The Lakers played admirably at the start of the season despite a collection of injuries. Prior to Kobe Bryant’s return on Dec. 8, L.A. notched a 10-9 record. The play of Steve Blake and Jodie Meeks led the way for the undermanned Lakers.
But the team fell back to earth hard with (and then without) Bryant.
The Black Mamba returned for six games before fracturing the lateral tibial plateau in his left leg. During that span, the Lakers went 2-4. Their two wins came against the Memphis Grizzlies and Charlotte Bobcats by a combined seven points.
Since Bryant was shelved for a second time, the Lakers have faltered with an ugly 4-17 record.
These are certainly no longer the mighty Lakers NBA fans are used to seeing. Injuries have derailed the franchise in a big way, but key takeaways—like future possibilities and Kendall Marshall’s emergence—have generated plenty of buzz.
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Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
