And as expected, there were a score of trade rumors that emerged after the Lakers’ struggles. The team’s offense looks horrendous in their previous two losses and it was clear the Lakers needed a spurt of youth.
There was a lot of cover in Lakers’ news the past week, so here’s a look back at what happened in Lakers Nation.
Game Recaps
Kobe Bryant had his fourth consecutive 40 point game, but this time the Los Angeles Clippers found a way to beat the Lakers. Despite the stellar performance by Bryant, the other Lakers players could not do enough to help their leader. The Clippers won the first round for the Battle of Los Angeles, 102-94.
The Los Angeles Lakers bounced back in their next game and needed a Derek Fisher three-pointer to knock off the Mavericks. Lamar Odom made his return to Los Angeles, but his Mavs could not close out on Fisher fast enough to bother the shot. The Lakers walked away with a 73-70 win without a monster scoring night by Kobe.
The Miami Heat plummeted the Los Angeles Lakers in their only visit to South Beach. The Lakers’ offense looked bad and the Heat took advantage of the poor ball movement. Even without Dwyane Wade, LeBron James guided the Miami Heat to a 98-87 win.
The Lakers’ offense hit another low in their game versus the other Florida team, the Orlando Magic. The Lakers managed to score only ten points in the opening period and Dwight Howard played far better than the Andrew Bynum. Howard dominated the paint on both ends of the court, and the Magic walked away with a 92-80 victory.
News of the Week:
The rumors first began with O.J. Mayo, the former University of Southern California product. Mayo would likely have to back-up Kobe Bryant, but can surely bring the Lakers a much need scorer off the bench. There were also talks centering Andre Miller, but it is safe to say that both of those deals are likely dead.
The 20 finalists for the USA Men’s Basketball team which will compete in the 2012 Summer Olympics were named and Kobe Bryant was one of them. The roster will be reduced down to 12, but Kobe Bryant is guaranteed to be on that list.
NBA legend Michael Jordan spoke out and said that Kobe Bryant is the only player who deserves to be compared to him.
The second NBA All-Star ballot returns were released and as of this point, Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum will start for the Western Conference.
Deron Williams is open to going to the Lakers if the Nets cannot acquire Dwight Howard. The Lakers have the potential in landing All-Star guard Williams, but a lot must fall in place for that to happen.
Trade talks between the Lakers and Magic about center Dwight Howard have slowed down, but with the trade deadline on March 15, there is still time for a deal.
The Boston Celtics are reportedly willing to trade their veteran stars, and there are rumors saying the Lakers are inquiring about Paul Pierce.
According to rumors, the Lakers are trying to bring Utah Jazz guard Devin Harris to Los Angeles.
Lakers Nation TV
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