The Los Angeles Lakers played their second consecutive game without Kobe Bryant, but unlike their match against the Magic, the team could not come out on top. The Portland Trail Blazers stormed past the Lakers in the fourth quarter thanks to an amazing performance by Damian Lillard and walked off Staples Center winners, 106-94.
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With Bryant out of the lineup, the team needed a big game from Nick Young and were desperate for a spark off the bench. However, Young struggled the entire night shooting the basketball and his play was disappointing to say the least. After the game, Young spoke to the media and talked about what he needs to do when his shots aren’t falling down, via Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters:
Nick Young: “No matter what I’ve got to keep my energy high.”
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) January 12, 2015
Young finished the night with nine points and did it on 3-11 while shooting just 1-8 from behind the arc. Los Angeles lost a lot of its offensive prowess with Kobe on the bench, and the game would probably have a different outcome if Young had a solid outing.
The Lakers currently stand at 12-26 and are ahead of only the Minnesota Timberwolves in the conference standings. Nevertheless, the team has been improving as of late and will be looking to get back to its winning ways on Tuesday night when it hosts the new-look Miami Heat.
[divide]Lakers Players Reactions To Damian Lillard