Lakers Coach Phil Jackson joked that the team's recent 2-3 trip simply was a product of what he called "March Madness." And thankfully for the Lakers apparently, that month has passed.

"We're glad it's April," Jackson said. "We can all be fools."

Well at least for one day. After a 2-3 trip that presented visible frustrations, most notably with guard Kobe Bryant, forward Pau Gasol didn't see that angst boil over into Thursday's practice.

"It was good," Gasol said. "Everybody was dragging out a little bit, but once we got out on the floor and we started working on stuff, we got loose and into it."

So those wondering if the Lakers were going to rip each other's heads off after coming home can be relieved. 

"We're not playing the way we'd like to play," guard Derek Fisher said. "But we're not going to allow that to bubble over and beocme something that derails us from still where we're trying to go."

There's not a lot of time for the Lakers to correct those problems with seven games remaining, including one Friday against the Utah Jazz. Beyond the news that Luke Walton will likely return for Sunday's game against San Antonio, Andrew Bynum's exact timetable in recovering from his left Achilles' tendon injury is far from definitive, and with Jackson being noncommittal on whether he'd change the bench's rotation, much of the post-practice interviews involved how the team can correct their problems without overreacting.

With the Lakers wrapping up a 2-3 trip, there's definitely been plenty of reaction. There are some who think this serves as a warning sign for the playoffs. Others aren't worried at all and just wish these remaining seven regular-season games would already be over with so the "real" season can begin. And then there are those who are more or less in between, concerned about the Lakers' recent struggles, but not enough to think that the team's chances of repeating are doomed.

But that's a pretty broad generalization, and I'm only characterizing the responses based on postings I've noticed since the Lakers' 109-92 loss Wednesday to the Atlanta Hawks. Much like what I did early in March, I thought it'd be appropriate to get a sense of what Lakers fans are thinking lately about the team. I'll then follow up Friday afternoon with an analysis piece on what exactly is making Lakers fans tick these days.

So without further ado, vote away and feel free to further explain in the comments section below.

For far too long, the Lakers' bench have had trouble securing leads, establishing consistency, fitting in the triangle offense, staying sharp on defense and pretty much living up to the supposed "Bench Mob" reputation it once owned.

And the inconsistency surely hasn't sat well with the team. Lakers forward Lamar Odom has taken it personally when the bench blows double-digit leads. Lakers guard Kobe Bryant has reacted in visible anger during the team's recent 2-3 trip at least partly because of the reserves' play. And Lakers Coach Phil Jackson acknowledged to reporters before the team's 109-92 loss Wednesday to the Atlanta Hawks that the bench's performances "makes me want to throw up sometimes."

Jackson specifically said he felt that way during the Lakers' 108-100 loss Monday to the New Orleans where the reserves were outscored 42-12. But Jackson could've easily been talking about many performances this season, or on the latest trip for that matter, raising questions on whether Jackson really has brought a waste basket by the coaching bench in case his stomach starts upsetting him.

Game stories

--The Times' Mike Bresnahan sums up everything that went wrong during the Lakers' five-game trip, including the team's 109-92 loss Wednesday to the Atlanta Hawks.

--The Atlanta Journal Constitution's Michael Cunningham explains how the Hawks completely dominated the Lakers.

--The Orange County Register's Kevin Ding says the team is unsure of its identity.

--The Daily News' Elliott Teaford says time is running out for the Lakers to sharpen their play.

--NBA.com's Matt Winkeljohn credits Atlanta's team balance as the key to its victory over the Lakers.

Notebooks

--The Times' Broderick Turner explains why Lakers guard Kobe Bryant looked forward to his scoring duel with Hawks guard Joe Johnson.

--The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Ken Sugiura says that Johnson won the matchup.

--The Daily News' Teaford provides more information on Vujacic's future.

--ESPN Los Angeles' Arash Markazi has an update on Luke Walton's recovery from a pinched nerve in his lower back.

Columns

--The Times' T.J. Simers questions Pau Gasol's lack of toughness, an assertion Gasol says is untrue even if Lakers Coach Phi Jackson agrees with it.

--The Atlanta Journal Constitution's Mark Bradley observes that the Lakers' anger level increased after each quarter.

--The Orange County Register's Ding details Kobe Bryant's frustration.

--ESPN Los Angeles' Arash Markazi argues the Lakers' depth is greatly exaggerated.

--Fox Sports' Charley Rosen argues the Lakers have given up on the regular season. He also provides a pretty descriptive rundown of what the Lakers did wrong against Atlanta.

Blogs

--ESPN Los Angeles' Andy Kamenetzky dissects the Lakers' chemistry problems.

--Forum Blue and Gold criticizes the Lakers' effort and fundamentals, two ingredients that are kind of needed to win basketball games.

--LakersNation analyzes whether Andrew Bynum or Lamar Odom is the best fit for the Lakers' fifth starting position.

