“I knew there was too much green in this building to win.” –Stu Lantz on the Laker loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. This picture is not from the game but you get the point.

Seriously. Who goes to any Laker game wearing green even if it is St. Patrick’s Day? Even Jack Nicholson of all people was sporting green Joker looking shoes. So the Lakers complete a sweep of the Texas teams and then once again resort to their usual drama.

It really isn’t a true Laker game these days until they’ve blown a double digit lead or had to come back from one but then again that’s the NBA and everybody makes their run.

Taking nothing away from Andre Iguodala’s game winner, which was impressive and a tough shot, but the Lakers played stretches where they had a ton of turnovers, no defense, no offense, didn’t rebound, lack of mental focus and oh, did I say A MILLION TURNOVERS.

Not to mention the Lakers had a foul to give and never used it on the last possession.

As Phil addressed earlier this week in the Los Angeles Times, the Lakers never showed that killer instinct that closes out games. Even with a big lead in the fourth the Lakers didn’t take care of business giving up 32 points in the quarter.

Kobe also had an off game for him which may have been a result of one of the few games he has been in foul trouble. All said and done it resulted in this loss.

Certain losses I can live with whether it is from unfortunate scheduling or a team treating the Lakers like it’s their championship game but this one truly is troubling. In no way does it worry me about their future or chances at an NBA championship but I cannot emphasize it enough, it really is just plain and simply disappointing.

But what’s done is done and hopefully they come out ready to run on Thursday when they host the Golden State Warriors.

On a side note, Phil Jackson is actually suggesting he’s going to be reducing the minutes of the starters so they are fresh for the playoffs. The Lakers would more than likely lose the best record race to Cleveland which is pretty much the only downside.

I doubt the Zen Master would reduce the minutes to the point they lose their fluidity. On the upside the Bench Mob would get more playing time together to hopefully work out their troubles and build their confidence. I guess we’ll find out what he decides to do within the next week or so.

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