Following consecutive losses to playoff-caliber teams, many people are convinced the Lakers were the team everyone was expecting them to be. Kobe became a one-man show at 36 during the losses while the rest of the team stood around and watched.
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On Friday, the Lakers faced off against the Clippers in a game that many anticipated to be another blowout in favor of the other team across the hall. Although Doc Rivers’ squad came out with the win, the team with 16 banners hanging in the rafters at the Staples Center stood their ground on their home floor showing signs of promise on both ends of the floor.
After the game, Kobe spoke to the media and appeared content with his team’s performance in a losing effort. Kobe believes things might be starting to come together saying the following about the loss to the Clippers:
“I think we figured a lot of things out.”
Heading into Friday night’s game against the division rival Clippers, Kobe and company were coming off consecutive losses to the Houston Rockets and Phoenix Suns. These two Western Conference teams dominated the Lakers in every aspect of the game and exposed a lot of flaws in the process.
Despite the loss and the Lakers falling to 0-3, Kobe talked favorably about his team. The five-time NBA champion was asked if he’s ever felt this good after losing responding simply by saying:
“Probably never.”
After speaking to the media, the Lakers hit the road for the second time this season flying to Oakland to face the Golden State Warriors. The matchup against the Warriors will further test this team that continues to try to find its identity.
Golden State crushed the Lakers in the preseason, beating Scott’s squad by 15 in their first meeting and by 41 in the second. The Warriors’ winning ways carried over to the regular season with Stephen Curry leading Golden State to an impressive 18-point win over the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday.
Steve Kerr’s squad will be well rested heading into their matchup with the Lakers while Los Angeles will be playing their fourth game in five days.
[divide]VIDEO: Jeremy Lin Talking About Kobe Bryant After The Game