Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Lakers Nation
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • Lakers 2025 Preseason Schedule
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App

Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Lakers Nation
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • Lakers 2025 Preseason Schedule
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App
Search
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • 2024 preseason
    • 2024-2025 regular season
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App
Follow US
© 2024 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Lakers Nation > Blog > Lakers News > Lakers Shining In Closing Out Games Since Start Of 2018
Lakers News

Lakers Shining In Closing Out Games Since Start Of 2018

Matt Borelli
Published: 02/06/2018
2 Min Read
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
SHARE

Despite the extended absence of Lonzo Ball, the Los Angeles Lakers have played some of their best basketball of the season in recent weeks.

Since the rookie point guard was sidelined with an MCL sprain, the Lakers are 6-4 and have tallied victories against a trio of postseason-hopeful teams in the Boston Celtics, Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder.

Additionally, since the calendar turned to 2018, L.A. is 10-7. easily their best mark of the season. The team has clicked offensively during the span, reaching triple-digits in points in seven consecutive games.

More impressively, however, has been the Lakers’ ability to close out tight games. According to ESPN Stats & Info, the Lakers are 6-0 since the start of the new year when the score is within five points during the final five minutes of a game.

Earlier in the season, the Lakers noticeably struggled closing out games. That’s due in part to their youth and inexperience, but the team’syoung core has since improved in that aspect with each ensuing opportunity it receives.

After posting a 3-2 record on their longest road trip of the season, the Lakers return home for a brief two-game stretch against the Phoenix Suns and Thunder. Then they had back on the road for three consecutive games before NBA All-Star Weekend kicks off at Staples Center on Feb. 16.

There’s still no timetable for Ball’s return to the lineup, but he may have further delayed a return as his knee did not respond well to an increase of on-court activity.

WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DISCUSSION? CHECK OUT THE NEW LAKERSNATION FORUM CLUB

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
TAGGED:Los Angeles Lakers
ByMatt Borelli
Matt Borelli covers the Los Angeles Lakers as a staff writer for Lakers Nation and holds similar responsibilities for Dodger Blue, a sister site with an emphasis on the Los Angeles Dodgers. He also contributes to RamsNewswire.com and RaidersNewswire.com. Among Matt's all-time favorite Lakers moments include Kobe Bryant's 60-point performance over the Utah Jazz in his final NBA game, and Derek Fisher's game-winning buzzer-beater against the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the 2004 Western Conference Semifinals. Follow Matt on Twitter: @mcborelli.
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get breaking Lakers News direct to your inbox.

Categories

  • News
  • Rumors
  • Games
  • History

Information

  • Advertise
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get breaking Lakers News direct to your inbox.

© 2025 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?