16 Time Champions in Trouble by Marilyn Galan-Albarran

Lakers have been the NBA champions 16 times since 1949 but this season isn’t starting strong. The Lakers are well known for their strong plays and excellent skills. However, in this 2014-15 season, it is not what it was expected. Every season, the Lakers come strong striving toward the Playoffs, putting their best in every game, but not this year.

So far the Lakers have had great defense and offence but since there has been many changes throughout the years and this caused the team to grow unstable. When Pau Gasol was introduced to the team in 2007, he and Kobe Bryant worked well to bring up the team. Since the departure of Gasol as well as many other players and the incorporation of other players, the team has been losing its ground unable to fully understand how each player plays.

            The only player that has played for the Lakers throughout his entire career since high school, has been Kobe Bryant, he is the most important player on the team. But Kobe will not be playing for the Lakers forever, and it is apparent that the Lakers will not survive without Bryant. Yet the Lakers have a win to loss ratio of 2-9 so far. This ratio is very shocking for the high standard team that it used to be. It is clear that this season, the playoffs are not within their reach and not something to look forward to.

Currently the Lakers are ranked 15 within the Western Conference. Something which is not to be proud of. However, in the Pacific Division, the Lakers fall right under their rival, the Phoenix Suns. The Suns, with a win to loss ratio of 6-5, have a better chance of maybe assisting the Playoffs.  Only 5 times out of the 62 year history of the Lakers had the team made the playoffs. The Lakers lost their first match to the Suns in 2006-07. With great history and competitive rivalry, it is clear that the Lakers are not in great condition this year because they fall under the Suns in ranking, and the Suns have not been a tough team for many years.

The team can greatly use some improvements. For example, focusing on the players’ agility, skills and communication.  The major current problem is the defense, which is very weak and is causing the team to acquire many losses.  Throughout the games, most of the shots made are made by Kobe Bryant and if any other player acquires shots, they are from below the three point line.  This demonstrates the little capability these new players have in being able to shoot anywhere around the three point line.

Also, the players lack defensive skills which are vital to accomplish plays. During games, when the opposing team has the ball, the young new Laker players just reach up straight, not actually defending, basically just standing in front of his opponent. For example player number 17, gets passed the ball and passes it back to any player and just walks. He is young, and many of these young players lack knowledge on how to play the game.

As this season continues, one can expect additional losses by the Champions. There is no further evidence to prove that the Lakers lack focus and expertise in the sport of basketball this year. The only exception is Kobe Bryant, who has not given up on the team. He continues to score with or without the help of his team mates. This shows an example for the young teens on the team to wake up and focus on the game and get that win in every game. In the game of November 19^th 2014, the Lakers achieved a win against the Rockets 98-92, with much effort and dedication. Although it was not a very prepared game of plays they somehow pulled it off. This was great however, a team should never get their hopes up because this can result in shame if they lose their next game. This elaboration should really wake up the team because they are not looking good in front of the public and especially towards their fans. Like Kobe said, “The fan buys a ticket to see the show, and you gotta give them that show no matter what.”