Lakers win game one over Thunder

The Lakers began their playoff run with an 87-79 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder at Staples Center. Kobe led the way with 21 points, Pau Gasol 19.

Also today: Manny Ramirez came off the bench to hit a 2-run homer that won the game for the Dodgers, 2-1 over the Giants.

Sunday read: Author Joe Queenan explains why he won't read a book where the main character is a Yankees fan: "I also refuse to read books whose characters or authors have any affiliation with the Dallas Cowboys, the Los Angeles Lakers, the Duke University men’s basket­ball team, the University of Southern California football team or Manchester United, the Yankees’ European football evil twin."

Sunday read II: Bill Plaschke sounds pretty down on the Dodgers, noting during Saturday's 9-0 loss to the Giants: "I've never seen so many empty seats for this rivalry."