Follow LA Observed on Twitter here
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."