I want to get this on the record before the Lakers tip off tonight in New Orleans.

I have a bad feeling about the four-game road trip they’re beginning.

They haven’t been very animated of late. Their defense has been porous. And they are playing four very good teams.

I wouldn’t mind being wrong about this. I believe I was worried about that nine-game trip back in February, too, and the Lakers went 7-2.

But this is be different. The level of competition is way higher, and the venues far more difficult. Actually, the only way this trip could be tougher would be subbing Boston for New Orleans.

New Orleans just crushed the Spurs. And the Lakers have no answer for Chris Paul. None.

The Houston Rockets have won 20 consecutive games. No team in the league is hotter. Sunday’s Lakers game there will be the biggest NBA event in Houston since Hakeem was still suiting up.

The Dallas Mavericks seem to be integrating Jason Kidd into their system, and they’re also 28-4 (!) at home.

The Utah Jazz trashed the Lakers the last time they were there, and Carlos Boozer didn’t even play. And the Jazz is even better than Dallas, at home: 28-3. The best home record in the NBA. Yes, including the Celtics.

I don’t like the vibe here. I think a 2-2 trip would be a success. Even 1-3 would be OK. Anything but 0-4. But that certainly is possible.