Losing Early Leads Is Troubling Trend

The Lakers continue to move along at a velocity that’s slightly better than win-lose-win-lose, a pace that could be improved if they were able to hold onto large leads.

They have failed to hold double-digit advantages in five of their last seven games, losing twice and hanging on to win the other three.

A 33-point lead against New Orleans was trimmed to seven. An 18-point advantage against Orlando became a nine-point loss. A 22-point lead against Houston turned into a brief deficit. A 17-point lead against Phoenix became a five-point loss. And a 12-point lead against Chicago was briefly lost early in the fourth quarter.

“Usually people don’t just let you just go and run away with the game,” Coach Rudy Tomjanovich said. “We’re getting to know each other. It’s just part of basketball. It’s what keeps people in their seats. I’d rather there be no drama at all, but it just seems to be that way.”

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Forward Jumaine Jones (strained calf) could come off the injured list before tonight’s game against Milwaukee, as could center Vlade Divac (sore back), although Friday’s game against Sacramento appears to be a more probable night for Divac’s debut.... Forward Brian Cook did not practice because of a viral infection. His availability for tonight is uncertain.... Laker owner Jerry Buss is expected to meet with reporters within a few weeks for a state-of-the-franchise address, a Laker spokesman said.

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TONIGHT

vs. Milwaukee, 7:30, FSN West

Site -- Staples Center.

Radio -- KLAC (570), KWKW (1330).

Records -- Lakers 6-5, Bucks 3-5.

Record vs. Bucks (2003-04) -- 2-0.

Update -- The Lakers have won 11 of their last 12 at home against the Bucks. Milwaukee guard Michael Redd is among the NBA scoring leaders with a 25.3 scoring average.