Live discussion: Will the Lakers make the playoffs?

Join Times Lakers blogger Eric Pincus and Clippers writer Brad Turner at 11:30 a.m. today for a live discussion on the Lakers, Clippers and their chances of either making the playoffs (Lakers) or advancing far into the postseason (Clippers). It has certainly been a roller-coaster season for the Lakers, who can never seem to quite get over .500.

As Times Lakers reporter Mike Bresnahan wrote after the loss to Oklahoma City on Tuesday,

“The Lakers (30-31) were actually in the mix after Steve Nash‘s three-pointer brought them within 110-105 with 6:14 left. They didn’t score again, missing their last nine shots.

“They also added another curiosity to an already untenable season by forcing only two turnovers, tying the fewest ever by an NBA team. They also gave up 96 Oklahoma City shots and the third-most points they’ve allowed in a game this season.

“We’re not exactly a team that is going to turn you over many times,” Bryant said. “We’re not like a Memphis or a Clippers that get after you and create turnovers.”

“The Lakers’ already shaky playoff hopes took a momentary turn when Bryant hunched over in pain while his right arm dangled at his side early in the first quarter. He motioned to athletic trainer Gary Vitti, headed to the locker room and returned a few minutes later with what was officially called an ulnar-nerve contusion. That’s a bruised funny bone.

“The Lakers exhaled. Their season continued. Unfortunately for them, the game did too.

“Dwight Howard’s one-for-seven first half included an air-ball left-handed hook shot and a missed alley-oop dunk attempt. It also pretty much doomed his second half. He had no shots after halftime and finished with six points and 16 rebounds before fouling out with 2:24 left.”

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