NBA Los Angeles Lakers

Help Is On The Horizon For Struggling Los Angeles Lakers

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By @Yizzus_

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Getty Images

The Los Angeles Lakers have dropped yet another game, losing to the New Orleans Pelicans and rising star Anthony Davis. The team showed some promise through the first three quarters as the Lakers kept it within striking distance. Kobe Bryant opened the first stanza with 14 points, en route to a game-high 33 points in yet another defeat. The Lakers seemed to forget how to play defense as the once six-point deficit ballooned to double digits in a blink of an eye.

Head coach Byron Scott was extremely disappointed in the defensive effort of his club. The problem with the Lakers’ defense is the starting lineup. Point guard Jeremy Lin and big man Carlos Boozer are two offensive-minded players. They lack the ability and willingness to play consistent defense throughout the game. While every player gives up points and has their lapses, the combination of both of them on the floor results is horrid team defense from the starting unit.

Bryant was once a first team all NBA defender, but at the age of 36, he just can’t defend like he used to. With three players out of your starting unit struggling to consistently play defense, it is hard to keep that unit on the floor and be productive on both ends. While the major problem for the Lakers is defense, one thing remains certain: the Lakers need consistent help scoring the ball from anyone whose name is not Bryant.

The leading scorer from the Lakers just a season ago, Nick Young, is edging closer to a return to the floor. After injuring his thumb guarding Bryant during the preseason, Young would be a welcome addition to the team. Young has stated that he “has something to prove” this season and the Laker faithful is hoping he will be his same productive self. While the team is skeptical he will return next Tuesday, the fact that he is nearing a return is a welcome sign for the struggling Lakers, whose schedule does not lighten up anytime soon.

Allen Yates is a blog writer for the Los Angeles Lakers on www.RantSports.com. Follow him on twitter @Yizzus_, “like him” on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.

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