Ready or not, Lakers set for series opener with motivated Thunder

Less than two days after beating Denver, the Lakers play Oklahoma City in the Western Conference semifinals. The Thunder hasn't played since sweeping Dallas on May 5.

Andrew Bynum steps up his play in Game 7

After being publicly criticized for inconsistency by Magic Johnson, the Lakers center posted 17 points and 18 rebounds to help L.A. secure a final victory over Denver to win the series.

NBA Western Conference previews

A caspulized look at the semifinal series between the Spurs-Clippers and the Lakers-Thunder.

Derek Fisher, James Harden have Lakers memories to confront

A former L.A. mainstay and his Oklahoma City Thunder teammate — who suffered a concussion when he was elbowed by Metta World Peace — meet the Lakers again in the NBA Western Conference semifinals.

Steve Blake 'feels great,' and so do Lakers fans

The guard makes the most of his three-point opportunities, scoring 19 clutch points off the bench to eliminate Denver in Game 7.

Lakers vs. Thunder: How they match up

It's the veteran and playoff-tested Lakers taking on young and athletic Oklahoma City, which has much to prove.

Less Kobe Bryant, more balanced effort in Lakers' clincher

Bryant's eight assists help get teammates involved in the Game 7 victory over Denver in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

Lakers never make it easy, but they escape Game 7

They show some heart down the stretch to oust the Nuggets, but the Thunder will be even tougher.

Big is the ticket as Lakers survive Game 7 against Nuggets

L.A.'s 7-footers, Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum, combine for 39 points, 35 rebounds and 10 blocks, and Steve Blake scores 19 in 96-87 victory that lifts Lakers into West semifinals against Oklahoma City.

Lakers go into Game 7 immersed in drama

Magic Johnson says Lakers Coach Mike Brown, center Andrew Bynum and forward Pau Gasol would be on the way out if the Lakers lose to Denver. The organization issues a statement supporting Brown.

Metta World Peace expects to hear it from Thunder fans

He provides a lift with 15 points in Game 7 against the Nuggets. Now comes another matchup with Oklahoma City.

Nuggets take L.A. to the edge of a nightmare

The minutes tick down to a decisive Game 7 in a series that was supposed to be the Lakers' warmup for bigger things. Who knew Denver would present such a test?

History, if not momentum, is on Lakers' side

Nuggets trying to complete a rare comeback from 3-1 deficit and Lakers have lost only one Game 7 at home. Metta World Peace returns.

Thunder nearly flawless in routing the Lakers in series opener

Oklahoma City commits only four turnovers and shoots 53% in a 119-90 victory in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals.

It's a sick joke, but Lakers are forced into a Game 7

The Lakers are dominated by the Nuggets for the second game in a row and shockingly face an elimination game Saturday at Staples Center. But history will be on their side for the final game.