After an extended All-Star break this season, the Lakers were back in action against the Brooklyn Nets. The extra rest didn’t help the Lakers get the win and they lost 114-105.
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After leading by one at the break, the Lakers came back in the second half and they let the Nets drop 40 points in the third quarter. The game was no longer in question in the final period and the Lakers got their seventh straight loss.
After the game, head coach Byron Scott was frustrated after yet another loss. According to Serena Winters of Lakers Nation, Scott was extremely disappointed in his team’s effort:
Byron Scott extremely disappointed with his team's effort tonight.
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) February 21, 2015
After over a week of rest, it’s difficult to understand why the Lakers would have a lackluster performance in the second half. Scott was a player who took pride in playing the game of basketball and his team didn’t display that hunger that he needs to see on a daily basis.
Scott is looking to shake things up to rejuvenate this team. According to Mike Trudell of TWC SportsNet, Scott is thinking about experimenting with a complete different starting five:
Scott said that he may change the entire line up as soon as next game. He didn't like the energy in the 3rd after a good 1st half.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) February 21, 2015
It’s unacceptable to give up 40 points in the third quarter and that’s the straw that broke the camel’s back. Although the Lakers have been extremely disappointing this season, Scott still expects his team to bring it every night and they should, after all they are professionals.
Scott surprised everyone by not playing Carlos Boozer and Wes Johnson. They were suited up, but Scott decided not to use them tonight. Scott didn’t have an exact reason for the decision, but according to Eric Pincus of the LA Times, Carlos Boozer supported his decision and said all the right things after the game:
Carlos Boozer said all the right things about not playing tonight - both he and Wes Johnson said they didn't know they weren't getting mins,
— Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) February 21, 2015
At this point, all the tank talk has obviously reached the coaches and players, which could be the reason for their lack of effort. The Lakers need that top five pick, but it’s difficult for these players to keep losing and this is not what Scott was expecting when he took the job.
Next: Kupchak Admits To Tanking Without Admitting Lakers Are Tanking