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Y E S T E R D A Y…

Lakers 106, Clippers 78: Given that the Lakers have a crucial contest coming up tonight with the Hornets, it’s easy to understand how the Clippers would strike them as a squad worthy of a token effort. And for most of the game, that’s how the Lakers played it. Then came the fourth quarter, when the second unit made quick work of the red, white, and blue.  Luke Walton led the reserves (and all scorers) with 18 points, but Lamar Odom, Ronny Turiaf, Sasha Vujacic and Jordan Farmar all deserve credit for manufacturing the eventual blowout.

Stars 4, Ducks 0: If this game serves as any type of omen for how this first round series will play out, consider the Ducks… wait for it… dead. Anaheim came off like anything but defending champeens during this shutout loss, logging sloppy, penalty ridden minutes that accounted for three power play goals by Dallas. For his part, Marty Turco may have blanked his opponent, but was granted a huge favor in this quest by only needing to stop 23 shots (as opposed to the 37 fired Jiggy’s way).

T O D A Y…

Angels at Mariners (7:10 pm PST KCOP): A showdown between the two squads expected to rule the AL West. As long as it’s got that “potential divisional race” flavor, might as well throw in a solid pitching matchup. Jered Weaver and Felix Hernandez are two young talents who could be squaring for years to come (although thus far, King Felix hasn’t looked at all like royalty against the Halos).

Padres at Dodgers (7:40 pm PST, Prime Ticket): Good news? After a day off, the Blue are indeed fresh. The bad news? They’re also fresh off a sweep at the hands of Arizona and welcome Jake “I own these cats” Peavy to the Ravine. Brad Penny will attempt to offset any damage.

Hornets at Lakers (7:30 pm PST, FSN): As mentioned earlier, this one’s got some implications. First place in the West (or even just the Pacific). MVP (Kobe v. CP3). A statement on the Lakers’ part after taking it on the chin in the Big Easy last February.

N E W S W O R T H Y…

• The Lakers aren’t calling it a “setback,” but I think we can all agree another delay in Andrew Bynum’s return would be disappointing.
• USC wants a little crowd control at spring practice.
• After all, it would be nice to work out this QB controversy- a rarity in the Pete Carroll Era- with a hint of privacy.
• It ain’t easy filling Cedrick Ellis’ rather large shoes, but Fili Moala’s giving it a run.
• The local college QB’s are getting some eyeballs. Right now, it’s looking like advantage, Cowan.
• Not that you have to be a rocket scientist to break down the reasons why he turned pro, OJ Mayo explains it all to AM 570’s Petros and Money.   

C O L U M N S…

• Everyone knows that defending a title takes focus and composure. Or everyone but the Ducks, I should say, since the O.C. Register’s Randy Youngman found their lack of poise troubling. And as long as we’re critiquing, a little more “eye of the tiger” would please the Daily News’ Steve Dilbeck. Ditto the Press Enterprise’s Jim Alexander. Or you could just take the “just kinda concerned by everything” route, the attitude of the Times’ Helene Elliot. But in any event, it doesn’t seem too many scribes reacted to yesterday’s goose egg with a simple shrug.
• SportsHubLA.com Column of the Day: Tony Jackson’s article about Dodger 1B James Loney’s unhappiness after kicking off 2007 with a stint in AAA Vegas (as opposed to Ramon Troncoso’s current dream life essayed by the Times’ Dylan Hernandez) gets the honors for two reasons. 1) It does a nice job detailing the way Loney offset a legit gripe over his situation by continuing to work hard. 2) Great Ben Sanderson reference!

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