--Struggling to describe how the Lakers are playing these days? Silver Screen and Roll has got you covered. They say it's "the opposite of peaking at the right time.'"

--Sports Illustrated's Paul Forrester updates his latest league MVP list.

Tweet of the Day:"What is up with them? Maybe saving themselves for the playoffs?" -- KhloeKardashian (Khloe Kardashian, reality TV star and wife of Lakers forward Lamar Odom).

Reader Comment of the Day: "Other than the Black Mamba ... has the team quit? Sure does feel like it to me. Hope I'm wrong. I guess we'll see come the PO. I'm beginning to get the feeling that it could get real ugly, real fast. Not panicking but, noticing a lot of bad signs." -- G in DC

--Mark Medina

Follow the L.A. Times Lakers blog on Twitter. E-mail the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com

Photo: Lakers guard Kobe Bryant looks on from the bench during the final minutes of Wednesday's game. Credit: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images.

The Lakers were only minutes away from an eventual 109-92 loss Wednesday to the Atlanta Hawks, and Lakers guard Kobe Bryant sat on the bench with a towel draped over his shoulders.

He didn't let out an angry scowl. He didn't punch a chair. Bryant saved those reactions minutes before the Lakers' loss two days earlier at New Orleans. Instead, Bryant stared straight ahead with a faceless expression.

Bryant, in a stoic look, appeared to be reflecting about something. Perhaps it was about how little help he received from his supporting cast after scoring a team-leading 28 points on 12 of 21 shooting. Perhaps he wondered why the bench allowed Atlalnta's reserves to outscore them 44-22. Or perhaps he soaked in the team's entire 2-3 trip, and what it might mean for the Lakers with only seven games remaining in the regular season.

After initially assessing this trip would determine whether the Lakers would end with the West's top seed, Coach Phil Jackson changed his perspective after noticing the team's comfortable standing over Denver, Dallas and Utah. Despite the team's second consecutive loss, the Lakers (54-21) hold a 4-1/2-game lead over the Mavericks (49-25), a five-game advantage over the Jazz (49-26) and the Suns (49-26) as well as a six-game cushion over the Nuggets (48-27). But, really, with the Lakers far from Cleveland (59-16) for the league's best record, the last stretch of the regular season has never been about wins and losses. Sure, Jackson challenged the team to reach 60 wins, but that was merely a carrot he was dangling so the Lakers would at least be interested in playing before the playoffs. It's been about improving the team's play, something that was only on display in the Lakers' first game of the trip in a win over San Antonio.

The Lakers latest' performance didn't indicate a lack of urgency, a phrase I've been tired of typing and Lakers fans have been tired of reading. The Lakers actually came out with a full effort this time around, hoping to end their five-game trip on as good a note as a 3-2 record can bring. Instead, the Lakers' ineffectiveness resulted in discouragement, thus concluding the trip with a 2-3 mark, their worst loss at Atlanta since suffering a 106-89 defeat Dec. 28, 1974 and a sputtering 22-15 road record this season.

Atlanta Hawks 109, Lakers 92 (final)

The goal the Lakers have of winning 60 games or more this season is becoming more and more difficult.

That's because the Lakers can't seem to win on the road. They suffered another loss, this time to the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on Wednesday.

The Lakers went 2-3 on this five-game trip -- not exactly what they had in mind when they left Los Angeles.

The Lakers are 5-7 in their last 12 road games. They went 0-3 earlier this month on the road. The Lakers are 54-21 for the season.

They have seven regular-season games left to turn things around before the playoffs start.

The game got intense Tuesday when Ron Artest and Maurice Evans exchanged shoves and pushes and were given double-technical fouls with 11:00 left in the game.

Artest ran toward Evans after the encounter but was stopped before anything else happened.

The Lakers didn't respond, but the Hawks did, scoring twice after that to open an 84-66 lead.

Later in the quarter, Jamal Crawford was called for a flagrant foul for taking down Pau Gasol with 8:59 left.

-- Broderick Turner, reporting from Atlanta

Lakers Coach Phil Jackson and his assistants aren't happy with Sasha Vujacic, and because of that, the reserve guard hasn't been playing.

Jackson still wasn't happy with Vujacic Wednesday night after the guard had a "run-in with our coaching staff" last Friday night in Oklahoma City, Jackson said.

In that game, Vujacic was upset with Lakers assistant coach Jim Cleamons giving him instructions and told Cleamons not to yell at him. When assistant coach Brian Shaw went over to Vujacic, the Laker guard told Shaw the same thing. Shaw and Vujacic then exchanged words on the bench during the Lakers' loss to the Thunder.

Vujacic didn't play in the next two games at Houston and New Orleans.

Jackson said Vujacic "hasn't atoned himself for that error." When Vujacic does, "he'll be back in good graces," Jackson said.

Vujacic said he knows that he is out of the rotation.

"If they are winning, I'm not playing," Vujacic said before the Lakers played the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night. "If they are losing and the team is down by 20 points, then I get a few minutes."

