Jordan Farmar and Jodie Meeks out until after the All-Star break

Even when the Lakers win, they lose.

Guards Jodie Meeks and Jordan Farmar will sit out games at least until after the All-Star break, meaning they'll miss home matchups versus the Utah Jazz on Tuesday and Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday. Both were injured (or in Farmar's case, re-injured) during last Wednesday's game against Cleveland, as Meeks badly sprained his ankle in the first quarter and Farmar aggravated his torn hamstring.

The two injuries will leave the Lakers--once again--incredibly short handed. In addition to Meeks and Farmar, Xavier Henry, Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and Nick Young will all miss anywhere from another week to the rest of the regular season. To make matters worse, Steve Nash was re-injured today as he was hit in the left leg in the third quarter against Chicago and was held out  the rest of the game as a precaution. Though Nash said he felt like he'd be able to play in Tuesday's game, he'll be re-examined tomorrow to see if the nerve irritation is anything more serious.

While there's no doubt that their absences will affect the team's on-court fortunes, these injuries might be even more impactful off the court. Meeks and Farmar looked to be two of the team's most attractive trade chips going towards the trade deadline, along with the also injured Pau Gasol and Nick Young. With both guards out until after the All-Star break, there is some concern that they won't be able to re-establish value upon their returns...if they even make it back by February 20th.

Just another day in a snake-bitten Lakers season.

--MAMBINO

--Follow this author @TheGreatMambino