The lakers did it again. They managed to lose to the New Orleans Hornets to tie the first round of the playoffs at 2-2.

The Lakers all ways manage to have it easy, and just cruise into the finals where they either win or lose. But the Lakers got EXACTLY what they did not want today, a real struggle in the playoffs. The loss secured at least one more trip back to the Hornets home stadium.

The Lakers looked sloppy today. They were un-energetic  and looked tired throughout the entire game. But they really fell apart in the 4th quarter. They let Chris Paul get a triple double with 27 points, 15 assists and 13 rebounds, while Gasol and Artest had 16.

Kobe had a terrible game, scoring 17 points overall. He even went scoreless in the first half, giving Chris Paul the opportunity he needed to put his team ahead. Kobe even missed a technical foul shot making him 0 for 7 in the first half.

This loss gives the Hornets a fighting chance to move on. The Lakers need to win at home, then end the series in 6 games at New Orleans. It would be confidence crushing for the team if they had to go to 7 games in the first round.

I still believe that the Lakers will still move on to the next round. The only matter that is in question is how tired and confident they will be moving into the next round. If I had one thing to say to the Lakers it would be that it will only get harder.