Tonight's 95-83 loss to Chicago was indicative of the season it has been for the 2013 Lakers. Another guard (this time Kirk Hinrich) explodes for a big night. Another less than inspired effort. Another road loss, their sixth straight (5-14 overall) and another Kobe Bryant brick fest.
The truth is, the kinks in this team's armor have been slowly expanding and chipping since the bad opening night loss to Dallas, who was without Dirk Nowitzki. The Lakers play poorly against up-tempo guards, frequently look disjointed on offense and often play without any sense of desperation or passion. I have been dubbing them the "Hollywood Lakers" since mid-November and the moniker still fits. Except instead of a Dark Knight blockbuster, Staples Center has seen Gigli and Ishtar on many nights.
So the crux of my point is this: With a team on pace for 34 wins and a letdown that rivals the 2011 Philadelphia Eagles, 2008 Detroit Tigers and 2009 San Jose Sharks as recent teams with big expectations that completely fell short, it is time for Laker management to make some hard and fast decisions about where this team is headed the next few years.
I hate to say it, but a full year of Mike D'Antoni changes nothing. This roster as constructed does not fit in the current NBA. The Lakers look like the old lady in the Buick as 25 other Camaro's and Challenger's blow past them. And there is no short term turnaround on the horizon. This is a 40-41 win team at best. I'm saying it now: The Lakers are missing the playoffs.
What that means is, while there is still time and space, Mitch Kupchak and Jim Buss should strongly consider making moves to expedite the move into next year. For starters, it is time to get value for Pau Gasol. Now. It is only going to get worse for the Spaniard. As the losses will likely pile up on this road trip, the Lakers can use Gasol's improved play to get pieces that could mesh better with...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
