I had the pleasure and good fortune to attend the Lakers vs. Trailblazers game yesterday. It was a back-and-forth affair that ended with another disappointing Lakers loss. Let’s hope this is another Phil Jackson mind game–a theory that seems reasonable given that he put the ball in the hands of Pau to shoot a 3-point, buzzer-beater to tie the game. Had the Big Spaniard made the shot, the play would have been brilliant. But Pau’s stroke was a touch off, the ball bounced off the rim, and the loss was recorded.

What’s up next for the purple-and-gold? Games against Sacramento and the Clippers. Fans hope these will be two easy wins for the Lakers, but the way they’ve been playing, who knows. After that, it’s the playoffs.

In other news, Staples Center was packed with famous faces as usual: Neil Diamond, David Beckham, Chad Ochocinco, Gordon Ramsey and George Lopez were the ones I spotted. No Jack this time. Maybe he is boycotting until the Lakers get their stuff together.