Through the first five games of this series it became apparent that the Hornets would need two huge games out of Chris Paul to knock off the defending champs. Instead, they got his worst performance of the series.

It's not like Paul had a bad game. In fact, he just missed out on another triple-double but it wasn't like the massive one he laid on the Lakers in Game 3. In that game he had 27 points, 15 assists and 13 rebounds. Last night he finished with 10 points, 11 assists and 8 rebounds. After Game 4 I wrote, "If I'm Monty Williams I tell Paul he has to try to take about 20 shots a game." Last night he took 9 shots.

The Hornets are outmatched at every position but point guard. They can't compete with the Lakers' front line and the only chance they have against L.A. is Paul and once again Paul didn't rise to the challenge.

Some of the credit goes to the Lakers' defense. They defended Paul better than they had all series. They kept switching defenders on him like they did in Game 2 and were much more physical with him. They doubled him every time he picked up his dribble and were able to force some turnovers. They did a better job of sealing off paths to the lane but he wasn't nearly aggressive enough. If I'm a Hornets' fan I'd much rather see the Hornets lose a game where CP3 puts up 20 shots as opposed to one where he puts up 9 and they get blown out.

I wouldn't say the Lakers' front line rose to the challenge in Game 6 as much as they did what they are supposed to do. They dominated the way they should have from the very start of this series. Andrew Bynum, Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom combined for 48 points on over 50-percent shooting.

Kobe Bryant finished as the high scorer with 24 but it was Bynum who was the star last night. He nailed 8 of his 13 shots and added 12 rebounds including 8 on the offensive end. He was hitting jumpers, hooks and tip-ins as the Lakers owned the paint. They outscored the Hornets in second chance points 21-4 and outscored them in the paint 42-34. It's cliche to say but Bynum is the key for the Lakers. If he can dominate like he did in this series than the Lakers have a great shot at winning the title. No one can handle his size and skills.

Now the Lakers will face the Mavericks who eliminated the Blazers last night. That series will begin Monday night in Los Angeles.