2011 NBA Playoffs Round 1: Lakers vs Hornets preview

[Colby Brian]

I hope the Lakers don't even make the WCF. The bandwagon already started rolling here in L.A and Lakers fans are annoying.

U MAD?

[VIP2000]

The Lakers got the easiest first round matchup this year. I'd rather Houston be in the playoffs. The Rockets wouldn't win either, but they're scrappy enough to put up a fight.

I honestly think the Hornets will get swept with all four games being blowouts.

[LA_Showtime]

Apparently...the Lakers are always perfectly healthy and never have any health issues to deal with

No kidding. I suppose we're relatively healthy this year compared to year's past, but Barnes' knee isn't healed, Bynum's not 100%, and Steve Blake's got pox. Of course that stuff is never mentioned... I wonder why?

[The GM]

The Lakers are going to come out and put the league back on notice now that it's playoff time. Kobe, Pau and L.O. alone are too much for the Hornets, I expect Kobe to be guarding Paul a lot making him close to a non-factor. I see the Lakers winning in 5 but I wouldn't be surprised one bit if this were a sweep.

[game3524]

No point in even watching this series. Lakers can beat the Hornets (minus David West) even if they sit Bynum for the entire series. Lakers once again get the easiest route possible in the playoffs. Injured first round team, injured second round team (no matter which team they meet there), then WCF. Lucked out again. But perhaps the second round might be interesting.

It is not LA"s fault that the Grizzlies don't fear the Spurs.

[Eat Like A Bosh]

But then again, I wouldn't be surprised if this series go 7, as the Lakers have the tendency to coast.

[macpierce]

if the lakers are in playoff mode, they should sweep since west is out

[Jr Llaban]

Ready for tomorrow

[DixieNourmous]

Let the games begin

[DeronMillsap]

Rangers vs Capitals on NBC at 3PM(EST)>>>>>> Hornets vs Lakers.

[EMERE]

Should be a sweep, if not then the Lakers take in 5. I've been reading several Hornets forums and they say that the NBA and Stern will not let the Hornets advanced due to the fact that the Lakers are a "popular" team, maybe because their a better team thats why they are going to win? Logic does not apply to people nowadays i guess.

[Assassin]

It's gonna be a sweep. Gonna be interesting to see Ariza play against his former team though.

[DKLaker]

If the Lakers actually decide to play as champs, they should win this series in 4 or 5 games. But if they feel not too motivated like they have for most of the season then this series will go 6 or even 7(see the Houston series in 09).

Yeah....it's all about motivation.....don't even have to look any farther than the last game against the Kings.....blowing a 20 point lead in the 4th against a 24 win team....WTF!!!!

They need to finish this thing in 4, avoid injury and get rest.

[Scholar]

It is not LA"s fault that the Grizzlies don't fear the Spurs.

Agreed.
The Grizzlies didn't want to face the Lakers. Is that LAL's fault? No, the Griz wanted to take on the Spurs. They think the Spurs would be easier than the Lakers. LOL

[Scholar]

Should be a sweep, if not then the Lakers take in 5. I've been reading several Hornets forums and they say that the NBA and Stern will not let the Hornets advanced due to the fact that the Lakers are a "popular" team, maybe because their a better team thats why they are going to win? Logic does not apply to people nowadays i guess.

There are idiotic conspiracists in every subject matter...
I am one of the believers that the NBA extended the 2010 Finals to 7 games in order to make the most profit off of the Lakers-Celtics rivalry, but Hornets being defeated intentionally for popularity? Umm... No.