Even though the NBA is in a lockout mode that shows no signs of ending, there is still news out there about the Erie BayHawks’ sole NBA affiliate, the New York Knicks.

1. Phil Jackson transitions into retirement as New York Knicks questions persist (Sporting News)

2. NBA or bust: John Starks was determined to make it (NewsOK.com)

3. Josh Harrellson stops drunk driver (ESPN)

4. Magic’s Howard, Knicks legend Monroe take in action at West 4th (New York Post)

5. NY Knicks Captain Turns Children’s Author (Publishers Weekly)

6. Time Running Out for Chauncey Billups (SLAM)

7. Brewer wanted to stay with Knicks (ESPN New York)

8. Former Knicks president Walsh regrets not hiring Mullin (Yahoo! Sports)

Kobe Bryant is ready to repeat, but are his teammates up that tremendous challenge?

(1) L.A. Lakers (57-25) v. (8) Oklahoma City Thunder (50-32)

Series schedule: Game 1 – Today at Los Angeles 3 p.m. ET (ABC); Game 2 – Tuesday at Los Angeles 10:30 p.m. ET (TNT); Game 3 – Thursday at Oklahoma City 9:30 p.m. ET (TNT); Game 4 – Saturday at Oklahoma City 9:30 p.m. ET (ESPN); Game 5 – Tuesday 4/27 *at Los Angeles TBD; Game 6 – Friday 4/30 *at Oklahoma City TBD; Game 7 – Sunday 5/2 TBD. *If necessary.

Series keys: For Los Angeles: 1. Wake up Ron (Artest has got to pick it up slack on both ends). 2. Set the tone (Win Game 1 convincingly). 3. Contain the rest (Kevin Durant is going to get his, but slow down the rest, particularly PG Russell Westbrook). For Oklahoma City: 1. Embrace the moment (The young Thunder should rise to this challenge). 2. Stick to principles (Ranked 5th in NBA in field goal percentage defense, Oklahoma City must remain defensive oriented). 3. Show and prove (Durant is dubbed as superstar. Play like one in the playoffs).

Series outcome: Lakers have the better team, so they will win the series in six games, but the longer it goes, the better chance Oklahoma City has to pull off the upset.

Series stories:

1. Kobe’s shooting through the pain – ESPN
2. Is this Phil Jackson’s last shot – The Los Angeles Times
3. Durant, OKC out to end Purple reign – New York Post