Lakers, Hawks, Celtics Earn Playoff Wins

Atlanta has a 2-0 lead over Milwaukee after beating the Bucks Tuesday, 96-86. Without the suspended Kevin Garnett, Boston crushed Miami, 106-77. Kobe Bryant scored 39 points as the Lakers edged the Thunder.

LeBron James Leads Cavs to Playoff Win

LeBron James scored 40 points as the Cavaliers topped the Bulls, 112-102. The Jazz defeated the Nuggets, 114-111, in Denver. Deron Williams had 33 points and 14 assists in the win.

NBA Playoffs: Lakers, Magic, Mavericks Win

Kobe Bryant scored 21 points as the Lakers beat Oklahoma City, 87-79, in their playoff opener Sunday. Kevin Durant scored 24 for the Thunder. Dwight Howard had nine blocks as Orlando won. Dallas and Portland also recorded victories.

Cavs, Lakers Favored in NBA Playoffs

AP basketball writer Brian Mahoney says Eastern Conference champ Cleveland and the Western Conference winning Lakers roll into the NBA playoffs as favorites.

Kobe Signs Three-year Extension With Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers signed Kobe Bryant to a three-year contract extension. Bryant is a 12-time All-Star averaging 27.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.1 assists this season.

Oklahoma City Thunder Shaking Up NBA

In just their second year in Oklahoma City, the NBA's Thunder is near the top ten in attendance. Lead by 21-year-old Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City is nearing its first playoff appearance since 2004-2005, when they were the Seattle Supersonics.