Lighting a fire under Lakers defense

Staff writer Mike Bresnahan ties up some loose ends before Lakers playoff games.

Q&A of the day

Question: I “click” on the Times every morning before anything else and mumble a little prayer. Then say hello to my wife. I have to ask the local padre to light a candle for the Lakers to remember defense.

–

John H.

Answer: You might want to request three or four candles. Carlos Boozer was that good in Game 3.

Worst-case Lakers scenario

The decibel level somehow rises higher than in Game 3. Earplugs are passed out to the Lakers. Turnovers keep climbing. You get the picture.

Best-case Lakers scenario

Pau Gasol goes back to being Pau Gasol, collecting a double-double and making the Jazz pay for double-teams by rekindling his passing touch. Kobe Bryant continues to be Kobe Bryant (averaging 35.3 points, 6.7 rebounds and 6.7 assists this series while shooting 53.7%).

View from the other bench

Utah players were stunned when Bryant threw the ball off the backboard and dunked it. Kyle Korver stammered out a “Nice shot.” Boozer was also impressed.

“This is a Game 3 playoff game. It’s not like a charity event or All-Star game. That was a marvelous play,” he said. “As a fan, even though I hated it was against us, as a fan, that’s a great basketball play.”

Final thought

The Lakers were due for a loss, and got it. They have no interest in coming back to Salt Lake City for Game 6. They’ll leave Utah needing only a victory at home to advance to the conference finals.