Lakers-Rockets: Rockets stun the Lakers 100-92 to take a 1-0 series lead

The Rockets came into the Staples Center for the second round playoff series after losing the season series to the Lakers 4-0. The team knew what they had to do to secure a victory and the game plan worked to perfection.

The Rockets immediately established Yao Ming in the low post; the Lakers started Andrew Bynum who immediately has to exit the game with foul trouble. The Rockets were more physical team and simply outmuscled the Lakers.

This isn’t the first time this has happened to the Lakers so they should be able to make the adjustment. Several times Playoff basketball comes down to making adjustments during a game as well as from game to game.

Neither team shot well in this game. Houston played with a sense of urgency and the Lakers did not.

The Lakers were horrible from behind the three-point line, shooting two-for-18, their fifth worse performance in that area since 1996. But what had to be the most disappointing part or main reason for the loss was their performance from the free throw line, shooting 12-for-19 63-percent.

Simply put had the basics been covered and the Lakers could have back the seven missed free throws we’re talking about a one point game towards the end of regulation and with Kobe Bryant wearing a gold jersey you ‘d have to like your chances in that situation.

The Rockets got a quality effort from everyone and took a three point lead that was established in the first quarter with them into the locker room at halftime.

The NBA playoffs usually comes down to a game of runs and the Lakers got close on more than one occasion in the second half, but every time that happened the Rockets had a run or their own.

All of the people thought that the Lakers would sweep the Rockets have to rethink their strategies at this point. This was a game that the Lakers could’ve easily won by playing better.

A lot of credit has to go to the Rockets for doing what was necessary to secure a win. Los Angeles now needs to regroup make adjustments, play Game Two with a sense of urgency.

The Lakers had their opportunities and were presented with several clean wide open looks that they failed to knockdown. The Lakers have to step their game up and at the same level that the Rockets are playing. Game Two will be on 5/6/09 on TNT.
The Rockets came into the Staples Center for the second round playoff series after losing the season series to the Lakers 4-0. The team knew what they had to do to secure a victory and the game plan worked to perfection.

The Rockets immediately established Yao Ming in the low post; the Lakers started Andrew Bynum who immediately has to exit the game with foul trouble. The Rockets were more physical team and simply outmuscled the Lakers.

This isn’t the first time this has happened to the Lakers so they should be able to make the adjustment. Several times Playoff basketball comes down to making adjustments during a game as well as from game to game.

Neither team shot well in this game. Houston played with a sense of urgency and the Lakers did not.

The Lakers were horrible from behind the three-point line, shooting two-for-18, their fifth worse performance in that area since 1996. But what had to be the most disappointing part or main reason for the loss was their performance from the free throw line, shooting 12-for-19 63-percent.

Simply put had the basics been covered and the Lakers could have back the seven missed free throws we’re talking about a one point game towards the end of regulation and with Kobe Bryant wearing a gold jersey you ‘d have to like your chances in that situation.

The Rockets got a quality effort from everyone and took a three point lead that was established in the first quarter with them into the locker room at halftime.

The NBA playoffs usually comes down to a game of runs and the Lakers got close on more than one occasion in the second half, but every time that happened the Rockets had a run or their own.

All of the people thought that the Lakers would sweep the Rockets have to rethink their strategies at this point. This was a game that the Lakers could’ve easily won by playing better.

A lot of credit has to go to the Rockets for doing what was necessary to secure a win. Los Angeles now needs to regroup make adjustments, play Game Two with a sense of urgency.

The Lakers had their opportunities and were presented with several clean wide open looks that they failed to knockdown. The Lakers have to step their game up and at the same level that the Rockets are playing. Game Two will be on 5/6/09 on TNT.
The Rockets came into the Staples Center for the second round playoff series after losing the season series to the Lakers 4-0. The team knew what they had to do to secure a victory and the game plan worked to perfection.

The Rockets immediately established Yao Ming in the low post; the Lakers started Andrew Bynum who immediately has to exit the game with foul trouble. The Rockets were more physical team and simply outmuscled the Lakers.

This isn’t the first time this has happened to the Lakers so they should be able to make the adjustment. Several times Playoff basketball comes down to making adjustments during a game as well as from game to game.

Neither team shot well in this game. Houston played with a sense of urgency and the Lakers did not.

