After a 116-107 loss to the New York Knicks, the team fell to 9-14 on the year. This is a disappointment for a team that had a huge offseason putting together one of the best rosters in the NBA.
However, it is important to remember that the lineup that was created for a championship run has barely had a chance to play together this season.
The primary issue has been the absence of two-time MVP Steve Nash. The point guard fractured his fibula in the second game of the year and has been out ever since.
Additionally, the Lakers have been without Pau Gasol for two weeks due to tendinitis in his knee.
It is tough to win when two all-star players are not competing. It is even harder when a capable back-up like Steve Blake misses time with a torn abdominal, as well.
Chris Duhon is currently taking care of point guard duties, and he has not been a regular starter for three seasons. It has been even longer since he was worthy of being a starter.
Still, there is good news on the horizon. Dave McMenamin reported that Nash plans on returning to practice soon. The guard told ESPN:
Hopefully, I can practice next week. We'll see. I'm definitely getting better. We'll see if I continue to improve and there's no setbacks, then I should be able to practice next week. On the court, I've been running the last day and a half, and [my leg] has been responding pretty well. So, I haven't done a really huge load, huge amount, but it's something.
While this is not the sound of someone ready to play immediately, at least this is encouraging for the future.
Gasol is also getting healthy, as he tweeted this on Thursday:
It's been hard not being able to play these last games, but eve...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