-- Broderick Turner, reporting from Atlanta

--Mark Medina

Follow the L.A. Times Lakers blog on Twitter. E-mail the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com

Signs that the Lakers have their mind on the postseason became visible in different ways. Lakers guard Kobe Bryant acknowledged he has paid closer attention to the standings. Lakers Coach Phil Jackson challenged his team prior to its current five-game trip to go 5-0, and not 4-1, "because that’s not what champions look for going out on the road." And he also raised the ante by proclaiming his team can reach win 60 regular-season games, another dangling carrot to keep the Lakers interested.

The Lakers 2-2 mark and the scant practices in between clearly show they just want the postseason to begin. Jackson didn't consider the trip would "make-or-break" the Lakers (54-20), considering they have comfortable leads over Dallas (49-25), Utah (49-25) and Phoenix (48-26) for the top spot in the West with eight games remaining. But a loss tonight in Atlanta (47-26) surely wouldn't assuage any concerns about the Lakers' postseason. 

Who: Atlanta Hawks (47-26)

Where: Atlanta, Philips Arena

When: Wednesday 4 p.m. PDT (KCAL-9)

Record vs. Hawks this season: 1-0

Matchup history: The Lakers rebounded quite nicely from a home loss to Dallas with a convincing 118-110 victory Nov. 2 over Atlanta. It's a good thing they did that because Jackson was so disgusted with the Lakers' 14 point loss to the Mavericks that he said fans should've been refunded their money. The fans instead were refunded with vintage performances from Kobe Bryant (41 points), Andrew Bynum (21 points) and Lamar Odom (11 points, 14 rebounds eight assists). Lakers forward Ron Artest had his first defensive standout performance, holding Hawks guard Joe Johnson to one of eight shooting in the final three quarters after he scorched the Lakers in the first quarter with 18 points. Although Jackson didn't like the Lakers held only a 74-70 lead through part of the third quarter, the Lakers easily put the game away by scoring 18 unanswered points, 12 of them coming in transition.

Outlook: Johnson isn't the only one that's been limited against the Lakers. Though Atlanta's frontcourt of Al Horford and Josh Smith average together 30.1 points and 18.5 rebounds, they have been to a combined 14.3 points and 12.5 boards per game in their last four meetings with the Lakers. Whether or not that type of performance depends on whether the Lakers break away from their inconsistent habits during this trip. The Lakers' opportunity to close their trip on a somewhat respectable note comes against an opponent jockeying for playoff position. The Hawks are tied with the Boston Celtics (47-26) for the third spot in the East and trail the Orlando Magic (52-22) for second place. Although the Hawks wonder which team the fans will be cheering for tonight, Atlanta has a 30-7 home record, while the Lakers are 22-15 on the road and 9-5 against Eastern Conference opponents. A Hawks win would mark the first time they've won nine consecutive home games since a 20-game streak between Nov. 12, 1996 - Feb. 12, 1997, and would highlight the Lakers' third consecutive loss at Philips Arena. The Hawks lead the league in fewest turnovers (12), while the Lakers have had a share poor ball handling nights this month, including a season-high 24 against Golden State, 20 against Charlotte and 18 against Oklahoma City.

--Mark Medina

Follow the L.A. Times Lakers blog on Twitter. E-mail the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com

Photo: Bryant drives against Atlanta's Joe Johnson. Johnson's 28 points, including four free throws in the final 23 seconds was the key in the Hawks' 98-95-win. Credit: EPA.

Somehow the "Lakers playing without Andrew Bynum" mantra doesn't have the same ring to the "Lakers playing without Kobe Bryant" story line. Yet, during Bryant's five-game absence in February, every game story came with analysis on why the Lakers had played so well even though Bryant's valued presence was missing in the lineup.

During the Lakers' five-game stretch since Bynum strained his left Achilles' tendon March 19 against Minnesota, not as much attention has been devoted to the void he's left, beyond the latest: that the team expects his earliest return date to be April 8 against Denver. And ESPN Los Angeles' Brian Kamenetzky recently posted his take on what Bynum brings to the team.

Nonetheless, I think there are justifiable reasons for the difference. First, the Lakers' 4-1 run during Bryant's injury featured better team balance and improved defensive intensity. Those two qualities stood out because the Lakers played pretty inconsistently in those areas all season. Though most never made the leap to suggest the Lakers are better without Bryant (which is just plain absurd), the performances during his absence raised legitimate discussion about why the Lakers didn't always play as sharp with Bryant in the lineup.

Second, the Lakers obviously miss Bynum's inside presence, but the team's problems during its 2-2 trip are ones the Lakers have experienced even with Bynum in the lineup. Those include the team's lack of urgency, poor outside shooting, poor screen-and-roll defense and the bench play. If Bynum had played during this trip, it's conceivable the Lakers could've won more games, but it's also conceivable they could've won had they sharpened the aforementioned problems, with or without Bynum. 

