Lakers Take Two Steps Back In Boston

Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

If the Lakers had turned the corner with their recent improved play on the road then they ran right into a train that flatted them in Boston. The rival Celtics took a page from Game 6 of the ’08 Finals by embarrassing the Lake Show in the national spotlight beating their most hated foes 116-95 and that score is no indication how one sided this was.

Dwight Howard’s return didn’t have the desired effect Kobe Bryant openly campaigned for. In 28 minutes of his first action since the start of this road trip Howard was a complete non-factor fouling out with 9 points and 9 boards to show for his effort.

In fact Bryant was the only starter for the Lakers to crack double figures. This was much more like the Bryant of yore, the one who had to carry the entire offensive load very much in contrast with the Magic Johnson act he’d been flirting with lately.

Mamba’s game-high 27 came on just 15 shots but for the most part everyone else in Purple and Gold just sat around and watched.

The Lakers watched as the Rondo-less Celtics walked into the paint with ease all night long.

The Lakers also watched this game sprint away from them in an utterly embarrassing fourth quarter in which the Cs hung 37 on the board while shooting an unreal 80%.

On the night Boston had six players in double figures led by 24 from Paul Pierce as his team rolled the Lake Show with 52% shooting. That’s more like the Mike D’Antoni defense we’ve come to expect. Whoever those imposters were in Brooklyn stayed there because they certainly didn’t make the trip to Boston.

Worst of all was the Celtics were the ones who played last night and traveled early this morning. You’d have never thought the Lakers were the ones who had a day off given the way they played.

You’d also never believe this team actually looked like a playoff team prior to tonight. But that’s what this season has been all about. Two steps forward and four steps back. And if tonight wasn’t cringe worthy enough tomorrow offers the opportunity for the lowest point of the season.

As we know the Lakers for whatever reason have struggled against the Charlotte Bobcats over the years. So it’s only natural the next stop on this trip is in Charlotte where the NBA’s worst team awaits. We can only hope rock bottom isn’t on the itinerary too.