The Lakers were horrible from behind the three-point line, shooting two-for-18, their fifth worse performance in that area since 1996. But what had to be the most disappointing part or main reason for the loss was their performance from the free throw line, shooting 12-for-19 63-percent.

Simply put had the basics been covered and the Lakers could have back the seven missed free throws we’re talking about a one point game towards the end of regulation and with Kobe Bryant wearing a gold jersey you ‘d have to like your chances in that situation.

The Rockets got a quality effort from everyone and took a three point lead that was established in the first quarter with them into the locker room at halftime.

The NBA playoffs usually comes down to a game of runs and the Lakers got close on more than one occasion in the second half, but every time that happened the Rockets had a run or their own.

All of the people thought that the Lakers would sweep the Rockets have to rethink their strategies at this point. This was a game that the Lakers could’ve easily won by playing better.

A lot of credit has to go to the Rockets for doing what was necessary to secure a win. Los Angeles now needs to regroup make adjustments, play Game Two with a sense of urgency.

The Lakers had their opportunities and were presented with several clean wide open looks that they failed to knockdown. The Lakers have to step their game up and at the same level that the Rockets are playing. Game Two will be on 5/6/09 on TNT.
The Rockets came into the Staples Center for the second round playoff series after losing the season series to the Lakers 4-0. The team knew what they had to do to secure a victory and the game plan worked to perfection.

The Rockets immediately established Yao Ming in the low post; the Lakers started Andrew Bynum who immediately has to exit the game with foul trouble. The Rockets were more physical team and simply outmuscled the Lakers.

This isn’t the first time this has happened to the Lakers so they should be able to make the adjustment. Several times Playoff basketball comes down to making adjustments during a game as well as from game to game.

Neither team shot well in this game. Houston played with a sense of urgency and the Lakers did not.

The Lakers were horrible from behind the three-point line, shooting two-for-18, their fifth worse performance in that area since 1996. But what had to be the most disappointing part or main reason for the loss was their performance from the free throw line, shooting 12-for-19 63-percent.

Simply put had the basics been covered and the Lakers could have back the seven missed free throws we’re talking about a one point game towards the end of regulation and with Kobe Bryant wearing a gold jersey you ‘d have to like your chances in that situation.

The Rockets got a quality effort from everyone and took a three point lead that was established in the first quarter with them into the locker room at halftime.

The NBA playoffs usually comes down to a game of runs and the Lakers got close on more than one occasion in the second half, but every time that happened the Rockets had a run or their own.

All of the people thought that the Lakers would sweep the Rockets have to rethink their strategies at this point. This was a game that the Lakers could’ve easily won by playing better.

A lot of credit has to go to the Rockets for doing what was necessary to secure a win. Los Angeles now needs to regroup make adjustments, play Game Two with a sense of urgency.

The Lakers had their opportunities and were presented with several clean wide open looks that they failed to knockdown. The Lakers have to step their game up and at the same level that the Rockets are playing. Game Two will be on 5/6/09 on TNT.

Photo Credit: Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times

NBA Playoffs: Lakers vs. Rockets Second Round Preview

NBA Playoffs Second Round Match – Up
#1 Los Angeles Lakers vs. #5 Houston Rockets

The Lakers beat the Utah Jazz Four games to one in the First Round. The Lakers have been dominant in the First Round as a #1 seed, 10-0 to be exact.

The Lakers didn’t have to wait long to find out who their second round opponent would be as the Houston Rockets took care of business at home and dispatched the talented young Portland team.

This will be a tough series for the Lakers due to the fact that it is the playoffs. The regular season does provide an indication of what to expect although it must be said that the intensity is higher and so is the level of play in the playoffs.

The Lakers have Andrew Bynum back and are at full strength; however he failed to get on track in the Jazz series. The Jazz still have some players nursing injuries. The Lakers were 4 – 0 in the season series against the Rockets.

11/9 Los Angeles Lakers 111, Houston Rockets 82
1/13 Los Angeles Lakers 105, Houston Rockets 100
3/11 Los Angeles Lakers 102, Houston Rockets 96
4/3 Los Angeles Lakers 93, Houston Rockets 81


The Lakers, as expected, beat the Utah Jazz but did show signs of a leaky defense and issues maintaining leads. The Rockets come into Round 2 after impressively dispatching the young Portland Trail Blazers in six games.

