Lakers still within range of Houston Rockets

The Houston Rockets may still have a three-game lead in the standings, but the Lakers still have a viable chance to catch Houston and climb into eighth place in the Western Conference.

The Rockets (31-27) have beaten the Lakers (28-30) twice in their three match-ups so far this season. The two teams are to meet on the final day of the regular season (April 17) in a game that could have significant playoff implications.

A Lakers victory would even up the season series at two apiece. If the Lakers have caught up to the Rockets by then, the next tiebreaker would be conference record. The Lakers are currently 15-20 and the Rockets are 13-20.

The Lakers have 16 games left against the West including visits to Oklahoma City, Golden State and Portland.

They'll also host the Dallas Mavericks, San Antonio Spurs and the final game against the Rockets.

Houston has a more difficult schedule against the West, visiting Memphis, Denver, Dallas, Golden State, Portland and the Lakers (among others). The toughest teams coming into Houston include Utah, San Antonio, Dallas, Memphis and the Clippers

The Lakers need to win games but they'll also need the Rockets to lose enough along the way to open the door.

Houston hosts the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night. The Lakers play the Minnesota Timberwolves at Staples Center on Thursday.

Rest In Peace to a Legend..... Mr Jerry Buss

House Shoes (ft. Danny Brown) "Sweet" (Official Music Video)

BLU & EXILE - "Maybe one day" (f/Black Spade)

MED & BLU - Burgundy Whip - prod. by MADLIB

RZA presents Shaolin Soul Selection: Volume 1 Sampler

Murs x Fashawn “64′ Impala”

Terrace Martin f/ Problem – “Something Else”

Demos: An Independent Artist’s Guide To Success

Reign On - Big Krit and 9th Wonder

Joe Budden Freestyle

Uncle Luke’s addresses Rick Ross via letter

Dear Rick Ross:

As someone who survived several rap beefs, I’m going to give you some advice. You need to seriously address the threats and attempts on your life. You have worked hard to become a big name in hip-hop. You’ve paid your dues and you’ve grown lyrically since the release of your debut album, Port of Miami, in 2006. You’ve arrived, buddy.

But all this gangster bullshit is jeopardizing your career. No club or arena is going to risk people getting shot. You can forget about doing any tours or CD signings. And if you can’t make money, watch how fast Warner Bros. Records turns on you. I know from experience.

You have the Gangster Disciples breathing down your neck because you’ve named-dropped Larry Hoover, the gang’s founder, in your music. Unlike the record and book publishing industries, these bad dudes don’t understand the concept of public domain. They see you getting rich forever by rapping about their leader, and they don’t like it. That’s why they’re on YouTube talking about how you need to go see them and cut a check.

It’s a shame you can’t enjoy life without spending part of your earnings on heavy security or risking your freedom by purchasing an arsenal. Remember, that’s what landed T.I. and Lil Wayne in prison. You don’t want that to happen to you. However, those are the consequences of rapping about being something you’re not.

Hip-hop has a rich history of college guys who never committed a crime rapping about moving kilos of cocaine and taking out snitches. Every gangster rapper takes on the role of a real hood legend to build up street cred. But don’t fall into the trap of believing you are really a gangster.

Trust me, you don’t want to go out like Biggie Smalls or Tupac. It’s time you squash your beefs.

Follow Luke on Twitter: @unclelukereal1.