Lakers out of their depth

The Los Angeles Lakers' bid to reach a third consecutive NBA Finals ended in disarray in the Western Conference semifinals, as the Dallas Mavericks dished out a crushing 122-86 defeat in game four of the series. The champion in each of the past two seasons and a team aspiring to impose a long reign over its rivals, the Lakers did not manage to get even a foothold in the best-of-seven contest.

The Lakers had failed to ignite during the series and during what proved to be the final opportunity for Phil Jackson's side to have a say in the match-up, the team was reduced to ashes. From start to bitter finish, the Lakers were given a hiding by an opponent in rich scoring form.

It was a cruel end for the Lakers and for Jackson, who had spent the season actively and passively announcing that the end of the season would also herald the end of his career. The most decorated coach in NBA history, Jackson has won 11 Championship rings in 21 seasons and holds a record of having always guided his teams to the playoffs. The end was not in keeping with the man, but that is the nature of sport: cruel and without mercy.

The Mavericks' 4-0 whitewash of the Lakers also brought to an end the run of success enjoyed since Pau Gasol transferred to the City of Angels from Memphis in February 2008. Since then, the Lakers have played in three straight playoff finals, losing to Boston in 2008, defeating Orlando in 2009 and exacting revenge on the Celtics last season. On this occasion, neither Jackson, Gasol nor Kobe Bryant could stop the tide of points sweeping over their side. In the first quarter, Dallas hit 11 three-pointers to take a 63-39 lead. The Mavericks' replacements scored more than the Lakers on their own, with 40 points in the quarter.

In the second half, Dallas equaled the all-time record for three-pointers with 20, the same number Seattle rattled in in 1996.

"I don't think I've ever seen a team play at this level in the playoffs," said Jackson.

Legendary Laker Magic Johnson saw things differently: "It's the worst I've ever seen the Lakers play in a game they needed to win. They were already on vacation and they didn't want to play this game."