Lakers-Hornets Open Thread

The regular season was, as usual, a long-ass slog. Remember The Biebs wearing Phil's ring? That was 173 days ago. Now the real fun starts.

This time of year, we always get a lot of new visitors, so let me extend a warm welcome to anyone who's just joining us. We're thrilled to have you! Our game threads have a few peculiar, though easy to observe, rules, so please take a moment to give them a quick read.

And with that, I present your first drinking-game triggers of the 2011 playoffs:

• Any clip of Trevor Ariza or D.J. Mbenga from their Laker days,
• Whenever someone mentions Phil Jackson's pending retirement,
• Any close-up of Andrew Bynum's knee brace,
• Any shot of David West in street clothes, or
• "Chicken pox."

Can I get a WHAT WHAT.