As the season progresses, the Lakers seem to be progressively playing worse. Everytime they have a challenge, they fold. The only really impressive recent victory came over the New York Knicks last week. Besides that, the two losses to the Miami Heat and Orlando Magic were both inexcusable.

The following are the ranking that each site gave the Lakers and the short explanation:

ESPN.com – 3rd - Getting swept on a Florida back-to-back, losing Farmar to injury and heading into the Boston showdown with Bynum in a funk adds up to their worst week of the season. So how did they stay here? See next comment.

NBA.com – 4th – The Lakers’ weekend could be described in three words: “In and out.” Back-to-back losses in Florida come after a narrow escape at home over the Knicks. The offense was bad in Miami and the defense was bad in the other two games. Bottom line: this does not look like a team that is ready for the Celtics on Thursday.

USA Today – 3rd – Lakers lose two in a row after Kobe’s last-second shots don’t fall.

It would be great to see the Lakers start putting together some wins but this week includes a match up with the Memphis Grizzlies, the New Orleans Hornets, and a Christmas Day showdown with the Boston Celtics.