2012 Western Conference Playoffs: 5 Changes the Lakers Must Make

Knowing their opponents were older, wearier, and had a more exhausting first-round series than they did, the young and fresh Oklahoma City Thunder opened up Game 1 of their conference semifinal series in a big way.

Russell Westbrook had 27 points with nine dimes, while Kevin Durant added 25 points of his own. More impressive is that neither of them needed to be on the hardwood for more than 30 minutes. 

To be frank, the Los Angeles Lakers got absolutely blown out of the gym in Game 1. Many of their weaknesses were exposed, such as their continually bad transition and pick-and-roll defense. The Thunder attack came in flurries of runs, and even with Met...

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