News from December 4. DeSagana Diop (Cle) underwent surgery on his right knee to repair torn cartilage and is expected to be out 4 to 6 weeks. Marc Jackson (Phi) underwent surgery on his fractured left ring finger and is expected to be out 8 weeks. LAL 114, Dal 103 at Dal Shaquille O'Neal (LAL) had 25 points including 9-14 FT, 19 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 blocks. Kobe Bryant (LAL) had 32 points including 12-12 FT and 6 rebounds. Gary Payton (LAL) had 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists. Antoine Walker (Dal) had 24 points and 12 rebounds. Steve Nash (Dal) had 30 points including 4-4 3-pointers and 8 assists. Dirk Nowitzki (Dal, sprained right ankle) did not play. Phi 83, Chi 82 at Phi Allen Iverson (Phi) had 35 points including 7-10 FT, 9 rebounds, and 4 steals. Samuel Dalembert (Phi) had 13 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 blocks. Jamal Crawford (Chi) had 22 points. Eddy Curry (Chi) had 16 points on 3-9 FG and 10-12 FT and 10 rebounds. Marc Jackson (Phi, fractured left finger), Willie Green (Phi, sprained right thumb), and Scottie Pippen (Chi, left knee injury) did not play.