After a loss to the Boston Celtics in January, Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson discussed his team’s performance: "Is it the playoffs yet? No. We're still playing regular-season games. We'll get there in time."

Turns out that the defending champion Lakers didn’t get there – earlier this week they were eliminated (via a 4-0 sweep) in the second round of the playoffs.

The Lakers had trouble ratcheting up their intensity when it counted. A TV analyst noted that they seemed stuck in low gear.

The Lakers’ loss is good reminder of the need to maintain a high level of focus and performance all the time. That’s the best way to ensure that we’ll be able to bring our “A Game” when it counts the most.