Blame game begins after the Lakers' deflating loss to the Thunder

Among the targets: Pau Gasol's pass and Kobe Bryant's poor fourth-quarter shooting. Now the Lakers, trailing three games to one, head back to Oklahoma City.

Matt Barnes' diminished playing time seems to benefit Lakers

The team's largest victories in the playoffs have come when the struggling small forward has played 10 minutes or less. Before Saturday's Game 4, Barnes was averaging 3.9 points and 3.2 rebounds.

Andrew Bynum comes up big despite off shooting night

Lakers center Andrew Bynum was just two of 13 from the field Friday night, but his other contributions were instrumental in L.A.'s 99-96 victory, which cut Oklahoma City's lead in their Western Conference semifinal series to 2-1.

Derek Fisher imparts a lot of wisdom on young Thunder players

Guard returned to Staples Center to try and help Oklahoma City knock former team, and close friend Kobe Bryant, out of the playoffs.

Kobe Bryant lets his guard down after mismatch with Derek Fisher

Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol share laughs over how Bryant easily scored twice on former teammate Derek Fisher during the Lakers' win over the Thunder. 'Come on, Fish is like 5-2,' Bryant explains.

Kobe Bryant is aged Lakers veteran who still has fight left in him

He controls the momentum and creates the magic in 99-96 home victory in Game 3 over Oklahoma City. He scores 14 points in the fourth quarter to give the Lakers new life, if only for 24 hours.

Lakers taking back-to-back situation one game at a time

Games 3 and 4 of the Western Conference semifinals against a younger Oklahoma City Thunder team are on consecutive days, but the Lakers chose to focus on Friday's Game 3.

Lakers don't foul up this time against Thunder

Lakers hold off Thunder, 99-96, making 41 of 42 free throws. Oklahoma City still leads series, 2-1.

Thunder's search for playoff win on road against Lakers continues

Oklahoma City, which leads the Western Conference semifinal series against the Lakers, 2-1, has never won a playoff game against the Lakers at Staples Center.

Lakers try to shake off Game 2 loss

After one of the most heartbreaking defeats in team history, Lakers play back-to-back games against Thunder.

James Harden thrives in hairy situations for Oklahoma City Thunder

With a bushy beard and a knack for scoring in the clutch, the NBA's sixth man of the year is becoming the league's newest trendsetter.

Staples Center has a full dance card this weekend

With Lakers, Clippers, Kings and cycling scheduled, things are going to be tight.

Kobe Bryant disappears at the end for Lakers

He is not up to the task in the key closing moments of a Game 2 loss at Oklahoma City.

Lakers give it away to Thunder, 77-75, in Game 2

Oklahoma City trails by seven with two minutes to play, then scores the last nine points to take a 2-0 series lead.

Lakers are getting little production from their point guards

Ramon Sessions has two points and no assists in 24 minutes and Steve Blake has only five points on one-for-five shooting as Lakers lose Game 2 to the Thunder by two points.

Kevin Durant helps make this game a steal

The Oklahoma City forward picks off a Kobe Bryant pass and the Thunder goes on to beat the Lakers, 77-75, in Game 2 of an NBA Western Conference semifinal series.