The Lakers led by All-Stars Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and a deep bench are facing a tough defensive team in the Rockets whose defense appears to have improved in the playoffs. Both teams are seeking to build on their success in round 1.

The Rockets are elated to have finally advanced to the round 2 and feel that they’re ready to beat L.A. The Lakers know what areas of their game that are in need of improvement and have been working to correct them in practice. A key will be to not to come into the series too confident or complacent.


Starter Match Up’s

PG Derek Fisher 6’ 1” 210 lbs. 12thYear, Avg. 9.9 Pts, 3.2 Ast, 2.3 Reb, 1.2 Stl
PG Aaron Brooks 6’ 0” 161 lbs. 1st Year, Avg. 11.2 Pts, 3 Ast, 2 Reb,
This will be an interesting match up of two very different point guards. Aaron Brooks is a young point guard facing a battle tested veteran point guard in Derek Fisher. Aaron Brooks is quick off the dribble and can penetrate and cause trouble for any defense.

He doesn’t have the size to consistently be effective against the Lakers long front line. He will have to have success shooting outside. Derek Fisher did what he had to do in round 1 but will have to knockdown timely shots to stretch the defense.

Advantage: Lakers

SG Kobe Bryant 6’ 6” 205 lbs. 12th Year, Avg. 26.8 Pts, 4.8 Ast, 5.2 Reb.
SF Shane Battier 6’8” 220 lbs. 7th Year, Avg. 7.3 Pts, 2.3 Ast, 4.8 Reb.

Shane Battier has been in the starting lineup numerous times due to injuries. Von Wafer has started some games but has been dealing with back spasms but will play. The combination of Battier & Ron Artest will take turns defending Kobe.

Both are solid defenders, placing Battier on Kobe will effect his offense and the Rockets need him to knockdown 3-point shots. Kobe is on a mission to win another ring. He will be a nightmare for whoever attempts to guard him. He has played the role of facilitator early and closer late.

If the game is close in the fourth quarter he will take over. He has dominated the fourth quarter of all four games in the season series.

Advantage: Lakers

SF Trevor Ariza 6’ 8” 210 lbs. 4th Year, Avg. 8.9 Pts, 1.8 Ast, 4.3 Reb, 2 Stl.
SF Ron Artest 6’ 7” 260 lbs. 7th Year, Avg. 17.1 Pts, 3.3 Ast, 5.2 reb.

Ron Artest will start out checking Ariza but will have to exert a lot of energy guarding Kobe Bryant. Artest offense like Battier’s will suffer due to the energy needed to defend Kobe. Ron Artest was up and down in the first round series but has shot badly against the Lakers.

He attempted 36 shots from three point range in the series against the Blazers and made only 10. Artest could be highly effective in the low post.

Trevor Ariza is a slasher who will attack the basket. He will have difficulty scoring on Artest but will need to remain active and could help get Artest into foul trouble. His improved scoring and range has been a huge surprise for the Lakers all season.

Advantage: Rockets

PF Lamar Odom 6’ 10” 230 lbs. 9th Year, 11.3 Pts, 2.6 Ast, 8.2 Reb, 1 Block
PF Luis Scola 6’ 9” 245 lbs. 1st Year, Avg. 12.7 Pts, 1.5 Ast, 8.8 Reb.
Luis Scola is a talented player that can score around the basket. He isn’t a shot blocker but is a solid rebounder. He was very effective on pick-and-roll plays where he would spot up for a mid-range jumper instead of rolling to the basket.

This will be a key play for the Lakers to contain. Lamar Odom is a starter but he was asked to come off of the bench to impact the game with the second unit.

Odom is a huge key for the Lakers his activity on both ends of the court are vital for the team’s success because he has the potential to average a triple-double. He will be a match up nightmare for Scola attacking the basket.

Advantage: Lakers

C Pau Gasol 7’ 0” 250 lbs. 7th Year, Avg. 18.9 Pts, 3.5 Ast, 9.6 Reb, 1 block
C Yao Ming 7’ 6” 310 lbs. 6th Year, Avg.19.7 Pts, 1.8 Ast, 9.9 Reb

This is a match-up of two All-Star Centers. The Rockets do a good job of establishing Yao Ming early in the game but tend to go away from him being a focal point of the offense late in the game.

