Lakers’ Week 14 in review
The Lakers continued their downward spiral, finishing Week 14 without a win and a six-game losing streak.
First the Lakers lost with a poor second half on Tuesday against the Indiana Pacers, 104-92.
Al Jefferson simply dominated on Friday in the Lakers’ 110-100 loss to the Charlotte Bobcats.
Before the Pacers’ win, Indiana Coach Frank Vogel said the Lakers are in an “impossible†situation with so many injuries.
The Lakers hoped to get Steve Nash on the floor but a tweaked back caused another delay. Nash has played just six games all season with a nerve issue that has caused back and hamstring issues.
The Lakers welcomed point guards Steve Blake (elbow) and Jordan Farmar (hamstring) back to practice.
Injuries have derailed the season, and it’s a little too late for the Lakers to get help from returning players -- especially with Kobe Bryant declared out at least another three weeks with a knee injury.
Bryant admitted he felt “down,†missing more time as his team struggles. His injury will also keep him from the All-Star game, despite the fans voting him in as a Western Conference starter.
Pau Gasol also struggled to play through a groin injury. Though he was able to compete on Friday against the Bobcats, Gasol was later declared out for at least the coming week.
Gasol was left off the 2014 All-Star team, and the Lakers have also considered trading him, possibly to the Phoenix Suns.
Though Kendall Marshall has put up strong numbers while starting 15 games at point guard, the Lakers haven’t won many games.
The Lakers have started six different starting point guards this season but none have winning records. The closest are Bryant and Nash, both at .500 when starting at the point.
Magic Johnson criticized the Lakers, specifically owner/executive Jim Buss and Coach Mike D’Antoni.
Eventually Johnson decided to cease fire, but not until after his appearance on the “Tonight Show.â€
A number of former Lakers have found new teams, including Andrew Bynum (Pacers), Shannon Brown (San Antonio Spurs) and Shawne Williams (who signed in the NBA Development League with the D-Fenders).
With the Pacers, Bynum joins one of the top contenders in the Eastern Conference.
The security guard who stole championship rings at the Lakers’ practice facility was sentenced to jail.
Email Eric Pincus at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.
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