The Lakers started off tough, progressed into a lackluster defensive team, hustled in the third, and bent over in the fourth. Kobe shot poorly, due to amazing, AMAZING defense by Shane Battier and Lamar apparently didn’t get enough touches.

By the way, Battier’s shot blocking is like nothing I’ve ever seen before. He is the only player I have seen that doesn’t go for the ball, he doesn’t care about blocking your shot, because chances are, he’s not going to, but instead he tries to obscure your vision by putting his hand directly in front of your eyes. Try focusing on depth when you have five finger right on your nose.

Anyways, the absence of a real post player is obvious. It is very difficult to play strong offense, or even strong defense, when you don’t have a big man in the middle. With Ronny Turiaf only playing a few minutes split with DJ Mbenga, the Lakers didn’t have the opportunity to play a strong triangle. The poor shooting of Radmanovic and Vujacic didn’t help either. Vujacic seems like he’s gone back into his shell again since Vlad’s return, perhaps its time to light the fire under him again. Lamar has been looking strong but isn’t doing enough to make a difference in a game.

The biggest issue to me may seem like a minor one to others, but it becomes extremely costly. Derek Fisher’s shooting has been horrendous as of late. No other point guard is afraid to leave him wide open because his shot just has not been falling recently. He started off the season shooting extremely well and has gone down hill since, but I rather have him go through his shooting slump now than in the playoffs.

The team showed some good signs in the third quarter with their energy on defense. They didn’t allow Houston to score a single point in the first six and a half minutes of the second half and cut the lead down to two. That’s when it all started again. It seems like they mentally gave up on defense because they realized the Rockets weren’t doing that well. When you relax on defense, everything falls apart, as did the Lakers offense. I expect this team to grow and mature a lot in the next two-three weeks. The injuries will help team chemistry because role players will have no choice but to step up.

I’m looking forward to watching the Lakers improve drastically in the coming week because they will finally realize how insecure their playoff and championship hopes are. Role players will hustle even more then they already are and the defense will start to click very very soon. I can feel good days ahead starting hopefully tomorrow night in Dallas!

Quick side note: I give all the credit in the world to Houston. What a great team. They are so inspired and so strong. I love their offense, their defense and every part of their team. Perhaps Yao is not what they need, but instead an Alonzo Mourning type of hustle center. How great would Shawn Marion fit on this team? Houston will probably/hopefully lose a few more times the rest of the season, but I don’t see this team going deep into the playoffs. In a 7 game series it’s a lot easier to pick up on their tendencies. I tip my hat to Rafer Alston, that was some incredible shooting last night.