The Los Angeles Lakers had a turbulent past seven days as they won just one of their previous four games. The Lakers escaped with a 73-70 victory over the Dallas Mavericks thanks to a late-game three by Derek Fisher, but they have not come out on top since.
The Lakers’ offense has been horrible during their three-game losing streak, and it often lacks ball movement and continuity. Pau Gasol has been ostracized from the offense and the Lakers suffered dearly as they were embarrassed in the games.
They began the losing streak by falling to the Miami Heat, 98-87, even without having to face Dwyane Wade. To make matters worse, the Lakers played the next day and faced off with Florida’s other team, the Orlando Magic. The Lakers’ offense was once again dismal and the team only scored ten points in the opening period. The Lakers made a late push in the fourth quarter, but Dwight Howard was too dominate and led the Magic to a 92-80 win.
The Lakers returned home for the final game of the week, but even the Staples Center court could not reverse the spell. The Lakers were leading for the majority of the game, but in the fourth quarter the Pacers took over and made all the key plays. Kobe Bryant had the opportunity to send the game into overtime, but his look three point shot hit the rim and the Lakers lost the game, 98-96.
Lakers News:
- Kobe Bryant was named as one of the 20 finalists for the 2012 Men’s Olympic Basketball team, and is guaranteed to be on the final roster.
- Michael Jordan spoke out and said Kobe Bryant is the only player who deserves to be compared to him.
- Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum currently lead the Western Conference in All-Star votes at the guard and center positions, respectively.
- Steve Blake continues to deal with a rib injury and is should sit out for a couple of weeks.
- Pau Gasol told reporters after the Lakers’ loss to the Pacers that he would like more touches inside the paint.
Quotes:
- Derek Fisher on his game-winning three: “It’s what I do. When opportunities like that present themselves, you know, I’m confident in my abilities to just step up and make the right play, whether it’s making the shot or making the read that creates something for someone else.”
- Coach Mike Brown on LeBron James: “I had a great time coaching LeBron, I wouldn’t be in this suit if it wasn’t for him.”
- Dwight Howard on playing Andrew Bynum: “It wasn’t about Dwight Howard night, it wasn’t about Andrew Bynum night, it was about the Magic and the Lakers. And that was the only thing that was on my mind was getting a win. There’s no need to go back and forth about me and him. We play the game different ways, we both have an objective and that’s to win. He’s won two rings and I’m trying to get mine. I try and lead by example by going out every night and giving 100 percent.”
- Kobe Bryant explains the Lakers’ three-game skid: “We’re really not shooting the ball well. The opposition is shooting the ball much better than we are, especially from 3. We have to start knocking some of those shots down.”
Up Next for the Lakers:
January 25th, vs. Los Angeles Clippers
January 28th, @ Milwaukee Bucks
January 29th, @Minnesota Timberwolves
