Gary A. Vasquez-US PRESSWIRE

I know, I know…these games mean nothing. That the Lakers’ reserves once again were rolled during last night’s 99-86 loss to Utah is anything but surprising yet none the less concerning. That is becoming a common theme during this preseason as Mike Brown sorts out his underperforming bench.

What else is becoming common is the welcome sight of guys like Kobe Bryant getting used to life with Steve Nash. KB24 didn’t hesitate to express the newfound joy that is hooping with Nash. Kobe called Nash the best passer he’s ever played with. That statement is obvious in every way, even more exciting on every level.

Bryant’s basketball life is going to be much easier this season and his 18 point, 8 board and 5 dime night is further proof of that.

Someone else that is experiencing the beauty of the Nash program is Metta World Peace who was once again in double figures. MWP was MIA last season, lost in the abyss of Coach Brown’s rotation and role definition. This season World Peace is looking like he’s back to his Artestian ways.

But if we’re going to talk about this like we would any other game of hoops it’s impossible to ignore the Lakers bench. This unit was a major problem last season as they routinely blew leads, contributed little and was generally unreliable. The same thing is happening all over again.

In each of the Lakers three preseason losses we’ve seen the same scenario unfold. The starters hand a lead over to the bench and the second string coughs it up in epic fashion.

Coach Brown, as always, is tweaking his rotation. To be sure things will look much different once the regular season begins. For now it’s just downright disappointing seeing the continued bench struggles.

But fear not. If this loss haunted you in any way (really it shouldn’t, no preseason game should but play along here) then the good news for you is we get a rematch with these same Jazz on Tuesday. Let’s hope the Lakers bring their bench with them to Anaheim.

Brown's meltdown didn't get the Lake Show going. (Photo: Russ Isabella-US PRESSWIRE)

With his team showing little fight despite the contest being close, Brown blew his lid after Pau Gasol was mugged in the open court. Matt Barnes actually had to step in and play the role of peacekeeper as his head coach went after an official. After seeing enough of the no-calls, Brown got heated and was subsequently sent to the showers.

If that was a tactic meant to ignite the team then it failed miserably. Utah answered back with a run that put this game to sleep. Another offensive power outage offered the Jazz a 96-87 win going away in the second half.

Kobe, Pau and Bynum were once again L.A.’s only offense. All three eclipsed the 20-point total with Bryant taking game honors at 26. However most of those points from the big three came in the first half.

In the second half no man in a purple jersey could find the bucket. 38 second half points on a night when the Lake Show shot 38%. That is a guaranteed L no matter the opponent.

While the Lakers struggle to find a more balanced scoring attach, teams like the Jazz have 5 players in double figures. Naturally the Utah bench out played the Lakers unit but that will happen when you have a sparkplug like Earl Watson subbing in.

Watson, a former Bruin, ignited Utah with hustle plays, sick dimes and a couple of daggers from distance. Don’t let his 8 points and 11 dimes fool you, Watson was the player of the game.

Pau would have had that honor had his squad won. The Spaniard played his best game of the year with a nice line of 24 and 16. Those 16 boards come on the heels of a 17 rebound effort in Denver. Perhaps Pau is finally finding his place in the offense.

What the Lakers need is for someone, anyone, other than Kobe, Pau or Drew to step up.
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