Back in the 90-91 season the Lakers started a new era without the most recent coach of the year Pat Riley, it was strange to see the suited mastermind on the baselines, but alas the Lakers were under new direction. After a disappointing previous season that had them lose 4-1 vs. the Suns even with home court advantage, Showtime had plenty to motivate them and reloaded with the addition of versatile Sam Perkins and instant offense Terry Teagle, the outlook looked promising. Then the season started and the Lakers looked a little different from the Riley years, they still competed, but after 5 games, sat at 1-4. It would be 3 games later before they actually found a groove and embarked on a 8 game win streak, I still remember the Lakers last loss before the streak against the Mavs, which showed Magic looking stunned at their current 2-5 record. Fans really could not understand what the problem was they had the same core of Magic, Worthy, Scott, and added Perkins, Green and Drew was still there, Teagle was a reserve, and Divac was having a better season than his rookie, plush they had some nice rookies in Elden Campbell and Tony Smith. Yet they were to the worst start in the Magic Era, slowly it changed through 20 games they were 13-7, and started the new year with a 16 game win streak and never looked back. For those who don't remember this season, they would end up upsetting one of the best teams not to win a title, the '91 Blazers en route to the only Magic vs. Michael series. The Bulls of course would win their first title as Showtime came to a close. These Lakes seem a little like the '91 version, they look confused on uncomfortable with the new system, even though is the same coach from last year even with the additions still have pieces that won them their last title, so what's the issue? Seeing the game yesterday, the Lakers lack intensity, trust, interest, effort you name it, it's right down ugly. It's only 5 games but Howard is not the same Howard from Orlando, I hope it's he's still playing himself into shape because right now he doesn't look like he fits with the Lakers. I had never seen him, loose so many rebound battles, miss block shots, hell teams don't even show they're intimidated by the former defensive player of the year, and he is just complaining too much to the refs. Like in the last two seasons, the Lakers don't seem to be enjoying themselves and the frustration is showing, with the 6 game home stand coming up and only two of them being playoff teams, it's a good time to get back in track, enjoy the ball game, and get that monkey off their back. So far I have not been impressed by the Princeton offense, it's pass, pass, pass, pass, bad shot, might as well just let Kobe isolate, at least Pau and Howard would expect to get rebound and not play on the high post. The other option ends up with Pau or Howard in the post and rushed shot that ends up in a turnover, why not just hit the post from the get go? The players clearly are not embracing it, let them run, let them give fans what they want, I guarantee you, if they were at least giving the fans something to get excited about or cheer show some effort, we wouldn't be concerned about the 1-4 start. Something also needs to be done about the bench, it's even more abysmal than last year, what the hell, why can't the Lake Show get consistent bench production. Oh Lamar, Farmar, Brown, and Machine how I miss thee. At this point I'd take a gamble with Delonte West, Q Richardson, KMart, hell even T-Mac, someone with at least a trigger finger.
Player of the Game: Mo Williams continues to be a thorn on the Lakers ass and pretty much did anything he wanted out on the floor, the Jazz looked much in control when he was in.
X-Factor: Big man Enis Kanter showed the strength of Howard and frustrated him letting his team make a good run and gain momentum.
Should Have Been Benched: This has got to be one of the worst games by the Spaniard that I have seen he only took 9 shots, made 2 freebies, 7 boards, and 5 points overall, this is an All-Star we're talking about.
Laker Hater: Randy Foye 5 treys is the highest this early season, way to find your stroke hater
Overtime: For as lousy and uninspired as the Lakers seem they did make a run, but again the turnovers, 19, 5 from Howard and 6 from Bryant are seriously hurting them. Elsewhere, Lob City lived to their name capping an ugly night for me a beating convincingly the then undefeated Spurs. Did not see game but judging from the highlights Griffin and Jordan put up quite an air show. Finally the Lakers are currently last in the West, and 3rd to last overall, Bobcats, Bucks, Magic, Warriors, Raptors, Suns, Kings, Cavaliers, Hornets all have better records that LA, only the win less Pistons and Wall-less Wizards have worst records, is it time to panic? Let's see in 15 more games.
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