FanPost

It is time to panic -- a little bit


Championship teams generally do not lose four games in a row to the caliber of competition the Lakers have recently faced.

Anyone expecting the return of Bynum to fix everthing is mistaken. It certainly will help, but not cure all. The Lakers problems are greater than missing one starter. The Rockets were missing two starters (who possibly are there two best players) and still beat the Lakers.

The ill advised strategy of overusing Gasol is already showing a negative effect. His hamstrings are flaring up again. Accordingly, his confidence and effectiveness have diminished. The Lakers would be better off losing and keeping Gasol's minutes down, rather than over playing him and still losing, as they are now.

Unless some drastic changes soon come about, it appears the Lakers are going to experience a period of suffering. Teams do not fear the Lakers. That's a bad thing. Confidence and intimidation are key in sports. When you start losing to the likes of the Grizz, Pacers, and Rockets (w/o Ming and Brooks), opponents start to see blood in the water.

Until the Lakers get some frontline help from Bynum or elsewhere and make some other corrections, there problems will continue.

One thing that might reduce the suffering is for the Lakers to share the ball more. Kobe and Gasol often force the issue when they should be relying more on their teammates. They should pass out of the double teams more often and more quickly. Brown, Blake, and Barnes can score if given a chance. They've shined, but they can shine even more if given more opportunities.