Still, there's no question the Lakers' play has dropped off since Bynum suffered the injury nearly two weeks ago. Consider the discrepancies in the team's statistics during the last five games compared with their season averages. That includes total offense (95 points per game, 102.45), rebounds (42.2, 44.45) and assists (17.2, 21.21). The drop-off in points and assists didn't happen solely because of Bynum's absence. Surely the Lakers' poor shooting contributes to the decreased production, but you also have to figure why the Lakers are taking those shots. And when you do, you realize Bynum's absence has exacerbated problems that had been present when he was in the lineup. 

The reason for the increased outside shooting is because Bynum isn't in the paint, and it relates to the economic term "opportunity costs." For example, if decide to shop somewhere instead of working, you have to equate the lost money from not working and the money you spent buying something. So in Bynum's case, for every Lakers outside shot that didn't go in, you can be assured that some of those possessions wouldn't entailed easy inside points from Bynum had he been in the lineup.

There's never a good time to get injured, but Bynum got hurt just after putting together a month-long average of 15.9 points, 9.4 rebounds and 1.8 blocks on 56.8% shooting. That included the four-game stretch in which he posted 20 points, 10.3 rebounds and 2.0 blocks on 63.3% shooting. Though injuries are never "timely," Bynum's came just as he and forward Pau Gasol had started to develop chemistry. Though that's something the two have largely struggled to do, their presence alone still presented a threat simply because of matchup issues. The Lakers want both players to complement each other, but, as Bryant has often said, having two talented players to choose from inside is a "good problem" to have. Even though Gasol has maintained his production, with 20.6 points in the last five games, Bynum's absence gives the defense more reason to double-team Gasol, forcing the Lakers to try to correct a weakness in their outside shooting.

That's not the only area where the Lakers have seen a decrease. Lakers forward Lamar Odom has started in Bynum's absence and, with exception of his performance in Monday's 108-100 loss to New Orleans, he averaged 15.6 points on 46.5% shooting along with 11 rebounds during the first three games of the trip. Though Odom has comfortably filled the starting position, the bench has lost his leadership.

The unit has been plagued by inconsistency all season, but Odom's absence exacerbates the problem. Consider how opposing teams' benches outscored the Lakers reserves in three of the last five games: Washington (37-27), San Antonio (23-20) and New Orleans (42-12). Any of the positive aspects, such as Shannon Brown's 13 points against Washington and Jordan Farmar's 14 points against San Antonio and 11 points against Houston, were minimal compared with the problems the bench presented. That included the reserves squandering a fourth-quarter double-digit lead against Washington, Sasha Vujacic arguing with assistant coach Brian Shaw during the Oklahoma City game and the Lakers starters and reserves allowing the Hornets bench to dictate the tempo. 

Clearly, the Lakers in the past have shown their ability to play without Bynum. But his absence continues a never-ending theme this season in which the Lakers have had to reestablish continuity as players shuffle in and out of the lineup because of injuries. Even when Bynum returns, he may have to catch up on his conditioning and reestablish the chemistry he had with Gasol and Bryant before his injury. One thing at least remains clear: with all the problems the Lakers face (lack of urgency, poor screen and roll defense, poor shooting, turnovers), the team can't afford to add yet another item of concern. 

-- Mark Medina

Follow the L.A. Times Lakers blog on Twitter. E-mail the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com

Photo: Lakers center Andrew Bynum hasn't played at all during the team's five-game because of a strained left Achilles' tendon. Credit: Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times

Lakers links

-- The Times' Mike Bresnahan highlights Kobe Bryant's interview with NBA TV and previews the Lakers' (54-20) game tonight against Atlanta (47-26).

-- The Times' Jerry Crowe mentions that some Vegas oddsmakers think LeBron James and Kevin Durant have a better shot than Bryant at winning the regular-season MVP.

-- The Atlanta Journal Constitution's Michael Cunningham wonders whether fans tonight will root for the Hawks or the visiting Lakers.

-- The Orange County Register's Kevin Ding wonders whether Phil Jackson's routine during the Lakers' trip has contributed to the team's poor play.

-- Fox Sports West's Michael Eaves argues that fans shouldn't worry about the Lakers' play until the postseason begins.

-- In The Times' Fabulous Forum blog, Ted Green assesses the Lakers' chances to repeat.

-- ESPN Los Angeles' Brian Kamenetzky weighs in on how Andrew Bynum's absence has affected the Lakers.

-- Forum Blue and Gold argues that the Lakers' consistently inconsistent play shouldn't be a cause for concern.

-- Laker Noise's Roland Lazenby explains why Luke Walton's return to the lineup, expected soon, is a good thing.

-- Silver Screen and Roll argues that the Lakers' championship hopes may hinge on a little bit of luck.

