After a hot start to the NBA season, the 2-time defending champion L.A. Lakers have lost 4 out of their last 5 games. They were on a 4 game skid until recently beating the Kings on Friday to head into the weekend for a few days off. Their losses include games against the Jazz, Pacers, Grizzlies, and the Rockets. Typically, when a team goes on a losing streak it is because their defense is lacking, however with the Lakers it’s been on the offensive side of the ball.
Watching the Lakers, it appears that their offense has become stagnant and the ball is getting stuck way too much. Because of this, Kobe has been forced to take a lot of tough shots. Kobe also has been a little more aggressive on the offense side which has been hurting the offensive rhythm. The Lakers need to get big man
Pau Gasol more involved in the offense and get him more looks. The Lakers will be a much improved team once Andre Bynum gets back who will help sure up the defensive paint and provide rebounding on both sides of the ball. Once Bynum returns, Lamar Odom will be able to return to the bench and help out the bench where he seems to play the best.
I don’t think you can ever really say anything about the Lakers until the playoffs based on what has happened in the past. The Lakers have been known to coast through the playoffs and then turn it on when it comes to the playoffs. The Lakers will continue to win games but it does appear that they will have some challengers to the top seed in the West by the Dallas Mavericks who are also off to a hot start.
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