Yao is a tough match up for whoever defends him but he is content being a decoy and getting his teammates involved. Pau will have to stay grounded and play good position defense and force Yao to take a contested shot over him.

The same will apply for Andrew Bynum when he faces Yao as a starter or as a reserve.
Pau is a talented offensive player with a wide array of moves around the basket but his deadliest attribute is his ability to pass the ball and find his teammates.

This is a match-up that Yao has to win for the Rockets to be competitive in this series. The Lakers respect his talent as well as look to take him out of his game by attacking the basket hopefully getting him in foul trouble early.

Advantage: Rockets

Bench

For the Rockets, Von Wafer played well in the first round and enjoys playing against his former team. He has scored 20 + points on the Lakers twice. Lyle Lowry, Carl Landry and Chuck Hayes have all had success and were effective in the first round.

For the Lakers, Sasha Vujacic, Andrew Bynum and Jordan Farmar have struggled to make an impact. These players have the talent to be effective but haven’t put it together as of yet. Shannon Brown has been effective bringing the team energy solid defense and knocking down shots. He was 6-for-nine from behind the arc in round 1.

Advantage: Rockets
Prediction
This will be a tough series that the Lakers will win in five Games.

Photo Credit: Brian Vander Brug / Los Angeles Times

The Lakers finish off the Jazz in 5

The Los Angeles Lakers as expected beat the Utah Jazz in Game 5. It was a closeout game for the Lakers who came out strong and played well early. The first quarter ended with the teams tied at 26. The Lakers took control of the game in the second quarter with an eight-0 scoring run.

Los Angeles had its offense working and the team proceeded to knock down shots, to be honest the starters were the ones that knocked down shots, the reserves weren’t as successful. The Lakers grabbed a lead in the second quarter that they wouldn’t relinquish.

Kobe Bryant leading the Lakers with 31 points set the tone early, Lamar Odom was extremely active filling out the stat sheet scoring 16 points, grabbing eight boards and also blocked a few shots in the first half he ended the game with 26 points.

The Lakers were able to increase the lead, said lead reached double-digits again and at halftime the lead stood at 13 points. The Lakers came out in the strong in the second half focused on ending this series tonight. It wasn’t the most impressive game but Los Angeles got the shots to fall when they needed them the most.

The Lakers were playing well maintaining their lead by getting the necessary stops, playing solid defense and most importantly controlling the boards.

The Lakers put forth a solid effort to end the Jazz season with their solid play in the third quarter increasing the lead to 19 points by the end of the third quarter. The Lakers would need that huge lead because the Lakers reserves came into the game and proceeded to shoot 4-for-20 from the field.

The reserves almost shot the Lakers into a Game 6 back in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Jazz had one last run left in them and put up a 13-0 scoring run, good enough to cut the Lakers lead down to six points. The effort also brought the Lakers starters back into the contest to finish off the Jazz.

The Lakers regained the momentum and control of the game for the 107-96 win that ended the series and the Utah Jazz season.

The Lakers were led by Kobe Bryant all series and if not for a bad shooting night by him from the field and the entire team from the free throw line in Game 3 this could’ve easily been a sweep. Lamar Odom’s activity was huge in this series; it has played a key role in the team’s success.

The activity and athleticism of the trio of Kobe, Lamar and Trevor has really propelled the Lakers all season and will continue to be a force in the remainder of the playoffs. The length and size of the Lakers and their ability to score are also huge factors in the team’s success.

The Lakers will have to clean up some things moving forward, defense, rebounding and maintaining leads. The Lakers await the winner of the Rockets vs. Trail Blazers series that could end Thursday night.

Lakers – Jazz: Lakers led by Kobe’s big night blowout the Jazz 108-94

Prior to the start of Game 4 Kobe Bryant didn’t speak with the media, shake the hands of other players, or exchange any pleasantries he was all business. Kobe set the tone early and the Lakers followed their leader.

In the first two games of the series Kobe wore two hats, the facilitator early and the closer late. Big parts of the NBA Playoffs are about adjustments and swings in momentum.

In Game 3 the adjustments that the Jazz made were to throw double-teams at Kobe and trap him frequently, he couldn’t get into a rhythm and had his worse playoff shooting game since 2005 going 5-for-24 and finishing the game with 18 points.

