During the opening stretch of games in the 2012-13 campaign, the Purple and Gold boasted a lineup of stars who simply were not getting it done. The Lakers lost four of their first five games and consequently, let go of head coach Mike Brown.
Brown was replaced with Mike D’Antoni in a move that came with mixed results. Fans were outraged at the selection given that all early indications pointed at a reunion with Phil Jackson.
Ownership went in a different direction and as a result, the Lakers struggled with their identity. Fast-forward to the present, and it is evident that the decisions from a year ago have impacted the team in both positive and negative ways.
Changes for the worse
The Lakers faced health concerns early in the 2012-13 campaign as a result of Steve Nash’s fractured fibula. The injury was viewed as a mere obstacle for a team with four potential future Hall of Fame players.
The trio of Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard and Pau Gasol would give the team enough production and leadership for Los Angeles to remain afloat while Nash recovered from his leg fracture.
That three-man unit is no more. Bryant ruptured his Achilles tendon prior to the start of the 2013 playoffs and, the Purple and Gold failed to retain the services of Howard at the conclusion of the postseason.
Bryant’s return date is uncertain. Thus, the triangle of superstars who played alongside Nash last season is a thing of the past. Further complicating matters, the two-time league MVP has not played up to his usual standards early in 2013-14.
His age, coupled with his injuries from last season, have shaken his confidence and in turn, he has struggled. Bleacher Report’s Kevin ...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
