Los Angeles is down 0-2 in the Western Conference semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, and both losses were particularly painful for Lakers fans.
The first was a 29-point blowout. The second was much closer, but came after the Thunder went on a 9-0 run to end the game.
Here are the four things L.A. must do in order to get back to the finals.
1. Win the Next Two Games at Home
Oklahoma City is a difficult place to play, but the Lakers can now regain control of the series in the friendly confines of the Staples Center.
With a supportive crowd, Kobe Bryant does not have to come out firing and set the tone early. He can defer to the big men and let them establish themselves in the first quarter.
Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol face a tough matchup against Kendrick Perkins and Serge Ibaka, both of whom are excellent defenders. However, the Lakers' frontcourt has unmatched length and skill on the offensive end. They'll need their bigs to play like they did for most of Game 2.
If Bynum and Gasol are able to make an impact in the paint, the Lakers will keep the game close. Then it will all be up to Bryant.
2. Continue to Trust Kobe Bryant in Crunch Time
Lakers fans were justifiably appalled at Bryant's performance down the stretch in Game 2.
Bryant's last field goal came with 6:43 left in the fourth quarter. For someone who considers himself the best closer in basketball, this is entirely unacceptable.
But nobody knows this better than Bryant himself, and he will respond.
Bryant is still the best player on the team, and the Lakers will only go as far as he can take them. If the rest of the Lakers give up on him, then L.A. is dead in the water.
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Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
