Lakers’ Week 20 in review
The Lakers finished Week 20 with a 17-48 record, winning one of three contests.
After falling last Sunday at home to the Dallas Mavericks, the Lakers ended a five-game losing streak with a 93-85 win over the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday.
On Thursday, they met the worst team in the NBA, the New York Knicks coached by Derek Fisher who won five titles with the Lakers as a player.
The Lakers rallied late but fell short 101-94, which only helps in the chase for higher lottery position.
Rookie Jabari Brown, signed by the team on a 10-day contract, made an impressive debut against the Knicks.
On Sunday, the Lakers drew the Atlanta Hawks, the top team in the Eastern Conference, although they rested three starters and lost All-Star Kyle Korver to a broken nose after 10 minutes.
Still, the Lakers fell for their second-straight loss, 91-86.
Naturally, Coach Byron Scott is unhappy about the team’s losses.
Meanwhile, Kobe Bryant confirmed he’ll play next year but at this point doesn’t plan to stay beyond the season.
Injured forward Julius Randle was cleared for non-contact basketball activities. Missing all but the first game of his rookie season, Randle and the Lakers are left to consider what-ifs.
The Lakers let two disabled player exceptions expire unused.
Finally, Lawrence Tanter is a familiar voice in an unfamiliar Lakers season.
Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.
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