It was another up-and-down week for the Los Angeles Lakers, something that was expected especially with the hiring of Mike D’Antoni. The Lakers are still getting used to the new system and it may take some time before the players and the coaching staff are on the same page. To make matters worse, the Lakers are still without Steve Nash, one of the main pieces to this D’Antoni offense.
A lot went on for the Lakers in the past week and here is Lakers Nation’s look back at the past seven days.
—- Show off your team pride with your own Lakers Nation t-shirt! —-
Lakers Nation Game Recaps:
The Lakers began the week against the Dallas Mavericks in the Lone Star State. The Mavericks handed the Lakers an opening night loss and Los Angeles entered the night winless on the road. The Lakers could not afford to lose to the Dirk Nowitzki-less Mavericks again, and they needed to send a message to all the critics. The Lakers dominated the game from the tip and ended up winning 115-89 thanks to a break through performance by Antawn Jamison.
However, the euphoria of the domination over the Mavericks came crashing down when the Indiana Pacers stole a game at Staples Center. The game was not well played and the Lakers could blame their loss on the free-throw shooting. Kobe Bryant scored 40 of the Lakers’ 77 points, and he was the only player producing for them. The game was decided on the final play, as Pacer George Hill hit the game winning layup to put the Pacers up 79-77.
The Lakers got back to .500 thanks to their win over the Denver Nuggets on Friday. Los Angeles played a great game and they dominated the Nuggets from the opening tip. Mike D’Antoni said this Lakers team will have no problem in scoring, and on this night, the team won 122-103 thanks to 33 points and 12 rebounds by Antwan Jamison.
Lakers Nation News:
Kobe Bryant is not concerned with the Lakers’ poor free-throw shooting.
Mike D’Antoni believes the Brown firing was unfair.
Former Lakers center Andrew Bynum is currently in a lawsuit with his former neighbors.
Derek Fisher has signed with the Dallas Mavericks.
Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni regrets his decision to coach the Knicks.
Steve Blake will be sidelined for two more weeks.
The Lakers have assigned Robert Sacre to the D-League.
Pau Gasol believes shooting free-throws are “mental.”
Mike D’Antoni believes Pau Gasol can fit in his system.
According to rumors, Raja Bell wants to play for the Lakers.
Kobe Bryant credits the new offense to his offensive efficiency.
Brian Shaw was shocked at how the Lakers treated Phil Jackson.
The Lakers aren’t ready to trade Gasol, yet.
Phil Jackson will likely never coach again.
Kobe Bryant says he will score more with Nash back in the lineup.
The Lakers will likely keep the coaching staff intact.
Pau Gasol is suffering from knee tendonitis.