-- Sports Illustrated's Dan Patrick interviews Jackson on a variety of topics, including his future with the Lakers. Meanwhile, Reggie Miller tells Patrick he prefers John Wooden over Jackson and Bryant and LeBron James over Kevin Durant.

--Sports Illustrated's NBA writers, including Ian Thomsen, Jack McCallum, Frank Hughes and Chris Mannix debate whether the Lakers are better off with Ron Artest instead of Trevor Ariza.

--Sports Illustrated's Britt Robson adds his own two cents, saying the Lakers will be glad they have Artest this postseason.

-- ESPN NBA analyst Jalen Rose believes the Lakers are in trouble.

--The Daily News' Elliott Teaford observes that it seems the Lakers lately are very angry with one another, the coaching staff and the referees.

--Lakers.com's Mike Trudell provides a good reminder that Orlando is creeping up on the Lakers in the league standings.

Tweet of the Day:"Has it really been a year since Andrew Bynum's Playboy escapades? At least he's on the Lakers road trip this time." -- ArashMarkazi (ESPN Los ANgeles columnist Arash Markazi).

Reader Comment of the Day:"LA Laker teams will never be known for being "lunch bucket" brigade. Style AND substance rule here. And, unfortunately, part of the smug and arrogant reality of the LA style is the "Me Worry?" attitude when others are clucking, "The sky is falling!" Some call it arrogance... some call it hubris... and presently we all call it uncalled for." -- LakerMike

--Mark Medina

Follow the L.A. Times Lakers blog on Twitter. E-mail the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com

Photo: New Orleans point guard Chris Paul challenges a three-point shot by Lakers point guard Derek Fisher in the first half Monday night. Credit: Derick E. Hingle/US Presswire.

There Lakers guard Kobe Bryant sat in the NBA TV studios, discussing the regular season MVP race. There Bryant stood on set, explaining the six game-winners he compiled this season. And there Bryant was, openly acknowledging that Coach Phil Jackson had once used him as a decoy on a final play.

During NBA TV's Fan Night on Tuesday, Bryant appeared in a much different mood than he displayed Monday during the final moments of the Lakers' 108-100 loss to the New Orleans Hornets. Before the result was all but official, a frustrated Bryant punched a chair during a timeout. After it was official, Bryant's curt one-sentence answers barely masked his obvious frustrations.

Ahh, how a day can help heal wounds.

"What kind of mood are you in right now?" NBA TV host Ernie Johnson asked Bryant. "You weren't too happy last night after that New Orleans game."

"I was very jovial," Bryant joked.

"Yeah, right," Johnson laughed. "How you feeling now?"

"I'm OK," Bryant said. "I'm looking forward to tomorrow's game."

Bryant, of course, is referring to the Lakers' (54-20) matchup with Atlanta (47-26) on Wednesday night, concluding the team's five-game trip. And with the team having the day off Tuesday, Bryant spent part of his downtime with the NBA TV crew. The fact that he was willing to even discuss the regular season MVP race demonstrates his happier mental state. After all, Bryant has often deemed that topic rather insignificant compared with the quest for championships.

This was a topic that NBA TV's Kyle Montgomery, Dennis Scott and Brent Barry brought up when they were mulling over an imaginary NBA bracket that resembled more the format of the NCAA tournament.

That means there were no playoff series and all the seedings were based on overall record. Thankfully, the team's RPI and strength of schedule didn't come into play, or else they would've had a really long show. The Lakers were ranked first in the West Regional bracket, earned a first-round bye, defeated Charlotte in the "Sweet 16," won against Phoenix in the "Elite 8" and then faced Orlando in the "Final Four."

That's when an interesting debate came up. Scott and Barry chose the Magic (52-22) to advance because of its 8-2 mark in the last 10 games, including recent victories against the Denver Nuggets and San Antonio Spurs. That's when Montgomery interjected

"We're not talking about the Lakers that take a night off," Montgomery said. "We're talking about the Lakers that play full steam ahead."

Still, Scott and Barry remained unsure because of Andrew Bynum's strained left Achilles' tendon, which has kept him sidelined for the last five games. Nonetheless, Montgomery's point had me wondering if the Lakers' lack of urgency is partly rooted in the fact that the NBA's playoff format involves best-of-seven series.

If the Lakers played in an NCAA tournament format last season, they'd be nowhere close to winning an NBA title with their Game 1 Western Conference Semifinal loss to Houston. While the chances of an upset increase dramatically in the NCAA tournament, I'd actually think the Lakers would play better basketball under that format. That wouldn't mean they would be more successful given the more unpredictable nature of a single-elimination tournament, but you would be seeing the Lakers at their peak. 

That also got me wondering if that's the reason why some fans still remain optimistic about the Lakers, even through their sluggish performances this month. Do you think it's not necessary for them to look sharp as the season winds down because they can just save that for a playoff series that goes at least four games? Would you be more concerned about the Lakers if they played in a single-elimination tournament?

