The Los Angeles Lakers lost a close one in Dallas when they played the revamped Mavericks on Friday night. Despite their slow start to the game, the Lakers remained in striking distance, but could not get over the hump in the final minutes, eventually losing 102-98.
— Have You Seen These LIMITED EDITION “Try Me” T-Shirts? —
Los Angeles dropped its second consecutive game and now stands second from last place in the Western Conference with a 9-21 record. Even though the Lakers played very well against a tough opponent, Carlos Boozer does not take any satisfaction in a moral victories.
Boozer spoke to the media about the loss and how the only thing that should matter is which team comes out on top after the final buzzer rings via Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters:
Carlos Boozer: “We want to win, that’s where the frustration is. There ain’t no moral victories in the NBA.” (on TWC)
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) December 27, 2014
The Lakers won their first game without Kobe Bryant, against the Golden State Warriors, but they have been unable to get another victory since. Although the team did show great resolve in the fourth quarter, the team still tallied its 21st loss of the season. At this point, the playoffs are a long shot with the Western Conference becoming even tougher with some of the recent additions.
Los Angeles is expecting to have Bryant back on the court on Sunday when it hosts the Phoenix Suns. The starting lineup struggled in the opening minutes against the Mavericks, so having Bryant in uniform will give the unit a much needed offensive spark.
[divide]Lakers Vs. Warriors: Byron Scott Talks Team Play Without Kobe