The up-and-down level of play shown by the Lakers this season had to tip many off to the fact that it wouldn't be an easy ride to the Finals. I know I wanted to think it was, but I knew that the Lakers were going to have to overcome their belief that they were better than everyone. That is the type of confidence that can both help and harm your ability to succeed, and this time it knocked the Lakers out in a four-game sweep.
Some excuses that many fans may run to in order to soften the blow:
Fourth attempt at making the Finals in a row
Game 4 against the Mavericks was the Lakers' 77th playoff game in four seasons. That's an entire season just of playoff games, and we know that the playoffs are when guys really kick it into another gear. Not to mention Los Angeles has its star players competing in the Olympics and FIBA Championships. Flat out, the Lakers are just tired.
They weren't trying
As a fan of the Lakers, this excuse just infuriates me, but it is a valid excuse for anyone who has watched the Lakers play all season long. There are stretches of time, sometimes even games, when the Lakers just go into coast mode. The playoffs are NOT a time when you do that.
I saw it in Game 1: After the Lakers had secured a 16-point lead thanks in part to a furious opening second-half run, they simply sat back and allowed the Mavericks to claw their way right back into the game and handed over the win. They fail to execute during these stretches; whether they rely on Kobe Bryant or long jump shots, these are times that are most frustrating for Laker fans.
This year's squad didn't gel
This is something that may leave some scratching thei...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
