The Lakers end their four game Eastern Conference road trip in Cleveland. On the trip, they are 0-3, with two overtime losses.
These days, you can count on the Lakers predictability. They’ll roll into an unfamiliar town with expectations and play hard but blow a lead. Uninspired, they’ll come out flat in the third quarter and then give the game away. Sometimes, they will lose big. Twice they have lost in overtime.
Feb 6, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Tobias Harris (12) drives to the basket against Los Angeles Lakers forward Ryan Kelly (4) during overtime at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 103-97. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Lakers have lost nine games in a row on the road. Their last road win was 40 days ago (December 30th). They are usually bullied. Because they are not the tougher team, their fragility causes them to fall apart late.
On this current road trip, the Lakers blew games in Milwaukee and Orlando in the last minute. Brandon Knight and Tobias Harris torched them but their decision making on offense was more problematic.
More from Lake Show Life
- Darvin Ham adds to Max Christie hype train after Lakers preseason opener
- Is LeBron James playing tonight? Latest Lakers vs Warriors update
- Can Darvin Ham put all of the Lakers puzzle pieces together?
- Lakers news: Darvin Ham knows his fifth starter, LeBron James and Rui Hachimura, Jalen Hood-Schifino praise
- Michael Malone’s painfully ironic comment has Lakers fans heated
Nine road losses can be laid at the feet of guard play. Chris Paul, Isaiah Thomas, Goran Dragic and Brandon Knight shredded the Lakers defense, scoring 24+ points against them. Likewise, a beating by Damian Lillard (39 points), Gordon Hawyard (31 points), Carmelo Anthony (31 points) and Tobias Harris (34 points) has bookended the Lakers misery and inspired “tank” talk.
The Lakers have had different rotations and odd combinations in this losing skid that make no sense. Robert Sacre starting at center instead of Ed Davis. Ryan Kelly at the small forward. Jeremy Lin being tossed around in the lineup as if Byron Scott has no idea what to do with him. Sometimes, Lin finishes the game. Sometimes it is Jordan Clarkson. Good luck trying to figure out who is going to be in there at the end and who their best player is going to be.
Three players have scored 20+ points in these road humiliations : Ryan Kelly, Carlos Boozer and Nick Young (twice). Nevertheless, the Lakers lost by double digits.
So with all this in mind, the Lakers bring their suffering to a packed house in Cleveland. As miserable as Byron Scott’s team has been, he was worse in Cleveland, where he only won 64 games in three seasons. He lost 26 games in a row which enabled the Cavs to get the #1 pick and Kyrie Irving.
This reconstructed Cavaliers team played the Lakers on January 15, an entertaining game at Staples Center. Since then, the Cavs have won 12 out of 13 games, losing only to the Pacers on Friday night, a bitter loss in which the officiating was questioned. In this small window of Cavs prosperity, it’s important to note they have only played three teams over .500: the Clippers, Bulls and Blazers. The rest of their victims have been the bottom feeders of the NBA: Lakers, Jazz, 76ers, Pistons, Kings, Timberwolves, Pacers.
The addition of Timofey Mosgov, J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert has vastly improved Cleveland’s defense. Teams are shooting 42% against them which is something the Lakers will have to solve. On this current road trip the Lakers are shooting 39.2%.
Nick Young is shooting 27%. Wayne Ellington is shooting 30%. Robert Sacre is shooting 36%. Jordan Clarkson and Ryan Kelly are shooting 38%. Jeremy Lin is shooting 39%.
Carlos Boozer is the only Laker who has been efficient shooting the ball, making 53% of his shots. The Lakers will need a lot of Boozer scoring and rebounding and a strong dose of ball movement or it will get ugly real quick. Nick Young has to show up. He was scoreless his last game and it’s hard to remember when his presence on the team was a bright spot. He’s pretty dreary these days.
If the game goes south early, Jordan Clarkson and his battle against Kyrie Irving, and Lebron James high flying dunks will be worth watching, even as both teams are headed in opposite directions.
Cavalier Injuries: Anderson Varejao (Achilles-out)
Lakers Injuries: Jordan Hill (quad-out), Kobe Bryant (shouder-out), Julius Randle (leg-out), Steve Nash (back-out)