The Lakers entered the season with expectations and aspirations for a championship run. The additions of two-time MVP Steve Nash and three-time Defensive Player of the Year Dwight Howard was meant to be the boost in talent needed to contend for another title. Unequivocally, however, the Lakers have failed miserably at playing up to the hype.
In fact, a recent loss to the Golden State Warriors prompted Charlotte Bobcats beat writer Rick Bonnell to say the following via Twitter:
As the Bobcats beat writer, you know Bonnell has witnessed bad basketball. And yet, he might actually be a bit generous by using the word “might.”
Coaching Change
The first defining moment of the Lakers’ bizarre campaign occurred very early when head coach Mike Brown was fired following an ugly 1-4 start.
From there, interim head coach Bernie Bickerstaff took over to the tune of a 4-1 mark. Despite evening the Lakers’ record to .500, Bickerstaff was replaced by offensive guru Mike D’Antoni.
D’Antoni has had mixed results with a 31-30 record since taking over. He’s also created a few rifts along the way.
Disgruntled Veterans
Among the defining moments in Lakerland between player and coach was the relationship between offseason acquisition Antawn Jamison and D’Antoni.
Following five consecutive DNP-Coach’s Decisions, the 15-year NBA veteran voiced his displeasure concerning his lack of playing time. Via Mike Bresnahan of The Los Angeles Times, Jamison said:
My only thing is let me know why. I don’t think you go from starting and 30-something minutes to not in the rotation whatsoever. And not e...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
