Lakers v. Hornets

Last spring it was my belief that the Lakers dodged a bullet by not having to play New Orleans in the playoffs. The Hornets play Eastern Conference defense, and have a point guard no one can defend, much less Derek Fisher.

I've reconsidered this opinion, however, and have now changed my mind.

I think the Lakers have the Hornets number. The Lakers won the series last year, and breezed to a win at Staples in a matchup earlier this season.

At the same time, the Lakers' quality of play has declined since the two teams last played, and the Hornets are playing better. Tyson Chandler is in uniform, as is Laker Killer Big Game James Posey.

As with the Rockets, I'm searching for some team, any team, that shows the potential for giving the purple trouble in the Western Conference playoffs.

Purple up 19 at half. I'd say the game is not over, but read above where the Hornets have it in their heads they can't beat the Lakers.