Lakers get a dubious assist from Clippers

Staff writer Mike Bresnahan ties up some loose ends on days of Lakers playoff games.

Thanks, Clippers!

Buried amid the daily updates of Mehmet Okur’s tender hamstring is the fact he injured himself 10 days ago against the Clippers. Who knew that players even exerted themselves against the Clippers?

Q&A; of the day

Question: When will the Lakers play HARD for the full 60 minutes of the game? You can see the slowdown coming every game. I just can’t fathom why they are so consistent in NOT playing tough for 60 minutes. Do you have a take on this?

-- L. Ellis

Answer: Because NBA games are only 48 minutes.

It’s going to be loud

Pau Gasol said Utah’s crowd was “top two, top three for sure” in the league.

“It’s pretty uncomfortable sometimes to the ears when you’re out there and the crowd is really going,” he said.

There’s no doubt the Jazz fans will be much quieter after reading that.

Sorry, Simon

Game 2 between Houston and Portland ended with a 27.5 TV rating Tuesday in Portland, making it the highest-rated game in Trail Blazers history, according to the Oregonian.

That’s not the best part. The game also held a 21.4 to 10.8 ratings advantage over “American Idol.” Now that’s a pummeling!

Worst-case scenario

It doesn’t get any worse for the Lakers than the Jazz’s bear-like mascot gunning the engine of his motorcycle right next to them before tip-off.

Actually, it does. Maybe Yanni will be there as well, warming up for his concert at the arena later this spring.

Final thought

This has the feel of a Jazz victory, just like last season’s Game 3 at Utah.

The series, however, will still belong to the Lakers in five games.

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mike.bresnahan@latimes.com