The Los Angeles Lakers welcomed head coach Mike D’Antoni to the sidelines this week as he made his debut with the team on Tuesday against the Brooklyn Nets. D’Antoni began his tenure with the Lakers on a high note with a win, but that excitement dwindled down in Los Angeles as the Lakers lost their last two matches.
As of this point, Steve Nash is still out due to injury, meaning the team is not at full strength. It will take some time before the Lakers all get on the same page, and by the looks of things, that process may take some time.
It was once again a busy week here at Lakers Nation, and here is a look back at the past seven days.
Lakers Nation Game Recaps:
The Lakers faced off with the young Rockets team last Sunday night, and met up with the familiar James Harden. Harden played the Lakers last season in the playoffs, but this time he is the man in Houston. The game was very high scoring, but behind Kobe Bryant’s triple-double the Lakers won 119-108.
In Mike D’Antoni’s first game with the Lakers, he faced off with the explosive Brooklyn Nets team. The Nets came into the game strong and it was good test for D’Antoni and his Lakers team. The game was tight throughout and both teams battled it out for a full 48 minutes. The Lakers shot horribly from the free-throw line, but made the clutch ones en route to a 95-90 win.
In the next game, the Lakers were embarrassed by Pacific Division rivals, the Sacramento Kings. The Kings outplayed the Lakers form the opening tip and the energy level between the two teams was essentially night-and-day. Kobe Bryant did score 38 points, but the Lakers ended up losing the game 113-97.
The Lakers matched up with the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night, one of the best teams in the NBA. The Grizzlies were clicking on all cylinders, whereas the Lakers were still struggling to find their identity. Memphis continued on its hot-streak and sent the Lakers off the with a 106-98 loss.
Lakers Nation News:
Lakers guard Steve Blake may make his return next week.
Steve Nash is still unable to jog due to his knee injury.
The Lakers are reportedly interested in Raja Bell.
Kobe Bryant gives Steve Nash the nickname: “Gatsby”
Dwight Howard believes his free-throw shooting will come around eventually.
Reggie Evans became the first player to be fined for flopping.
Kobe Bryant bets $5,000 against Gerald Wallace at the free-throw line.
Dwight Howard debuts the Lakers’ all-white Christmas jerseys.
Dwight Howard claims that his back is still not 100 percent.
Pau Gasol scored his 15,000th career point during the past week.
Some reports say the Lakers are targeting Hawks’ Josh Smith.
Kobe Bryant may join Twitter or Instagram.
