Armour anyone!?

Another quality opponent, another loss. The Lakers fell flatter than Kate Hudson in the 4th quarter, losing again to the Orlando Magic, 109-103. In the last 1:07 of the game, the Lakers went 1/3 from the line and 1/6 from the floor, including 0/3 from beyond the arc. So much for a veteran team that knows how to finish a game. Despite the poor ending, there were telling signs throughout, none more so than the box score itself.

The Lakers defense progressively worsened as the Magic increased their point total in each quarter. In the second half, they gave up 65 points after holding the Magic to only 44 points in the first half. Just about 1/3rd of Orlando’s made shots were from three (12/37). Four of those triples were made in the last four minutes of the game. As a matter of fact, Orlando’s last 2-point FG came with just over 5 minutes to play in the 4th quarter.

In an attempt to avoid any sort of childlike behavior (I.e. throwing random objects at the television), I drove to the gym and ran sprints until I felt sick enough to even watch an episode of the new 90210. During my angry run, I had some time to think.

The Lakers should never lose. They should win every single game. They should be a completely unstoppable wrecking ball. They should run teams over like Rubern Studdard at a buffet. They’re always favored. When they win, it’s expected. When they lose, it’s surprising. And that’s precisely the problem with the Lakers.

They should. But they’re not.

Since the Christmas Day showdown with the Boston Celtics, the Lakers have played ten games, giving up 100 points or more to all but one opponent. During that same stretch, opponents are averaging almost 107 points per game. Defensive lapses are becoming the Achilles heel of a Lakers team supposedly designed to win a championship this season. Somehow, getting stops wasn’t included in those design documents.

Up next: Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. If Jameer Nelson is getting layups, just imagine what Lebron might do.

Somebody call security and get the Lakers some armour. They’re going to need it.