Fifth straight loss: A wakeup call for Los Angeles Lakers
The two times defending champions, Los Angeles Lakers were one of the hottest teams after the All-Star break. Boasting a 15-1 record in the second half of the season,
the Lakers were romping towards the post-season and were on the cusp of overtaking the league leaders, the San Antonio Spurs. However, it has all come apart in the last few days.
On Sunday night, the Kobe Bryant led team, had endure yet another deep blow - a fifth straight loss – making it their biggest losing streak since the 2006 season.
The Lakers gave up seven in a row back then, but that was a time when stars like Pau Gasol had not embraced the Lakers colours. What is wrong with the Lakers at the moment is a big question mark, but one thing is for sure that they desperately need a magical
lift right now.
The only positive thing about the fifth loss was that this one was a little better than the previous four. They displayed a better defensive effort down the stretch.
But, despite their spirited effort, the Lakers had to endure a 120-106 slump.
The Lakers slump has given a boost to the Dallas Mavericks, who are just breathing beneath their necks for the second seed in the Western Conference. If the Lakers
lose one more and the Mavs win one more, the second spot in the conference will change hands. The tail-spin for the Lakers started on 3rd April against the Denver Nuggets, 95-90. It was followed with a fall against Utah Jazz. Golden State Warriors
stung them next with a 95-87 win.
Portland Trail Blazers then handed the visiting Lakers a 93-86 loss. By that5 time, the Lakers coach Phil Jackson was so disappointed that he literally questioned
the playing spirit of his players. He also added that he hated to go into the playoffs with this setup.
And then it all fall apart against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday night. The fifth loss was more than a torture. Bryant, the Lakers shooting guard was so upset
that he confined himself in the training room after the game. Clearly disappointed at this recent upheaval surrounding his team, the player said, “I didn’t want to redecorate the walls in here so I made the effort to just go into the training room and keep
to myself.”
The Lakers have now got just two more games remaining in the regular season. They next meet the league leading San Antonio Spurs (61-19) on 12 April, whereas league
lightweights Sacramento Kings (24-56) await them next on 13 April. The Kings might not be a threat to the Lakers, but they must not underestimate any team at the current situation.
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