NBA Playoffs 2012: LA Lakers’ Takeaways from Game 1 Loss to OKC Thunder

The Los Angeles Lakers battled the Oklahoma City Thunder Monday in Game 1, attempting to fight through the fatigue of a first-round, seven-game bout against the Denver Nuggets. However, the Thunder seemed well-rested and all too prepared as they dominated Los Angeles, winning 119-90.

Here are some takeaways from the Game 1 loss. 

 

Energy 

Fans and players today overlook the importance of an idea as simple as energy. 

The Lakers came out seemingly on top of their game, but as the night went on their passion and determination began to fade. They quickly went flat, and when push came to shove, L.A. bowed out. 

Whether because of fatigue or mental unpreparedness, the team failed to match the passion and emotion that the Thunder and their fans brought to the building. 

This energy needs to start with the Lakers’ leaders and be echoed by the rest of the team, including the staff. 

I wouldn’t go as far as to question the Lakers’ desire or will, but they will have to bring a different attitude to Oklahoma City on Wednesday if they plan on competing. 

 

Sessions not in session 

Ramon Sessions was nowhere to be found in this game. He finished with a meager two points and struggled to defend Russell Westbrook when the two squared off at the top of the key. 

For a player who was supposed to be an upgrade from former point guard Derek Fisher (who, by the way, visibly outperformed Sessions this time around) and take the Lakers from pretenders to contenders, that performance just won’t cut it. 



Sessions needs to be far more assertive and aggressive on the offensive end. It’s his job to control the pace of the game and get Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol involved while also finding time for his patented floater. The Lakers point guard ...

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