The Los Angeles Lakers had a four game week and the team fared fairly well, going 3-1. The only loss came against the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the other three wins were all thanks to the heroics of Kobe Bryant.
Los Angeles is essentially facing a must-win situation nearly every night and if the team wants to reach the post season, it has to be perfect the entire way. The Lakers are improving as a team and the players are beginning to feel comfortable in their roles. Kobe Bryant has elevated his game to a whole new level and his teammates are responding with toughness and effort.
There was a lot to talk about in Lakers Nation and here is a week in review:
Lakers Nation Game Recaps:
The Lakers opened the week with a game against the Atlanta Hawks and the match was tight throughout. Los Angeles did not play its best game of the season but when the team needed a basket, Kobe Bryant delivered. The outcome was decided in the final seconds and the Lakers showed great grit and resolve down the stretch. Thanks to some thunderous plays by Bryant and tough defense, the Lakers pulled off a 99-98 win.
The team’s only loss of the week came on Tuesday night when it fell to one of the best squads in the league, the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Lakers were in striking distance in the fourth quarter, and it was close until the final minutes. The Thunder turned into a different gear and the Lakers could not do much against the explosive roster.
Los Angeles returned to the court the very next night for a game against the New Orleans Hornets, and once again Bryant came up clutch for the team. The Lakers once faced a 25-point deficit to the Hornets, but the team finished the game on a 20-0 run. The defense down the stretch was amazing and the Lakers ended the game winning 108-102.
The Lakers finished the week with a win over the Toronto Raptors in an overtime thriller at Staples Center. Even though the Raptors are not a playoff bound team, they gave the Lakers a run for their money. However, just like the previous two wins of the week, Kobe Bryant came up big for the Lakers in the fourth quarter and overtime to give them a 118-116 win.
Lakers Nation News:
The Lakers are happy to be on Kobe’s side during his recent play.
Dwight Howard discusses his results with his posture shirt.
The Lakers assigned Robert Sacre and Darius Morris to the D-League.
Pau Gasol showed encouraging results after his running drill.
Jerry West Believes the “Worst is Behind’ the Lakers.
Kobe and Steve Nash praised Dwight Howard for his efforts.
Kobe Bryant and Howard are getting on the same page.
Jameer Nelson criticized his former teammate Dwight Howard.
Dwight Howard has maintained a relationship with Phil Jackson since 2009
Bryant suffered an arm injury in the Lakers’ loss to the Thunder.
Howard has been receiving texts from legendary coach Phil Jackson.
The Lakers will play two exhibition games in China.
Hawks forward Josh Smith believes Howard will stay in Los Angeles.
