Not much time for Lakers to rest
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.