In Game 4 Kobe had his mind made up that he was going to come out aggressive and look for his shot early and put the pressure on Utah’s defense. Kobe scored 13 of the Lakers first 15 points, but the Jazz ended the first quarter with a 25-20 lead.

The Lakers went on a 16-2 scoring run in the second quarter to take a seven point lead. Los Angeles increased the lead to 12 points; the Jazz cut the lead to seven points at halftime.

The ‘Black Mamba’ was on the attack and finished the first half with 24 points.After letting a winnable game 3 get away Los Angeles was determined to win this game and grab a stranglehold on the series.

The Lakers had a total team effort, got into the passing lanes and got their hands on several passes, played solid defense, knocked down timely shots and won the rebounding battle.

The second half was more of the same as the Lakers held onto the lead this time and put the Jazz away in the third quarter. The Jazz collectively hit a bad note and before they knew it were down by 19 points.

The Lakers were able to push the lead up to as many as 22 points in the fourth quarter.The Lakers will be prepared to do everything necessary to put the Jazz away in the closeout game.

By winning on the road in Game 4 the Lakers put the Jazz in a precarious position of winning a must-win Game 5 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles where they’ve lost the last 11 times. Game 5 will be on Monday April 27th on FSN & TNT.

Lakers - Jazz: Lakers Stumble in Utah lose a nail-biter 88-86

The Lakers stumbled in Game 3 of their best of seven series with the Jazz and lost a nail-biter 88-86. It was an ugly game for both teams. It was just what the Jazz wanted and exactly what the Lakers coaching staff had warned the players of and were attempting to avoid.

The Lakers were out-shot by the Jazz and spent the entire game marred in a shooting slump, except for Lamar Odom. It was a good thing that he made the trip, he came off the bench and put up a double-double with 21 points and 14 rebounds.

Kobe Bryant wasn’t immune to the horrible shooting exhibited by the entire team; he came close to not scoring at all in the first half. He finished the game with 18 points on five-for-24 shooting. The Lakers built a lead and were unable to maintain said lead, again.

Andrew Bynum playing in his seventh game back from injury played a grand total of seven minutes and spent the game in foul trouble, this has to change. He wasn’t the only Laker dealing with foul trouble; it has been a problem in all three games of this series.

The Lakers have a size advantage and have to move their feet and play defense without fouling.

The Lakers were killed in the rebounding category, again 55-40. There is no excuse for being out-hustled and allowing Carlos Boozer to have a 23 point 22 rebound night.

The worse thing about this game was that the Lakers shot an appalling 61.5% from the free throw line going 16-26, meaning if the Lakers were able to knock down their free throws we could call Game 3 a close game, but still refer to it as a Lakers win.

Give the Jazz credit for doing what they had to do to secure a win. The Lakers are now the team that needs to adjust to what Utah is doing. It is simply playoff basketball.

This isn’t the time to push the panic button or for the “I told you speech” and the coaching staff knows that. It has been stated on more than one occasion that a loss is the best teacher. The questions I have in regards to the Los Angeles Lakers are will this loss help them play with a sense of urgency? Will it help them develop the necessary killer instinct to put teams away?

The Lakers stumbled and lost so far it is the only loss. Keep in mind that the win was there for the taking and the Lakers failed to capitalize. Game 3 will be remembered as a game that the team will look back upon as one that was there for the taking and they let it get away.

It was good to see the Jazz win a game at home that means that we know have a series on our hands. The Lakers will make adjustments and play better in Game 4. Some of those adjustments might be Lamar Odom being put back in the starting lineup, double-teaming Deron Williams to get the ball out of his hands.

I would like to see the Lakers focus on boxing out more to be in better rebounding position. The entire team needs to step their game up, play mistake free with a sense of urgency and look to put the Jazz away.

Game 4 will be Saturday 6:00 pm PST. Kobe Bryant has yet to have a scoring explosion in the 2009 NBA Playoffs this could be an occasion for the Black Mamba to go off and lead the Lakers to a victory.

Lakers are prepared for a real test in Utah

The Lakers are in Salt Lake City, Utah to play the Jazz in game three of the series. The Lakers have owned the Jazz in Los Angeles but that hasn’t been the case in Utah. This is why this game becomes the most important game of the series.

The Lakers came up just short of their goal of acquiring the NBA’s best overall record but lost in that pursuit was the fact that the team earned the league’s best record on the road.

