*&^%$#$@!$#@@$$&!!!!

Same story, different day. The Lakers blew a big second half lead, decided to stop playing defense and sat and watched as nobody helped Kobe out. It was a roller coaster ride throughout as the Clippers jumped out to a big lead early in the first quarter, then the Lakers took a large lead in the second half, only to give it up again at the end. Kobe took over in the 3rd quarter but the Lakers could not hold onto the lead that was as big as 17 at one point. I feel like I'm watching Michigan snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.

There has been debate among Lakers fans whether or not making the playoffs this year is even worth it. I have always been on the side of making it is important even if we do lose in the first round because this team is so young and no one is playoff tested except for Kobe so the experience could be worth a lot down the road. However, I am not so sure anymore. Watching this team the past few weeks has been extremely painful and it doesn't look to change much. If this team even holds on to their playoff spot I expect it to be done in 4 or 5. Anything more would be an accomplishment the way they are playing right now.

The Lakers still hold a 1 1/2 game lead for the 7th spot in the West over the Clippers and Golden State. With 3 games to play it's not bad but it could be better. I definitely expect a loss tonight against Phoenix but with closing games against Seattle and Sacramento hopefully the team can get on a mini roll before the playoffs begin. As long as the Lakers finish 2-1 they will make the playoffs no matter what the Clippers and Golden State do. In this scenario if the Clippers win out they would take the 7th spot, but they close with Portland, Sacramento, Phoenix and New Orleans so I don't expect that to happen. Golden State closes with Sacramento, Minnesota, Dallas and Portland. The Lakers hold the tiebreaker over the Warriors but not the Clippers.