public void drawSprites() {
    // loop through the sprites to draw the lights (want the under all sprites)
    for (int i = 0; i < sprites.size(); i++) {
      // load the sprite
      PlayerSprite s = sprites.get(i);

      // always draw from identity transform
      try {
        g2d.setTransform(identity);
      }
      catch (NullPointerException e) { }
      // draw lights
      s.drawLights(g2d);
    }
    // loop through again for rest of sprite
    for (int i = 0; i < sprites.size(); i++) {
      // load the sprite
      PlayerSprite s = sprites.get(i);

      // always draw from identity transform
      try {
        g2d.setTransform(identity);
      }
      catch (NullPointerException e) { }

      // draw the sprite
      s.paint(g2d);
    }
  }