NBA Playoffs 2011: Los Angeles Lakers vs. New Orleans Hornets Game 1 Live Blog

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 17: Carl Landry #24 of the New Orleans Hornets dunks against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game One of the Western Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs on April 17, 2011 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

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The Los Angeles Lakers have had little trouble with the New Orleans Hornets this season, sweeping the season series, 4-1. However, all that can quickly change in the postseason.

The New Orleans Hornets finished the first quarter up by two points. They got contributions from a number of players, while the Lakers have been riding Kobe Bryant.

Perhaps New Orleans can make the series a bit more interesting than originally thought. Follow along as I keep you updated throughout the game.

6:14 PM ET

Oh yeah and totally think the Lakers are going to win this series.

With out Aaron Gray the Hornets really don't have a prayer.

6:12 PM ET

That's going to do it for me today. Hope you guys had fun reading me and watching the game. Hit ya'll up next time.

6:11 PM ET

Chris Paul lead five Hornets in double figures with 33 points.

6:09 PM ET

Chris Paul just affirmed my belief that Aaron Gray was the key to this game.

6:08 PM ET

Kobe lead all scorers, but was 0-6 down the stretch. Not clutch at all, but nor were his teammates.

Key turnover when they were down six though. Huge turning point in the game.

6:07 PM ET

Yeah, didn't think the first and second seeds had ever lost a game one on teh same day.

Lamar Odom heating up, but too little, too late.

Hornets win 109-100.

6:07 PM ET

After today's game, not really regretting writing this column on Kobe Bryant.

6:05 PM ET

And the most beautiful floater in the NBA ices this game.

6:05 PM ET

Hurray for Gasol for making a a basket.

6:04 PM ET

People are filing out of Staples right now. This one is over. Lakers are not coming back in this game.

6:04 PM ET

Landry knocks down two more. Lakers down 12.

6:03 PM ET

Hopefully it's just a mild sprain on Gray. He's proving to be an unexpected X-Factor in this game and the Hornets really need the depth.

That's a solid turn, could be a break. Hopefully not.

6:01 PM ET

Aaron Gray just got hurt in the same exact spot Kendrick Perkins got hurt.

6:01 PM ET

Kobe is now 0-3 in the final two minutes.

6:00 PM ET

Paul nails two more free throws and Hornets are up by ten.

5:59 PM ET

Kobe is now 0-1 in the final two minutes.

5:59 PM ET

CHRIS PAUL IS ON FIRE!!!!

Hornets up 8.

5:58 PM ET

Hate that State Farm commercial too. Why would that dude get up in his boss' face like that? Who cares about casual Wednesday? I work for a Fortune 50 company and I can show up in my underwear if I want.

No I really can. I show up in basketball shorts and sleeveless shirts some days.

5:57 PM ET

Not sure what the Laker fans are booing about. Kobe never made it across half court and the ball went out of bounds on him.

5:56 PM ET

We're down to two minutes left. Let's see how well Kobe shoots here after giving up the ball.

5:55 PM ET

If the Hornets win this game, Aaron Gray is the MVP. He's doing all the little things.

Hornets up 98-92.

5:54 PM ET

Chris Paul needs to attack the paint. Pau is off, Bynum is just there, get in the paint and foul out Bynum.

5:52 PM ET

No matter what you think of Ron Artest he seems to be filling into Robert Horry's late game big three spot.