What a game.

The Lakers just solidified a playoff berth with a come-from-behind 112-108 win over the "panic time" Mavs.

Lamar Odom pulled his weight tonight, setting a season high with 31 points; three off from a career night. Odom pulled down 10 rebounds, dished out five assists, and blocked two shots. Impressive? I'd say so.

Kobe posted 25 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists. Pau played elegantly (I've been jonesing to say that for quite some time no) with 25 points, four rebounds, and two blocks.

I'd say it was a near-picture perfect night from the triad.

Vlad Rad played like Vlad Bad tonight, posting four points on 0-4 from three-point land. The Nation is counting the days until Pau jumps over to the 4, Bynum acclimates himself back into the starting 5, and Odom rocks the "no pressure" 3.

Dallas certainly put up a fight, as anyone watching the game would attest. Dirk scored 27, Jason Terry put up 23, and Josh Howard added 23 and seven.

So, with seven out of eight teams in the East already in, the Lakers become just the second to clinch a spot in the West. This also marks Phil Jackson's 17th career playoff berth in his 17 seasons in the association.

Hats off to Lamar tonight. I don't have a problem calling this one of his best games in a Lakers uniform. He's had a few big ones, but none I can recall have come at such a pivotal time of the season.

For those of you lucky enough:
Playoff tickets go on sale tomorrow (Saturday) morning at 10am through Ticketmaster.

And, for the niche stuff:
Ira Newble saw action for the second time as a Laker tonight. Newble managed to pull down one rebound in 2:37. So, his totals as a Laker now stand at two points and one rebound in 6:23.