Lakers Back To Work After Break, Barnes Practices

EL SEGUNDO (AP) -- Matt Barnes has returned to practice with the Los Angeles Lakers after missing six weeks while recovering from knee surgery.

Kobe Bryant realizes Barnes is probably the only reinforcement he'll get for the Lakers' run at a third straight title.

Bryant went back to work Monday after winning his record-tying fourth MVP award at Sunday's All-Star game in Staples Center.

Bryant says the weekend went by in a blur, but he didn't forget about the challenges facing the Lakers.

Los Angeles limped into the break with three straight losses after winning the first four games on its longest road trip of the season.

The Lakers lost to NBA-worst Cleveland last Wednesday night.

They host Atlanta on Tuesday.