Follow LA Observed on Twitter here
The Lakers eliminated the New Orleans Hornets 98-80 and will open the second round against Dallas at home on Monday. ESPN's J.A. Adande concludes that the defending champion Lakers still have it, they just don't have as much of it, or display it as often as their fans would like.
Sports
Lakers advance, to face Dallas
More by Kevin Roderick:
Gustavo Arellano, many others join LA Times staffPower out Monday across Malibu
Put Jamal Khashoggi Square outside the Saudi consulate on Sawtelle
Here's who the LA Times has newly hired*
LA Observed Notes: Clippers hire big-time writer, unfunny Emmys, editor memo at the Times and more
Recent Sports stories on LA Observed:
Now who do I root for? World Cup down to its final eightYes, there will still be a World Cup. No, the USA is not playing. So what now?
Dodger Stadium announcement
The night Kirk Gibson made deadline
They said it in Indian Wells
The kids on court at Indian Wells
Venus rising
USC sells Coliseum name to United Airlines