While that's obviously not an ideal start regardless of the circumstances, it's an even bigger issue in the remarkably deep Western Conference. The Lakers had very little margin for error coming into the campaign, and it's shrinking with each passing loss.
Exactly what that means depends on each person's outlook on the season. For the Lakers, it's led to early frustration, as evidenced by Kobe Bryant's day away from practice.
Let's check out that and some other news surrounding the team.
Kobe's Day Off
The fact Bryant is back out on the court is a great sign after he missed a majority of last season with a shoulder injury. His performance has been well below his usual standards, however, as he is shooting 31 percent from the field and 21 percent from beyond the arc through three games.
That isn't sitting well with the five-time champion. Baxter Holmes of ESPN noted that the formerly dynamic guard called himself "the 200th-best player in the league right now" and that head coach Byron Scott decided to give him a day off from practice Monday for a mental break.
"I said, just stay away from the gym today," Scott said. "Just spend some time with your kids and family and get basketball off your mind for 24 hours if you can—which I don't think he can—and then come in tomorrow fresh and we'll go from there."
It's not fair to expect Bryant to showcase the vintage form he displayed while leading the franchise to championships and contending for MVP awards. That said, it's difficult to watch him struggle like he has so far, and it's clearly taken a toll on him.
His extre...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