All these questions are pretty open-ended. So rather than run a poll, I'll leave the floor open for everyone to share in the comments section below. 

-- Mark Medina

Follow the L.A. Times Lakers blog on Twitter. E-mail the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com

For a game that presented mostly frustrating moments for the Lakers in their 108-100 loss Monday to the New Orleans Hornets, at least fans were treated to a very entertaining interview with actor Bruce Willis.

Willis has been in New Orleans to film the movie, "Red," and he and his wife, Emma Heming, were invited by Hornets owner George Shinn to sit courtside at the Lakers-Hornets game at New Orleans Arena. Sounds like a sweet deal, but when your day job involves firing pistols in the French Quarter or somehow propelling a car into a helicopter, I guess that's really just OK.

Clearly, Willis' on-air interview with KCAL 9's John Ireland shows he had a good time. I couldn't find the video of the interview, so below is the transcript of the on-air exchange. It doesn't capture the hilarity as it would if you saw video, but the answers below clearly show Willis was also thinking about Hurricanes. (The video will be immediately posted if I find it online, or if someone send the link). 

Ireland: "First of all, I noticed you were cheering for both teams. You're a fan of good basketball, I guess."

Willis: "I like good plays, that's all. I just like watching good plays, good teams. Great fan support here."

Ireland: You're filming the movie "Red" here. What's it about?

Willis: "Entertainment. Big entertaining cast. We have a lot of fun down here. We just came out of Toronto for two cold months. To come down here, great town. A really great town."

Ireland: "I know you're a big sports fan of all sorts of sports. Have you ever had a seat this good for an NBA game?"

Willis: Umm, not lately [smiles]. Not lately. George [Shinn] has been very kind. Him and his wife, very nice tonight. And a great game. Not over yet.

Willis wasn't lying. Immediately after that interview, the Lakers went on a 9-0 run and trailed only 87-81 with 5:28 remaining. Unfortunately for the Lakers, that was as close as it would get. Clearly, the Lakers didn't get the memo that if they came back and won, the game would've been featured in Willis' upcoming movie.

UPDATED 3:44 p.m. - Still no sight of Willis' interview with KCAL-9. But reader Ryan Knaus shared a link of another interview Willis did during the Lakers-Hornets game with a New Orleans network. Different answers to different questions, but Willis definitely had the same demeanor. Funny stuff.

--Mark Medina

Follow the L.A. Times Lakers blog on Twitter. E-mail the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com

Photo: Actor Bruce Willis with his wife, Emma Heming, right, and New Orleans Hornets owner George Shinn, left, sitting with his wife Denise during the second half of a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at the New Orleans Arena. Credit: Derick E. Hingle / U.S. Presswire

The Lakers coaching staff will have plenty of film to dissect and plenty of notebooks to fill regarding the team's defensive breakdowns in its 108-100 loss Monday to the New Orleans Hornets. You can concentrate on the team's poor interior D, its poor pick-and-roll defense and its poor tendency to properly mark outside shooters. You can really just take you pick, but where to prioritize?

There was point guard Chris Paul (15 points, 13 assists) already looking at full form in his fourth game since missing 25 because of torn cartilage in his left knee. There was forward David West (20 points) cracking the Lakers' flimsy interior, surprising considering West has been largely ineffective in the previous matchups against the Lakers this season as well as in 2009 and 2008. Yet, the most egregious part of the Lakers' defense entailed allowing the Hornets to shoot 10 of 23 from three-point range, including three treys each from Marcus Thornton (18 points) and James Posey (17 points)

New Orleans ranks seventh in the league in three-point percentage (36.4%) so it's not surprising the Hornets shot so well. What is surprising, however, is how wide open the Lakers left them on the outside, partly because of poor screen-and-roll defense and partly because of poor communication. It also appeared New Orleans' hot hand propelled the Lakers to try to match them at their own gain, not utilizing the post as much as they had at the beginning of the game despite the fact Pau Gasol had 26 points on 11 of 21 shooting. Instead, the Lakers attempted 29 three-points and made only seven of them, including a one of eight clip from forward Ron Artest. Below is a breakdown on how New Orleans took advantage of the Lakers' poor D on the perimeter. 

Game stories

-- The Times' Mike Bresnahan describes the post-game locker-room scene after the Lakers' 108-100 loss Monday to the New Orleans Hornets. That included a very quiet but obviously upset Kobe Bryant.

-- The Orange County Register's Kevin Ding argues the Lakers' loss all but officially gives Cleveland home-court advantage if they meet in the NBA Finals.

-- NBA.com's Larry Holder provides information on Bryant's silence afterward, the Lakers' frustration with their execution and New Orleans' approach to secure the victory.

--- The Times-Picayune' Jimmy Smith details why the Hornets feel that their upset over the Lakers is bittersweet.

-- The Daily News' Elliott Teaford analyzes the Lakers' loss to the Hornets.

