It seems like every year, on December 25th, I write a blog post talking about a Lakers loss. It seems that way because that’s exactly what I do, every year. The one silver lining of the NBA lockout was an impending vacation from this somber ritual.

Nope. Not this year. The lockout ended and the Lakers lost. On Christmas. Again.

The Lakers played a far more competitive game than I believed they would. Regardless of injuries, tabloid reports of infidelity, divorce hearings, trade debacles and a depleted front court, Kobe is always focused and ready to play. The entire team, in spite of some missed shots, played to the level of a team that is trying to compete with the NBA elite. I’m not saying I believe this team, with its current roster, will make it to the finals. I’m just saying I’ve been far more disappointed by Xmas Day Lakers games.

So like all Christmas past, the Lakers lost. I blogged about it. Next year in Hawaii Jewfish Basin.

For those keeping track: The Lakers are 3 – 9 in the past 12 Christmas Day games.