Lakers Small On Wins, Big On Drama
Nov 12, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) reacts against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Lakers 109-102. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Drama
We can’t be in Hollywood without drama. What continues to amaze about the Lakers is that more people tend to take interest in their losses than they do the wins by most teams not including LeBron James on the roster. In LA, you could probably find twice as many people that know how many games the Lakers have lost as opposed to people that know how many games the Clippers have won.
Kobe’s return, combined with what appears to be noticeable frustration in the locker room after only 10 games leads to what could be one of the most volatile Lakers’ seasons in years.
Let’s take a look at some of the post-game comments, courtesy of an article by Mark Medina at Inside the Lakers, from Sunday’s loss as an indication of the kind of drama we might have in store has the season goes on.
When asked about the defensive lapses against Golden State, Byron Scott assigned some heavy blame towards the frontcourt players, saying “you either want to do it, can’t do it or won’t do it. I got to assume that when I see guys jogging that you’re tired. If I assume that, I have to make changes. It’s that simple.”
Understandably, the frontcourt players on the roster don’t necessarily agree with the coach’s assessment of the situation. Carlos Boozer, speaking in response to the Scott’s comments, said “I don’t think it was just the bigs. I think it was everybody. The guards had a tough time guarding. We had a tough time helping the guards out.”
He also went on to discuss the fact that everyone, regardless of position, needs to handle their assignment. “You have to do your job too and we have to do our job. It’s not just the bigs’ job. It’s everybody’s job.”
Kobe wasn’t without a thoughts of his own. “When things go good, it’s us. When things go bad, it’s me. It’s my responsibility for being in this seat.” He also stated that “You can’t make excuses. You can’t look at everybody else and point the finger. You have to look at yourself first.”
With sound bites like this after only 10 games, imagine what we might see 30 games from now if the losing trend continues? We could be seeing the best reality show on television unfolding right before our eyes.
Full disclosure: I am a Lakers’ fan. I would much rather be watching a team contend for a championship. I would prefer the entertainment to come from watching the Lakers win every night.
Unfortunately, that isn’t the hand we have been dealt this season. So, if the season is going to be a train wreck, it might as well be those most entertaining train wreck on television.