LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- After winning their division on the final day of the regular season, the Los Angeles Lakers open the playoffs on Saturday in Game One of the first-round series against the Houston Rockets at Staples Center.

The Lakers have been the best team in the NBA since the All-Star break but stumbled down the stretch, splitting their last six games. They won the Pacific Division and clinched the second spot in the West after Kobe Bryant buried a game-winning jumper in their season finale on Wednesday.

Los Angeles has had a season filled with turmoil, including Bryant's sexual assault case, Gary Payton complaining about his role in the offense and injuries that have forced forward Karl Malone and Rick Fox to miss extended time.

But the Lakers are still a team that features four future Hall of Famers and have more weapons and playoff experience than any other team in the postseason.

Houston is in the playoffs for the first time since 1999, when they lost the best-of-five series in four games. That Rockets team featured future Hall of Famers Charles Barkley and Scottie Pippen.

MEANINGFUL MATCHUP: C Yao Ming vs. C Shaquille O'Neal. Yao and O'Neal are perhaps the most entertaining big man matchup in the league and played well against each other this season. O'Neal averaged 23.0 points and 8.5 rebounds in four games against Yao, who posted averaged of 21.5 points and 8.8 rebounds. However, Yao has never been in postseason play while O'Neal is a tested veteran who will not be surprised by the physical play and pace of the playoffs.

WHO'S HOT: Lakers: Bryant has been the most dominant player in the league in the past month, averaging 28.9 points in his last 17 games. That includes a dismal eight-point performance against Sacramento on April 11. Rockets: G Jim Jackson has been effective off the bench all season but finished strong, averaging 15.3 points over his last 12 games.

WHO'S NOT: Lakers: F Devean George, who made some big plays for the Lakers in each of the last two postseasons, has scored in double figures just three times in his last 34 games. Rockets: Gs Steve Francis and Cuttino Mobley each missed the final two games of the regular season due to injury and Houston needs them healthy if it had any chance.

SEASON SERIES & HISTORY: Los Angeles and Houston split four meetings during the regular season, but the Rockets have just three wins in 10 all-time visits to Staples Center. The Lakers have a 12-11 all-time edge against the Rockets in the playoffs.

INJURIES: Lakers: F Rick Fox (thumb) is doubtful. G Kareem Rush (ankle) is probable. Rockets: G Cuttino Mobley (shoulder) missed the last two games of the regular season. G Steve Francis (elbow and wrist) missed final two games of regular season.