In Thursday night’s game against the Clippers, the Lakers scored 101 points and shot 50,7 percent from the field. That’s a win, right? Not if you give up a season-high 125 points on 51.7 percent shooting from the field and 53.3 percent from the three-point line. No, that is not the way you want to go into the All-Star break, especially when you aren’t in playoff position yet.
Kobe Bryant wasn’t happy with the team’s performance last night, as they failed to rise to the challenge. Kobe had the following to say after the game last night:
“The Lakers’ defense “was nonexistent,” Bryant said.
“They made a lot of shots, and they really broke the game open by getting out in transition,” he added. “It’s a step back. We just have to regroup.”
The Lakers have struggled with transition defense throughout the season, as they lack the youth and athleticism to keep up with fast teams like the Clippers. On Thursday the Lakers gave up 15 fast break points, and the Clippers were able to capitalize on the Lakers’ 16 turnovers with 23 points off those turnovers.
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The Lakers’ perimeter defense was especially absent last night as the Clippers scored 16 three-pointers, which keep them in total control throughout the game. Hopefully, this is a learning experience for the Lakers as they try to make a run for the playoffs.
