Oklahoman’s Mayberry thinks Bynum-Perkins is series’ main factor

Among the highlights of my conversation with the Oklahoman newspaper’s Darnell Mayberry on the Lakers-Thunder series:

-- Mayberry believes the Andrew Bynum-Kendrick Perkins matchup “could determine the outcome of the series.” Perkins has a strained right hip muscle, but Mayberry believes he will play in Game 1

-- The writer doesn’t buy the excuses Metta World Peace is offering by suggesting James Harden got in his way before the Laker delivered a vicious elbow that earned him a seven-game suspension. Mayberry believes that will fuel the animosity between the Lakers and Thunder as well as the Chesapeake Energy Arena crowd. But Mayberry noted that Harden and the Thunder have said little about World Peace, so there’s no bulletin-board material.

-- He notes the progression Kevin Durant has taken since struggling against World Peace (then Ron Artest) in the 2010 NBA playoffs. But Mayberry is unsure who will win that matchup.

-- Mayberry wonders at what point Kobe Bryant will guard Russell Westbrook. He doesn’t believe Ramon Sessions has a chance.

-- After noticing Derek Fisher’s efficient play in the first round, Mayberry predicts the former Lakers guard will provide a few clutch shots against his old team.

-- Mayberry argues that the Lakers’ short turnaround will prove overwhelming against the Thunder. He picks the Thunder to win in five games.

-- You can follow more of Mayberry’s work at the Oklahoman’s website and on Twitter.

RELATED:

E-mail the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com. Follow the Lakers blog on Twitter.