Lakers look to rebound from blowout loss
(Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) For a megastar on a tradition-rich franchise with 16 NBA championships, Kobe Bryant has no problem admitting how the Los Angeles Lakers' shortcomings have popped up repeatedly this season.

Bryant plopped down in a chair courtside at Chesapeake Energy Arena after the Lakers' practice Tuesday and talked shamelessly about their second blowout loss in five days - this one by 29 points - and what it will take to challenge the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals.

"We're a team that doesn't get down when we get blown out. We've been blown out a bunch of times this season, blown out last series a couple times," Bryant said.

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Pacers' Bird voted NBA Executive of Year

Everything always seemed to come so easily for Larry Bird on a basketball court.

The way the ball appeared almost destined to swish through the net every time he finished his lightning-quick release with a flick of his right wrist. The way he could suck a defender in while running the break, only to zip a no-look pass to a cutting Boston Celtics teammate for an easy bucket. (MORE)

Rangers get another chance to go up 2-0

NEW YORK (AP) For the third straight series, the New York Rangers are basking in the glow of a 1-0 lead earned in the confines of "The World's Most Famous Arena."

The Eastern Conference's top-seeded team has failed in its first two attempts to double that edge at Madison Square Garden. Given a third shot against the New Jersey Devils, the Rangers are determined to make the most of home-ice advantage in Game 2 of the East finals on Wednesday night. (MORE)

76ers set for rare 2nd-round home game

PHILADELPHIA (AP) See ya, Chicago. Thanks for the split, Boston.

These young-and-fun 76ers are loaded with postseason surprises, aren't they? (MORE)

Lakers' Ebanks fined $25K, Bynum $15K

NEW YORK (AP) The NBA has fined Lakers forward Devin Ebanks and center Andrew Bynum for separate violations during the team's second-round series against Oklahoma City.

Ebanks was fined $25,000 for his actions before and after his ejection in the Lakers' 119-90 loss in Game 1 on Monday. He was thrown out for saying something to an official in getting a technical foul, then ripped off his jersey as he walked back toward the locker room. (MORE)

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