Team has been doing much better against losing teams this season, particularly in back-to-back situations.

By Mike Bresnahan, LA Times

he pattern presented itself over and over last season, a Groundhog Day that couldn’t be escaped by the Lakers once the injuries and ineffectiveness began to set in.

Win a few, lose a few. Beat San Antonio, but lose to Charlotte.

The injuries have continued this season, but the tendency to slide after success has not.

Case in point: After an impressive 130-124 victory Wednesday at Phoenix, the Lakers put away an undermanned Clippers team, 113-95, Saturday night at Staples Center.

“Last year, we’d win a couple and relax,” Lakers Coach Phil Jackson said. “This team has not given that sense of satisfaction with what they’ve accomplished. I think that’s been a real vital sign for them, that they’re still hungry and playing well.”

The Lakers’ main challenge this week might be to stay awake. Their next four games are against teams that wouldn’t make the playoffs today — Seattle, Miami and Portland twice.

They play tonight in Seattle, a back-to-back situation that would be cause for distress in recent seasons, but not so much anymore.

Complete Story

• Jackson has 40-20 vision
• Lakers coach Jackson gets surprise during media briefing
• Lakers’ Jackson escapes NBA’s wrath
• Lakers’ Vujacic not just a morning person now
• Lakers’ Radmanovic gets message