Notebooks

-- The Times' Bresnahan reports that the earliest that center Andrew Bynum may return to the lineup would be April 8 against Denver. So far, Bynum has missed five games because of a strained left Achilles' tendon.

-- The Times' Broderick Turner details how the poor defense from the Lakers' guards contributed to a big night from New Orleans guards Chris Paul and former UCLA standout Darren Collison.

--The Times' Turner also points to the Lakers' poor bench play as one of many reasons the Lakers lost.

-- The Orange County Register's Ding focuses on the ongoing struggles of the Lakers bench.

-- The Daily News' Teaford says Lakers Coach Phil Jackson is equally concerned about the team's possible first-round playoff opponents, including Oklahoma City, Portland and San Antonio.

Columns

-- The Times' T.J. Simers and Jackson enjoyed a two-hour lunch together. And to think, it was the lunch with Simers that brightened Jackson's day and the game afterward that ruined it.

-- ESPN Los Angeles' Arash Markazi compares the Lakers' lackluster play with high school seniors just waiting for graduation. Seniors, however, can coast through the final weeks of high school. Coasting through the regular season may prove costly in the postseason.

Blogs

-- ESPN Los Angeles' Andy Kamenetzky highlights the Lakers' fourth-quarter run and Bruce Willis' hilariously awkward interview with KCAL-9's John Ireland.

-- Just like Willis, the Lakers were hammered, writes Silver Screen and Roll.

-- Forum Blue and Gold criticizes the Lakers for not having a strong cast to support Bryant and Pau Gasol.

-- Hornets 24/7 believes New Orleans' win against the Lakers could have long-term implications next season.

-- Lakers Nation wonders whether Jackson is playing the right rotations.

NBA rankings

-- Fox Sports' John Galinsky argues that the Lakers' main concern involves Bynum returning to full health.

-- Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix projects that the Lakers will win in six games in the first round of the playoffs against Portland.

-- Hoopsworld's Eric Pincus can't get over the Lakers' loss last week to Oklahoma City.

Tweet of the Day: "Willis: good PER when hammered. AK RT @TheNoLookPass: Since Ireland interviewed Bruce Willis, Lakers have reeled off five straight." -- ESPNLandOLakers (ESPN Los Angeles' Andy and Brian Kamenetzky).

Reader Comment of the Day: "Are the lakers really this bad or are they playing opossum? Come on - everyone has been saying - wait until the end of the season - well...it's here!!! Why are they still not able to beat sub 500 teams?! Man- so freaking frustrating rooting for this team. Is Kobe the only one who cares on this team? I refuse to watch any more games until the playoffs." -- Jerry Ross

-- Mark Medina

Follow the L.A. Times Lakers blog on Twitter. E-mail the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com

Photo: Lakers guard Kobe Bryant breaks free down the lane past Hornets guard No. 3 Chris Paul and forward James Posey in the second half Monday night. Credit: Derick E. Hingle / US Presswire.

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant raced down the other end of the court, bearing a determined look and chewing gum profusely. He had just made a putback off Jordan Farmar's missed free throw, which cut the Lakers' deficit to six points after trailing New Orleans most of the game by double-digit margins. The task was far from over, but with the Lakers scoring 11 unanswered points with 5:35 remaining in the game, Bryant's stoic demeanor gave the impression the team seemed well on its way to completing the comeback effort.

With 38.1 seconds left, Bryant's reaction changed altogether as it became apparent the Lakers' run wouldn't be able to camouflage the lapses that had put the team in this predicament in the first place. Those wondering how Bryant would react to the Lakers' eventual 108-100 loss Monday to the New Orleans Hornets were given a sneak peek after Coach Phil Jackson called timeout with the team trailing by five points. Bryant approached a chair on the Lakers' bench, punched it, and then sat down in disgust.

The reason why this scene stood out so vividly to me wasn't necessarily because it was Bryant. In fact, he contributed little to the problems that plagued the Lakers against the Hornets (35-40), what with his team-leading 31 points on 10 of 18 shooting, his 13 points in the fourth quarter and his tendency to direct the offense through everyone on the floor. But the imagery symbolized all too well an example of something the Lakers may continue to see if they don't fix their bad habits. 

After trailing 50-42 at halftime to a team that was just mathematically eliminated from postseason contention, the Lakers opened the third quarter with a 14-6 run to reduce the deficit to 58-56 with 6:37 remaining in the third quarter. After New Orleans closed the third quarter with a 77-63 lead, the Lakers answered again, this time with that 11-0 run that cut the Hornets' lead to 87-81. But New Orleans' 12 free throws in the remaining 1:16 ultimately sealed the victory.

Clearly, the Lakers once again lacked a sense of urgency and appeared confident that they could make any necessary late-game heroics to offset the difference. But the plan backfired, leaving the team frustrated it couldn't bail themselves out. Clearly, fostering these type of bad habits lends the Lakers a huge risk that they'd bear huge consequences during postseason play. That in itself isn't guaranteed. But the Lakers' mindset that they think they can just turn the switch on whenever they need to isn't a sound strategy. And their loss to New Orleans proved why.

