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Steve Kyler: Sources close to LA's Derrick Caracter say story that he pushed pregnant waitress is being overblown - DC being made an example of. Twitter

Los Angeles Lakers, Law, Derrick Caracter 

Lakers rookie forward Derrick Caracter walked past a couple of reporters following practice Monday and declined to address his arrest early Sunday morning in New Orleans that involved him allegedly striking a cashier at a restaurant. Nonetheless, Caracter tweeted, "The truth will come out.. Believe me." "We're looking into the situation," said Lakers spokesman John Black, who addded Caracter's status on the team hasn't changed. "It's inappropriate to comment further at this time." Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Lakers, Law, Derrick Caracter 

Lisa Dillman: Eventful morning. New Orleans police dept issued correction to its earlier release. Waitress NOT pregnant. Twitter

Los Angeles Lakers, Law, Derrick Caracter 

A back-up forward for the Los Angeles Lakers basketball team was arrested and jailed early Sunday for hitting a pregnant waitress at a downtown International House of Pancakes while drunk, according to police. Derrick Caracter, 22, was arrested about 1:18 a.m. Sunday at the IHOP in the 800 block of Canal Street, said New Orleans Police spokeswoman Shereese Harper. New Orleans Times-Picayune

Los Angeles Lakers, Law, Derrick Caracter 

He "started grabbing and pulling" a pregnant waitress, prompting the manager to go outside and flag down a police officer, Harper said. The female officer tried to defuse the situation, Harper said, but Caracter remained obstinate. The officer arrested him. He was handcuffed and taken to Orleans Parish jail and booked with one count of battery for hitting the waitress, as well as one count each of public intoxication and resisting arrest. Each charge is a municipal violation, police said. New Orleans Times-Picayune

Los Angeles Lakers, Law, Derrick Caracter 

Lakers forward Derrick Caracter was arrested early Sunday morning in New Orleans after an alleged altercation near the team hotel, The Times has learned. Caracter was charged with battery. Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans Hornets, Derrick Caracter 

The Lakers recalled rookie center Derrick Caracter from the D-League, which could mean Pau Gasol is not ready to play against Utah on Tuesday. Orange County Register

Los Angeles Lakers, Derrick Caracter, D-League 

In an effort to get their rookie power forward some playing time, the Lakers assigned Derrick Caracter to the Bakersfield Jam of the NBA Development League on Tuesday. Caracter, a second-round pick (58th overall) out of the University of Texas El Paso, played in just 40 games this season for the Lakers. Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Lakers, Derrick Caracter, D-League 

You think the Lakers will make a trade before the deadline, perhaps on a smaller scale. I think we're stuck with Ron "I jump a 3 inches off the ground." Artest.... Chad Ford (1:17 PM) They're looking too. But like Dallas and Chicago -- what do they really have to offer. Kobe and Pau aren't going anywhere. Neither is Odom. Andrew Bynum is the obvious answer, but it sounds like Jim Buss' mancrush on Bynum will prevent the Lakers from moving him. If they Lakers aren't willing to move those guys -- you have to start thinking about the Shannon Brown's and Derrick Caracter's as their assets. There will be some interest, but those guys are unlikely to net the Lakers another difference maker. ESPN.com

Los Angeles Lakers, Trade, Shannon Brown, Derrick Caracter 

There is some substance to the reports that the LA Lakers made a pass at Denver regarding Carmelo. It was reported that the Lakers had offered up Andrew Bynum in exchange for Carmelo, but informed sources told HOOPSWORLD early yesterday that the talks actually centered on Lamar Odom and rookie Derrick Caracter, who the Nuggets have had eyes for, for some time. A player like Luke Walton would have to be included to get the salaries to work and the Lakers' Traded Player Exception would likely come into play as well with the Lakers taking back salary Denver doesn't want. HoopsWorld

Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers, Trade, Carmelo Anthony, Andrew Bynum, Lamar Odom, Derrick Caracter 

