Since you've been gone...

A look at what's happened between the Utah Jazz and Karl Malone since parting ways:

July 10: In search of an NBA title, the free-agent Malone announces he'll sign with the Los Angeles Lakers after 18 seasons with the Jazz. Malone joins Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant and Gary Payton to form a hall-of-fame lineup. "Let him chase his dream. He's entitled to it," an emotional Jazz owner Larry Miller says.

Aug. 8: Malone bids farewell to fans at a Delta Center gathering attended by nearly 5,000 people, including Miller. "I say to the fans, I won't forget you," Malone tells the crowd.

Aug. 13: Malone's mother, Shirley, passes away.

Oct. 28: Malone plays his first regular-season game in Laker purple and gold, missing a triple-double by one assist in a 109-93 win over Dallas.

Dec. 5: The NBA suspends Malone for one game for delivering an elbow to Dallas guard Steve Nash. The Lakers' next game: vs. Utah. "He's very disappointed that he can't play against Utah," agent Dwight Manley says. The Lakers win anyway, 94-92.

Dec. 9: Malone and the Lakers improve their record to 18-3 after a 98-90 win over the Knicks.

Dec. 21: Malone injures a knee ligament after getting tangled up with Phoenix's Scott Williams. "I believe I'll be back sooner than later," Malone says the following day.

Jan. 7: After a 113-91 loss at Denver, the Malone-less Lakers drop their fifth game in six tries.

2004

Jan. 24: Malone, still sidelined by the sprained knee ligament, does not make the trip to Salt Lake City, where the Lakers beat the Jazz, 93-86. During a break in the game, a Karl Malone impersonator is featured in a skit, saying he wants to return to Utah in a mock phone call. The skit also refers to teammate Kobe Bryant.

Jan. 29: The Jazz apologize for the skit, which Malone called "disrespectful. I will never, ever forgive them for this. No class at all," he says. The next day, the league fines the Jazz $15,000. The skit "ridiculed opposing players," the league says in a news release.

March 4: Malone is cleared to practice without restrictions.

SOURCE: Deseret Morning News and Associated Press reports