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Lakers Suffer Worst Home Playoff Loss

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Photo by =Manny= via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr

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The Lakers flagship radio station was especially funny. Knowing that the team would essentially have to start Andrew Goudelock, the newly minted D-League MVP, and Darius Morris in their backcourt, they were trying to pump up hope that the Lakers could pull this game out.

They were wrong. Wrong wrong wrong. Despite Goudelock scoring 20 points, despite Morris knocking down 24 of his own. Even though Dwight Howard had a 25-point, 11 rebound night. Even though Pau Gasol had a triple-double himself with 11 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists, the seventh Laker to get a triple-double in the playoffs.

Despite all of that the Lakers lost to the San Antonio Spurs 120-89 at home, the worst margin of defeat at home. Ouch. Even Dodger Stadium didn't show the final highlights of the game.

Why bother looking at the stats? When the Lakers sent out the following email, the writing was on the wall:

Steve Blake had an ultrasound test today which confirmed a moderate strain of his right hamstring. He is out indefinitely. Steve Nash received two epidural injections in his back today; he also received a cortisone shot in his right hip. His status for tomorrow’s game is doubtful.

Jodie Meeks will have an MRI test this afternoon on his sprained left ankle. His status for tomorrow’s game is doubtful.

We can talk about all 13 Spurs players who got into the game scoring at least two points. We can talk about the Spurs outshooting the Lakers 61% to 43%. We can talk about Metta World Peace playing the game with knee discomfort.

But we all know it's over. Game 4 on Sunday will be the final Lakers game of the season. It probably won't be any prettier than this, but at least the fans will get to see the team off for the summer.

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