a career high with 41 points and the Sacramento Kings cruised to a 114-97 victory at the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night. http://www.steelerspronfl.com/Youth-Heath-Miller-Elite-Jersey/ . Aaron Harrison scored a 22 points for Kentucky (6-1), which has won four in a row following a Nov. 12 loss to current No. 1 Michigan State. Julius Randle overcame a scoreless first half and added his sixth double-double in as many games with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Joe Gilliam Jersey . Aaron Harrison scored a 22 points for Kentucky (6-1), which has won four in a row following a Nov. 12 loss to current No. 1 Michigan State. Julius Randle overcame a scoreless first half and added his sixth double-double in as many games with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Jack Ham Womens Jersey . Tomas Berdych and Radek Stepanek defeated Nenad Zimonjic and Ilija Bozoljac 6-2, 6-4, 7-6 (4) on the indoor hard-court at Belgrade Arena. The victory improved the Czech pairs impressive cup doubles record to 14-1. LAS VEGAS -- The NBAs first Chinese owner said Wednesday that he hopes to use his ties in China to help the Minnesota Timberwolves become a global brand along the lines of the Los Angeles Lakers or New York Knicks.Since Ive been a fan of the NBA for so long, I wondered if I could be part of the sport so that I can establish connections between the NBA and the Chinese market, to do my contribution for the development of both, Lizhang Jiang said through an interpreter. I not only know the Chinese market, but also know very well about the international sports market.I am confident I can transfer my experience and resources in those aspects into the basketball business to help the Timberwolves grow both in the Chinese market and global market.Jiang, who attended Minnesotas summer league playoff game Wednesday against the San Antonio Spurs, bought a 5 percent stake in the Timberwolves and is also part owner of the WNBAs Minnesota Lynx, whose star Maya Moore plays for the Shanxi Flame in China during the winter.Timberwolves majority owner Glen Taylor also sold 9.5 percent of his team to Manhattan real estate mogul Meyer Orbach, chairman of the Orbach Group in New York City.Orbach said his immediate involvement will be with the renovation of Target Center. Given his background in construction and real estate, he said he will consult during the two-year process, giving input on the construction while assisting with design and layout.Im just going to learn from Glen and everyone over at the organization and see where I can add value and jump in, Orbach said.Taylor said he is excited about Orbachs enthusiasm, while he is confident Jiangs influence will enhance the teams image in China, and broaden scouting opportunities for Chinese players while expanding the teams fan base. He believes that could translate into sponsorship and advertising dollars for an organization that now has several of the most talented and recognizable young playeers in the league.ddddddddddddWith Karl Anthony-Towns, Andrew Wiggins, Zach LaVine and Kris Dunn as the new faces of the organization, and Tom Thibodeau in place as head coach, Taylor said the possibility of a title is becoming more of a reality.Taylor also said he wouldnt be surprised if other teams find partnerships from China.I think it will encourage them. I think theres more and more business being done between the United States and Chinese companies, so theres always the possibility of sponsors who want to sell here in the United States, Taylor said. I think weve got to open a bunch of doors. And I think maybe by my bringing in a partner this will open a number of other doors.Jiang, who said he became a fan of the NBA during Michael Jordans glory years, also recently purchased 98 percent of Granada CF, a Spanish soccer team.Jiang said he hasnt thought about becoming a majority owner of an NBA team. He is focused on helping build the Timberwolves.My job is to transfer my expertise and experience in sports business into helping the team gain greater development, Jiang said. That is the only important thing for me. You can only talk about more when youve done a great job on what youre focusing on now. The rest will come along naturally.Jiang sat courtside Wednesday with Taylor, plus LaVine and teammates Gorgui Dieng and Nemanja Bjelica. He said hell make plenty of time to visit Minnesota so he can watch his newest investment in person during the regular season.NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said the league was thrilled to get a Chinese owner aboard.Mr. Jiangs business acumen, knowledge of the global sports landscape and strong personal relationships will be tremendous assets to the Timberwolves and Lynx, and he will be an important part of our ongoing efforts to grow the game in China, Silver said. ' ' '