To be a champion you need to win on the road, also it has to be mentioned that the Jazz have the 5th best home record in the league. The Lakers have put their depth on display in the first two games and Kobe Bryant has worn two hats, facilitator early and closer late.

It has worked so well that it might not change however if the Lakers don’t shoot well no one will be opposed to seeing the black mamba on the attack and scoring 30+ points. The flow of the game and what the Utah defense does will determine if that will happen.

The Utah Jazz aren’t going to lie down, the Lakers need to put this team away. A win tonight will put the Jazz in dire straights and give L.A. a strangle-hold on the series.

"The series is not over. They just did what they were supposed to do - win at home,'' Utah point guard Deron Williams said. "Now we've got to do what we're supposed to do.''

A win tonight will make this a hallow claim. However, he is one of two Jazz players that have been outstanding, he has averaged 25.5 points & 13 assists, Carlos Boozer making amends for last season’s playoff showing against the Lakers, is averaging 23.5 points & 9.5 rebounds.

Expect both players to continue to play well. The task will be making sure that one of the reserves doesn’t have a hot shooting night. The Utah reserves play better at home than on the road and the entire team will playing with a high energy level. The Lakers will have to match that intensity to keep the Jazz at bay.

The Lakers need to do a better job of taking care of the ball; they’ve amassed 36 turnovers in the series. The Lakers need to control the tempo, glass, get back in transition and rotate out to three point shooters.

Establish Pau in the post and allow him to set the table for his teammates. The Lakers need to get Andrew going early as well. The Lakers face a true test on the road in Utah and could face adversity if they're not able to match the intensity of the home team and the home crowd.

The Lakers need to improve defensively and limit the Jazz to one shot per possession. This will take the crowd out of the game and play to the Lakers strength. The Lakers need to play a complete game and work to get the ball inside to their big men.

Andrew Bynum & Pau Gasol have a size advantage, the Jazz don't have a shot-blocker so the Lakers need to attack the rim. The Lakers need to turn it up a notch and focus on playing hard for 60 minutes and putting together their best game.

Photo Credit: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

Lakers vs. Jazz: Lakers Beat the Jazz 119-109 to take a 2-0 series lead

The Lakers came out on fire in Game 2 and put on an excellent performance in the 1st quarter. Everything was going well from the start for Los Angeles as the Lakers shot 86-percent from the field on 18-21 shooting which including going 4-of-5 from behind the arc.

NBA basketball is a game of runs and the Lakers had more scoring runs than the Jazz. The Lakers used their size inside to their advantage with Pau Gasol & Andrew Bynum doing the damage early. The second unit entered the game toward the end of the 2nd quarter and maintained the lead.

The Jazz didn’t go away and kept the game close throughout. Despite the hot start by the Lakers the Utah shot 56-percent from the field and ending the 1st half on a 9-0 run to cut their deficit to 11 points. The score at the half was 66-55 Lakers.

The Lakers were able to maintain that lead through the 3rd quarter but things got very interesting in the 4th quarter. The Lakers started the quarter off with 4 fouls which immediately put them in the penalty and sent the Jazz to the charity stripe.

The Jazz continued to hang around as they had all game but in the quarter were able to cut the lead down to size, all the way down to six points. That was when Kobe Bryant took over to close the show and lead Los Angeles to a 2-0 series lead.

Deron Williams, Utah’s most dangerous player; was outstanding again scoring a career playoff high of 35 points. He is one of the best point guards in the league as evidenced by the fact that he either scored or set a teammate up to score for the second straight game.

The Lakers were able to hold serve on their home court. Their were positives and negatives for the team, on a positive note the Lakers shot 60-percent from the field, had 7 players in double-figures, have won 12 of their last 13 playoff games and have beaten the Jazz 11 consecutive times in Los Angeles.

A negative note would have to be the Lakers have a total of 36 turnovers in the first two games of the series, allowed Utah to shoot 49-percent from the field. This series shifts to Salt Lake City for the next three games and the Jazz have been outstanding at home.

The Lakers have owned the Jazz in Los Angeles but that hasn’t been the case in Salt Lake City. The Lakers will have to play better defense and do a better job of taking care of the ball or this series can easily stretch longer than the Lakers want. Game Three will be Thursday Night April 23rd on TNT.