The Los Angeles Lakers have proved their relevance this season. Even when things go bad, and they got bad, the Lakers took control of the spotlight. In the media’s eyes, it was Christmas everyday for a couple of months. Injuries, rumored confrontations and personnel changes were just some of the items being offered up by the Lakers to feed the media frenzy.
It was excruciating at times for Lakers fans to watch, while those who don’t think too kindly of the purple and gold were elated at the Lakers struggles. Being in Los Angeles, where the spotlights are extra bright and every move is analyzed and talked about, added fuel to the Lakers’ drama.
---- See Steve Nash through the years in photos! ----
Steve Nash, who is one of the most professional athletes known in the game, has taken all this drama and plain craziness in stride. Playing most of his career in Phoenix, Nash hasn’t had to deal with this level of constant media exposure, but as he shared after Tuesday night’s game per ESPNLA’s Dave McMenamin:
“I feel like this is the new normal,” Steve Nash said after the game when asked if he’s been fazed by the circus of the season. “I don’t even bat an eye at it. I feel like this is just part of the gig and I don’t really feel too affected by it, especially because we’re playing better and we have a little bit more comfort level with each other on the floor.”
Media exposure can be good and can be bad for a team. The good news is that it seems that this Lakers team has survived through the eye of the storm. They seem stronger, more confident and more together as a team. Antawn Jamison recently accredited their improved chemistry as the main reason for their turn around since the All-Star break, as they are currently 9-2.
There is much more room for improvement, but the Lakers seem poised to do that as a team. It is very promising to see the team come together and push through, despite the circus-like atmosphere that settled around the team this season. As Kobe Bryant said on Jimmy Kimmel, “What’s a Laker team in LA without drama?” Lakers fans are now hoping for a Hollywood ending.
