81 reasons for Lakers fans to root for Hornets

Game Seven TONIGHT! Who are you rootin’ for? Sound-off in the comments and tell us what you think…

O.C. Register: In honor of the number of points Kobe Bryant scored in a game with Morris Peterson as Toronto’s primary Bryant defender — and Peterson is now New Orleans’ primary Bryant defender — here are 81 reasons for the Lakers to root for the Hornets to beat the San Antonio Spurs in Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinal Monday night:

1. Bryant vs. New Orleans this season: 28 points per game, 50 percent from the field, 45.8 percent on 3-pointers, 25 assists, nine turnovers.

2. Bryant vs. San Antonio this season: 24.3 points per game, 44 percent from the field, 29.4 percent on 3-pointers, 18 assists, 17 turnovers.

3. San Antonio’s style will be harder to adjust to — particularly for Jordan Farmar and the free-flow, quick-strike Lakers second-team offense. Whereas Utah crashes the offensive boards, opening transition opportunities, San Antonio gets back at all costs.

4-7. Tim Duncan has four NBA championship rings.

Continue reading ‘81 reasons for Lakers fans to root for Hornets’