What makes a team with as much talent as the Lakers have lose so many games against “inferior” teams? These guys are not rookies. And why can't Kobe learn to take what the defense gives him on a consistent basis? ?C Bill Stuart, Philadelphia The Lakers are a textbook case on why it’s so difficult to repeat. Since they are the reigning champs, they firmly believe they can turn on their individual and collective A-games at will. So they simply don’t start out with the requisite concentration, respect for their “inferior” opponents and level of intensity. FOX SPORTS POLL Will the Lakers repeat as NBA champs? Yes No However, it’s impossible to la-dee-dah through a season and then get their chops up in the playoffs. Playing hard from tip to buzzer is a mind-set that can only exist if it’s practiced on a regular basis. SOCCER JERSEYThe Lakers do have something of an excuse for their most recent woes. NBA JERSEYWith Kobe on the shelf, they recently won four of five, losing only to the Celtics by two points, and got comfortable playing without him. The ball moved, the bodies moved and everybody was willing to take the big shots. Now that Kobe’s back in action, there’s a tendency for his teammates to stand around and watch him do his thing. The same scenario occurred when Michael Jordan returned to the Bulls' lineup late in the 1994-95 regular season after having a go at baseball. For the Bulls then, and the Lakers now, it’s a question of readjusting to the overwhelming brilliance of their respective superstars. Moreover, these are the dog days of the season when virtually all of the best teams are just about locked into their playoff slots, and not every game is vitally important. Why doesn’t Kobe take what the defense gives him? GhdThat’s a good question. He will do this only when he’s double-teamed on a wing. Otherwise, he seems to make up his mind to either shoot or to throw a touchdown Ghdpass. The whole essence of the triangle is to avoid pressure and move the ball and the players until there’s sufficient space and time for an acceptable shot. One reason why MJ played until he was 40 (and averaged 20.0 ppg at that) was because of the three-plus seasons he was “retired.” But his longevity was also attributed to his adherence to the principles of the triangle, and only rarely did Jordan put himself in a position where a big man could slam him. On the other hand, Kobe routinely challenges the bigs, endures much more disadvantageous contact that Jordan did — and has subsequently suffered more injuries.CHI