The Lakers are moving on to the second round of the NBA playoffs, although they don't have much time to prepare for it.
The 96-87 victory Saturday night over the Denver Nuggets in Game 7 of their first-round series allowed the Lakers to advance. But the Lakers face a quick turnaround before Game 1 against Oklahoma City at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Monday night.
"We've got one day to rest," Lakers center Andrew Bynum said. "We're going to get it done and be ready to play those guys."
Lakers forward Pau Gasol said the team is very familiar with Oklahoma City, which has been led by Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook for several years. One issue the Lakers will be trying to mend is their transition defense, which faltered and allowed Denver to pick up fast-break points at key times in the first round.
The Lakers went 1-2 against Oklahoma City in the regular season, the victory coming April 22 in a controversial game. Lakers forward Metta World Peace was suspended seven games by the NBA for elbowing Oklahoma City's James Harden in that game, and World Peace just came off suspension Saturday night in Game 7 vs. Denver.
NOTES, QUOTES
Kobe vs. Fisher is battle of "brothers"
--Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher have been through a lot of wars together as Lakers teammates, but this will be their first time locking horns in the postseason. Fisher is with the Oklahoma City Thunder now after being traded by the Lakers on March 15, and Bryant said the two are like "brothers." Bryant said he wants bragging rights in the summer, though.
--The Lakers' depth was tested in Round 1 by the suspension of Metta World Peace, and Matt Barnes and Devin Ebanks both struggled against Denver. The Lakers' depth gets another chance to come through in Round 2 with consecutive games scheduled at Staples Center for Friday and Saturday against Oklahoma City.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "It was good because we did it together." -- Lakers forward Metta World Peace on the Game 7 victory over Denver
ROSTER REPORT
PLAYER NOTES:
--G Kobe Bryant was double-teamed hard by the Nuggets in Game 7 Saturday night and responded with eight assists. Denver's Andre Miller said the Nuggets' plan was to make other Lakers beat them, and Bryant got key help from Pau Gasol and Steve Blake.
--F Metta World Peace said he won't go out of his way to approach Oklahoma City's James Harden, whom World Peace elbowed in the head on April 22 and gave a concussion. World Peace has said in the past that he wants to maintain a competitive edge with the Lakers and Thunder both trying to advance to the Western Conference final.
--G Steve Blake delivered his playoff career high in points with 19 on Saturday night in Game 7 against Denver. Blake played 30 minutes compared to starting point guard Ramon Sessions' 20. Blake shot 5 of 6 on 3-pointers, whereas Sessions shot 0 for 4.
