The Lakers have suffered through a dismal season. Injuries have decimated the team, rumors have swirled about the future of the team, and through all of it, the product on the floor has suffered.
Last night was a historic night, as Steve Nash moved into third on NBA’s all-time assists list, passing Mark Jackson. But the Lakers also made some history, suffering their 53rd loss of the season, the most losses in a season since the team moved to Los Angeles.
Though many believed the Lakers would struggle this season, few saw this coming. No Laker has played in every game this season, and only two, Wesley Johnson and Jodie Meeks, have played in at least 70 of the Lakers’ 78 games this season.
This has led to a number of different starting lineup combinations, and the lack of consistency, especially at the point guard position where the Lakers have started six different players including Xavier Henry and Kobe Bryant.
With Bryant and Steve Nash playing in only 24 games combined, the Lakers were devoid of their two veteran leaders in the backcourt, and the inexperience showed as the Lakers blew leads, and were unable to finish close games in the final minutes.
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The Lakers still managed to have some high points this season, such as the opening day victory against the Los Angeles Clippers, Steve Blake’s game winner against the Houston Rockets, and Jodie Meeks’ 42-point explosion against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Unfortunately, this Lakers season will go down as one of, if not the, worst in the history of the franchise. The sliver lining in this season, however, is that the Lakers have only failed to make the playoffs in back-to-back seasons once.
With general manager Mitch Kupchak in control for the forseeable future, and the Buss family having a history of doing what it takes to win, it should not take long for the Lakers to get back to the top of the NBA.
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VIDEO: Steve Nash Moves Into 3rd On The All-Time Assists List