The Lakers are riding an eight-game winning streak, and they're doing it with a vengeance.
Since their sluggish performance before the All-Star break, the Lakers have been the hottest team in the league. Four of their eight consecutive victories have come against teams currently sitting in playoff spots, including two thrashings of the Atlanta Hawks and a complete trouncing of the Western Conference-leading San Antonio Spurs.
The Lakers have a commanding 11.5-game lead over the second-place Phoenix Suns in the Pacific Division, and they sit third overall in the Western Conference.
Remember when people were writing off the Lakers right before the All-Star break? Why?
The Lakers were 38-19 entering the break, and for some reason people thought it was time to panic.
The Lakers do this every year. They cruise through the regular season with ease. They take it a little slow midway through the season. However, once playoff time rolls around, the Lakers kick it into full gear.
If the Spurs weren't playing at such a high level, there would be no concern for the Lakers. However, San Antonio has played out of its mind this season, so skeptics feel the need to create this illusion that the Lakers are in trouble.
Kobe Bryant has averaged over 25 points per game during the Lakers current eight-game winning streak, and Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum are picking up rebounds like their season depends on it.
But we all know it doesn't.
The Lakers have all of the momentum right now. The team is winning. Their defense is playing at a season high level and has only allowed more than 90 points twice during their winning streak. Even Ron Artest is relevant again.
Everybody is touching the ball, and let's be ...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
