Lakers fans are going to write this game off because it is a preseason game. Excuses like Kobe Bryant was not fully healthy, and it was a no consequence game are going to used by most Lakers fans.
These excuses are valid, but it can not be ignored that this only the sixth time in history a NBA team has been beaten by a non-NBA team.
Kobe Bryant shot 2-15 from the field and 0-6 from beyond the arc, while speedy PG Juan Carlos Navarro torched the Lakers defense with 25 points and six assists.
My argument is not that the Lakers have regressed, because with the additions of Blake and Barnes, they may be even better this season.
My argument stems around the fact if Kobe is banged up when the games count this Lakers team is going to suffer.
This Lakers team has proven that they can carry on even while Kobe is injured but when Kobe returns to the lineup it is extremely difficult to get back to the Kobe first mentality.
Any team that has their superstar injured is going to suffer. It would be dumb to think otherwise.
The issue is—if Kobe is banged up like he was last season—can he push through for another title run.
My opinion is that Kobe has a lot of miles on those legs, and he has showed signs of decline much like that of Spurs superstar Tim Duncan.
So is it fair to say that if Kobe is not at 100 percent when February roles around that their shot at a title run isn't as guaranteed as most would argue?
Obviously if Kobe is out for the season the Lakers would struggle just like the Mavs would without Dirk, or the Spurs would without Duncan.
My question to all of you Lakers fan's out there is do you really think this Lakers team with...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