Mike Trudell: Rookie Derrick Caracter was tasked w/bringing burgers (26) on the plane for his teammates/coaches/staff prior to Phoenix flight. Two years ago, Sun Yue held up a flight due to a long delay making the burgers/fries/shake run. Caracter made good time tonight. Twitter

Los Angeles Lakers, Derrick Caracter 

Rookie forwards Devin Ebanks and Derrick Caracter could be sent down to the Development League next month if Smith proves to be a good backup for Odom, Jackson said. "Hopefully, it can get these kids some playing time and advance their career," he said. Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Lakers, Derrick Caracter, Devin Ebanks, D-League 

Phil Jackson said Sunday that he would like to see Ebanks and Caracter get more experience in the Developemental League this season, a real possibility when Andrew Bynum returns. Bynum, who continues to rehab his surgically-repaired knee, is expected back in the lineup around Thanksgiving. “I expect to move them aound a lot, but not until Andrew comes in,” Jackson said. “We’ll have to have that full roster right now.” Orange County Register

Los Angeles Lakers, Derrick Caracter, Devin Ebanks, D-League 

With backup center Theo Ratliff laboring because of a sore left knee, Jackson may have to turn elsewhere to find relief for Gasol and Odom. "It is what it is right now so Derrick is going to have to find some time out there on the floor," Jackson said. "And we're going to have to extend Theo to what he can do." Caracter has played in five games, a total of 22 minutes. He's averaging two points and 1.4 rebounds."Obviously with Andrew not being there, I'll have more time to be out there and prove myself," Caracter said. Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Lakers, Derrick Caracter 

Mike Trudell: It took Derrick Caracter just one possession to claim his first offensive board. LA's coaches loved his glass work in camp. Twitter

Los Angeles Lakers, Derrick Caracter 

Derrick Caracter's contract, which holds a weight clause, became fully guaranteed on Friday afternoon when the Los Angeles Lakers started training camp. Caracter weighed in below 275 lbs. so he will receive $473,000 next season rather than $250,000, which would have been salary had he exceeded the specified weight. Caracter has completely changed his eating and exercise habits and those close to him doubt that he'll ever exceed 275 lbs. again because of his lifestyle change. HoopsWorld

Los Angeles Lakers, Derrick Caracter 

Caracter said his path to the NBA has made him stronger in his faith and resolve to steer clear of any and all issues. His weight is holding at 275 pounds, which adheres to a clause in his Lakers contract, and he is taking a more humble approach in the pros. "I've learned not to worry about the extra stuff," he said. "I enjoy the game of basketball and this is all I do now. I don't have school to worry about anymore so I'm concentrating on just doing my job and we'll see how it goes." Orange County Register

Los Angeles Lakers, Derrick Caracter 

Caracter realizes he faces long odds of making it in the NBA. But the former Texas-El Paso forward, taken with the No. 58 pick of the 2010 NBA Draft, is eager to be a part of the Lakers' drive to another three-peat this season and possibly a career at this level. "It's a challenge as a rookie because you have to adapt to the NBA lifestyle and the travel," Caracter said in a telephone interview. "Then there are the games and learning the triangle offense and a lot of other different things. It's a lot of stuff to learn all at once. "But I'm learning and adjusting to it all. There are a lot of veterans on this team that will help us." Orange County Register

Los Angeles Lakers, Derrick Caracter 

Conditioning -- and a commitment to it -- was the question about Caracter coming into the draft. Skills and body he had, but what about the work ethic and desire? The Lakers came up with a clever way to push him, as reported by Sham Sports: Caracter has a $473,000 contract this year with $250,000 guaranteed. If Caracter weighs 275 pounds or less on Sept. 10, the contract becomes fully guaranteed. NBCSports.com

Los Angeles Lakers, Draft, Derrick Caracter 

Alex Kennedy: Los Angeles Lakers rookie Derrick Caracter has signed with Nike, according to sources. Twitter

Los Angeles Lakers, Derrick Caracter