Massacre's Matchups: Game 1 Preview
clublakers.com 4/20/2008 — It’s time. Time for Kobe Bryant to take the stage yet again in the post-season. Time for the Los Angeles Lakers to demonstrate why they are one of the most storied franchises in all of sports. Time to begin the journey for yet another championship banner to hang in the rafters. Sunday morning, the Lakers begin their 2007-08 post-season in the STAPLES Center against a prolific Denver ...

Nuggets bus catches fire en route to Lakers game
sports.espn.go.com 4/20/2008 — The Denver Nuggets bus caught on fire en route to their game with the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday.

Outgunned: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets Playoff Preview
emptythebench.com 4/20/2008 — A testament to just how strong the West has been this year, only seven games separate the eighth and first seeds and both are 50-win teams. This matchup isn’t the typical cakewalk you expect in the first round for a one seed, as the Kobe's Lakers will have to contend against a roster featuring superstars Allen Iverson, Carmelo Anthony and Marcus Camby. That’s a lot of star power.

Crucifido's Corner: Lakers vs. Nuggets (Round 1 / Game 1 4/20/08)
clublakers.com 4/21/2008 — I have a love/hate relationship with the playoffs. I love that it’s the pathway to the Finals, that the best teams in the league are competing and that every game means something. But I hate the tension, the nervousness, and the worry over little problems maybe becoming big ones and leading to a key loss. When all is said and done though, when the Lakers play with the poise, professionalism ...

Lakers Fans Treat Carmelo Anthony To "DUI" Chants
sportsbybrooks.com 4/21/2008 — Carmelo Anthony was treated to chants of "D-U-I" by the Lakers faithful during Sunday's Game 1. Well, that seems a bit extreme - much like Melo's intoxication levels when he was pulled over last week. Wonder if Nuggets fans will retaliate by chanting at Kobe during Game 3. Something about his sexcapades in Vail, perhaps?

In a Galaxy of Stars, Bryant Shines the Brightest — Wash Post NBA 4/20/2008
While widely regarded as the league's best player for the past two or three seasons, this season Kobe Bryant finally gets the Post's seal of approval.

Lakers rested, restless . . . and ready? — L.A. Times - Basketball 4/20/2008
Lakers, the West's top-seeded team, begin playoffs with a more serious approach than they did as No. 7 qualifiers in 2006 and '07. Bryant says he's hungry. >  ...

Apparently, Lakers' Jackson does more than sit there — L.A. Times - Basketball 4/20/2008
All he needs to do is what he usually does -- win playoff games -- and he and the Lakers will have another title. > Back in November it seemed like a strange move, Phil Jackson  ...

Looking ahead — L.A. Times - Basketball 4/20/2008
This being the final NBA page -- until the Lakers are eliminated the whole sports section will be the NBA page -- I will now predict everything that will happen.

Denver falls short but not into despair — L.A. Times - Basketball 4/21/2008
Nuggets say they will bounce back from a 128-114 loss to L.A. in playoff series opener. > Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson did their dynamic duo part. The ...