The Lakers (54-20) have a secure five-game lead over Dallas (49-25), a 5 1/2-game advantage over Utah (49-26) and a 6 1/2-game cushion over Phoenix (47-26) and Denver (48-27) for the top seed in the Western Conference standings. But they are no where near Cleveland (58-16) for the league's best record and in matching the team's play. Jackson had vowed the Lakers should aim to go 4-1 or  5-0 on its current trip. He also thought the team was capable of reaching 60 regular season wins with eight games remaining. The Lakers may say all the right things about playing with effort and sharpening up before the playoffs begin. But the team's effort for most of this past month, including its loss to New Orleans, suggests otherwise. 

The Lakers' two losses in the past three games and many underwhelming performances this month masked the team's recent seven-game winning streak. And the Lakers' latest loss featured poor defense and a mostly ineffective offense. The Lakers left the perimeter untouched, enabling New Orleans to go 10 of 23 from three-point range, including Marcus Thornton's three of nine clip en route to 18 points. The Lakers left the interior exposed, allowing many of Chris Paul's 13 assists and David West's 20 points to come with relative ease. And the Lakers' typically poor screen-and-roll defense contributed to Paul's 15 points and Darren Collison's 17 points.

And just because the Hornets shot well from long distance didn't mean the Lakers should've tried the same approach. They went seven of 29 from behind the arc, including a one of eight clip from Ron Artest, whose 14 points came on many open looks, a tendency defenses give him because he doesn't usually hit his shots. Bryant and Gasol worked wonders together, with Gasol finishing with 26 points and 22 rebounds, including scoring the team's first 12 points. Meanwhile, the rest of the starters outside of Bryant and Gasol shot 11 of 38 and the bench went five of 14 from the field. That unit was again without Sasha Vujacic, who had argued with assistant coach Brian Shaw during the team's loss Friday to Oklahoma City. 

The Lakers' day off on Sunday should've given the team the necessary rest and energy to easily put away New Orleans. Instead, the Lakers acted like they didn't have to report to work. Come playoff time, the Lakers shouldn't be surprised if those kind of habits ultimately doom them. 

--Mark Medina

Follow the L.A. Times Lakers blog on Twitter. E-mail the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com

Photo: Lakers guard Kobe Bryant takes New Orleans guard Marcus Thornton off the dribble in the first half Monday night. Credit: Derick E. Hingle/US Presswire.

New Orleans Hornets 108, Lakers 100 (final)

This was not a good loss for the Lakers -- not when they are trying to get some momentum heading into the Western Conference playoffs and certainly not when they are playing a New Orleans Hornets team that is headed home for the summer.

The Lakers now are 2-2 on a five-game trip that ends Wednesday night in Atlanta. With eight games left in the regular season, the Lakers need to get their act together.

Down 17 points in the fourth, the Lakers never got closer than five points. They didn't look inspired until they got into a big hole Monday night.

The Lakers trailed, 85-68, after a three-point play by Emeka Okafor early in the fourth quarter.

It wasn't long after that Lakers Coach Phil Jackson took Kobe Bryant out of the game for his first rest of the second half with 9:02 left and the Lakers trailing by 15 points.

By the time Bryant returned with 5:44 left, the Lakers had cut their deficit to six points after Bryant rebounded a missed Jordan Farmar free throw and scored down low.

The Lakers were now back in the game, but they couldn't come all the way back.

Pau Gasol had 26 points and 22 rebounds, tying his career high. Bryant had 31 points.

Chris Paul had 15 points and 13 assists for the Hornets and David West had 20 points.

-- Broderick Turner, reporting from New Orleans

Photo: Lakers center Pau Gasol looks for a shot opportunity in the lane against Hornets center Emeka Okafor in the first half Monday night. Credit: Sean Gardner / Associated Press

RELATED: Photos from the Lakers-Hornets game

Lakers center Andrew Bynum won't be back as quickly as he hoped from a strained left Achilles' tendon.

Bynum planned to return to action later this week or early next week, but neither looked attainable as of Monday.

"I was hoping to, but I don't think it's going to happen," Bynum said. "I'm able to walk with minimal pain. I can't really walk very fast without feeling something. I'm just resting it, trying to stay off it as much as possible."

On Monday, Bynum missed his fifth consecutive game with the injury, which was sustained while he ran downcourt in a March 19 game against Minnesota.

Bynum will be re-evaluated Friday, but it looks as if the earliest he could return would be April 8 against Denver. He is averaging 15 points and 8.3 rebounds a game.

-- Mike Bresnahan

Photo: Andrew Bynum acknowledges a teammate after a play against Phoenix earlier this month. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas / Associated Press

--Mark Medina

Follow the L.A. Times Lakers blog on Twitter. E-mail the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com