LA Lakers

The Lakers will open the second round of the playoffs Monday night at STAPLES Center against either the Mavs or the Blazers. Kobe Bryant had 24 points as the Lakers advanced to the second round Thursday night with a 98-80 win over the Hornets in New Orleans. Andrew Bynum scored 18 with 12 rebounds, Pau Gasol scored 16 and Lamar Odom added 14 as L.A. took the series 4-2.