Lack of effort disgusts Brand

Already on his fourth round of interviews after Sunday afternoon’s 105-100 loss to the Sacramento Kings at Staples Center, Elton Brand asked a reporter to wait to speak with him privately.

The Clippers’ co-captain said he was feeling “sick” after a loss that dealt a blow to their postseason aspirations, but there was nothing physically wrong with Brand after he scored 29 points and had 14 rebounds, seven assists and three blocked shots while playing all but 46 seconds against the Kings.

His mental outlook was another matter.

Brand was disgusted with the effort of some teammates, who apparently were unaware the Kings would attempt to win the game.

The Clippers now need help to qualify for the Western Conference playoffs, and Brand was already looking toward the future.

“If we don’t make the playoffs, I guarantee you we’re going to have guys in here next year who are going to fight if we’re in this position again,” Brand said. “Oh, yeah, definitely. I know that for sure.

“Management is not going to have this again. We’re going to have guys who are going to fight and give that effort. It’s not going to be like this again.”

Brand does not criticize teammates publicly, and he declined to single out anyone after Sunday’s loss.

“It’s a team,” Brand said. “It’s more than just one guy. If one person is not giving that effort, somebody has to step up, and we didn’t have it. It’s just shocking.”

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Center Chris Kaman’s disappointing season could end this week.

Kaman missed five of eight shots and scored six points with six rebounds and no blocked shots in 21 minutes. He played only eight minutes in the second half -- none in the fourth quarter.

In 73 games, Kaman is averaging 10.1 points and 7.9 rebounds. He’s shooting only 45.1% from the field.

Kaman begins a five-year, $52.5-million contract next season.

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Cuttino Mobley strained his left calf with 2 minutes 58 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter and did not return. Mobley is listed as day to day.

jason.reid@latimes.com