The Lake NO Show

   It’s the question on every Angelino’s mind, “How much higher will gas prices go?”
Okay, maybe it’s the second question on some Angelinos’ minds... “What’s wrong with the Lakers?”

Lakers this season

   After winning 17 of its first 18 games after the All-Star Break, Los Angeles has dropped five straight games. (The longest losing streak for Kobe & Co. since dropping seven straight, during the 06-07 season...or the pre- Pau Gasol era) This Lakers team has been about as schizophrenic as Jim Carrey in Me, Myself & Irene.

   Blowing out Western Conference powers like Dallas and San Antonio, but losing to the likes of Utah (minus Coach, Jerry Sloan and point guard, Deron Williams) and the CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (that’s how Cavs owner Dan Gilbert spells it).

   So, with two games remaining before the NBA postseason begins and the Lakers tied with Dallas for the West’s two seed and Oklahoma City a game behind both of them at four, things are a bit dicey in "Laker Land".  Ron Artest is a liability once again...Mr Kardashian (Lamar Odom) needs to stop making reality shows, reserve Shannon Brown is the scape goat, Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol are perplexed by the concept of offense and Matt Barnes may have too many tattoos.

Sulking? Crying? Wiping sweat from eyes?

   However, you don't hear too many negative things about old number 24..The Black Mamba or Kobe Bryant as he’s known by the IRS (taxes this Friday don’t forget..) as he consistently posts 10-25 shooting nights. “Kobe is just trying to get us back in the game.” Sure he scored L.A.’s last 14 points of the first half in Portland, but he also went 10-25…go figure…in the 93-86 loss.

   But, to finger point this late in the season would be suicidal…just ask the Boston Celtics…Sure Kobe is mad and sulks in the training room, interviews and anywhere else he can…But the glaring problem seems to be TO…No 49ers, Eagles, Cowboys, Bills and Bengals fans not that T.O. , but TO or turnovers.

   Prior to Sunday’s game, the Lakers were averaging 18.3 turnovers per game in their previous four losses. (20 turnovers against Denver, 19 against Utah, 17 against Golden State and 17 against Portland)

   Sunday versus the Thunder, it looked like the Lakers had figured things out. Through three quarters, L.A. committed only one turnover, but managed and eye popping NINE in the final 12 minutes. There’s less turnover at the post office…

   In the final three minutes, Kobe had a bad pass for a turnover, stepped out of bounds with the ball and lost the ball another time. (According to Bryant, all a result of good defense.) Despite the sloppy fourth the Lakers won the turnover battle 10 to 13 but lost the game, 120-106.

   Most baffling though, is that Laker fans seem distressed about this losing streak, and feel a third straight parade through Downtown L.A. is about as likely as a sequel to Gigli. If the Lakers don’t three-peat and there isn’t a parade…just imagine all the money Angelino’s would save on gas…



Please Mr. Jennifer Garner, NO SEQUEL!!!!