Los Angeles Lakers 2011 New Year’s Resolutions

Don’t Get Complacent

Whenever a team wins a championship, they develop a certain style and swagger. The Lakers have a certain degree of arrogance, and they know they can win any game on the schedule.  That attitude can both hurt and help a team like the Lakers.  The Lakers have the tendency to under-estimating sub-.500 teams.

The Lakers often get “bored” and they usually lose games when it happens. The Lakers do not have to prove anything to the league; they are the two-time defending champs.  To the Lakers January has no significant meaning, this month will not affect their future.  Just like most championship teams, the Lakers play for June not January.

Just imagine a Laker team that takes every game seriously, and a team that never under-estimates an opponent.  In that perfect world, the Lakers would challenge the 72-10 Chicago Bulls for the best record all-time.

Yes, it is difficult for defending champs to not be complacent. However, in order to silence the critics, the Lakers must change their daily mindset.

Next: Resolution Number 2