Jodie Meeks a Silver Lining in LA Lakers Nightmare Season

Six games and a major injury from Kobe Bryant. Only 10 outings from Steve Nash before lower-back problems and nerve issues put the rest of his career in doubt. A record that has left the team bouncing around at the bottom of the Western Conference standings with the Sacramento Kings and Utah Jazz. 

The 2013-14 season hasn't been pretty for the Los Angeles Lakers. 

Even after a shocking last-minute victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, L.A. is the not-so-proud owner of a 21-39 mark that leaves it in a three-way tie for the worst record in the Western Conference. The stars are out, morale is low and hope for the future rests on the shoulders of a veteran superstar and the team's chances of luring in big-name free agents. 

At least there have been a few bright spots. 

Mike D'Antoni is the unquestioned master of milking talent out of mid-level role players, and that's resulted in a few standout performances that fall into the "unexpected" category. But this goes beyond that, as Jodie Meeks has spent the year proving that he can be more than a role player. 

And just in case the whole season hasn't been enough, he's been on fire lately.

 

Torrid Pace Since the All-Star Break



A sprained ankle knocked Meeks out of action against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Feb. 4. Tangential aside, but what is it with the 'Wolves and Lakers guards getting hurt this year?

As B/R's Tyler Conway reported, the injury was to his right ankle and came rather early in the night's proceedings: 

Meeks sustained the injury just over a minute into the contest, when he came down on the foot of Timberwolves guard Corey Brewer's foot, awkwardly twisting his ankle. Obviously in pain, coach Mike D'Antoni called a quick timeout to sub Meeks out for Nick Young at the 10:33 mark in the first quarter.

Fortunately, the...