After dispatching of the Jazz in five games, the Lakers will face the winner of the Rockets/Blazers series in the second round.

"We really don't have a preference," coach Phil Jackson said. "It's interesting. That's a much more physical series than our series is. Both teams play extremely hard."

Houston currently leads Portland 3-1.

No matter who their opponent is, Jackson would like to see his team player better defense.

"I think we played well offensively," Jackson said of their series with Utah. "We had some real good games. I thought we played spotty defense tonight. We didn't close the door. I told them in the locker room we have to improve as we go forward."

Via Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Lakers

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