Kobe Bryant puzzled by the Los Angeles Lakers slump – NBA Update
The Los Angeles Lakers are in a slump, the magnitude of which just increased after a 100-94 loss against the lowly Cleveland Cavaliers. The Lakers have now lost 8 of their last 11 games and more importantly they are 1-10 in games
when Kobe Bryant, the man who has been their talisman for so many years, has scored 30 or more points.
Bryant scored a game high 42 points on Tuesday night, on a spectacular 16 of 28 shooting, but the Lakers still fell short. When asked about his reaction to the loss, Bryant uncharacteristically seemed puzzled;
"This is one of the most challenging stretches of my 17 years, and the most baffling, too," a baffled Bryant said after the Lakers loss. "We have the talent and personnel to do it, but we're not, and it's baffling. It's extremely
frustrating.
"It doesn't make any sense. We're still finding ways to lose games."
The Lakers were billed to be the next NBA champions after they acquired Steve Nash and Dwight Howard in the off season, but as the season has progressed, they are looking like a team not motivated enough for winning, let alone
the championship. While many people consider the injury to Steve Nash as one of the biggest reason behind the current skid, the reality of the matter is that the Lakers are just too slow, especially on defence.
Early in the Mike D’Antoni era, a lot of blame was placed on Pau Gasol for team’s shortcomings, but the power forward has been out for four games now, and the defence and post play still looks as sluggish as before.
Bryant, who had hands on his back as the final seconds of the game passed by, refused to blame anyone for the loss, but highlighted the major weakness, one that is related with intensity and the will to win.
"I'm very upset," Bryant said. "When things get hard, you should get more determined, not shake your heads. It just seems when it rains it pours. It's like this cloud is following us around at all times. I'm one of the fastest
guys on the team -- and I'm like 50. What does that tell you?"
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