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Los Angeles Lakers: 3 Reasons for their recent struggles

By Donny McHenry

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 14: Head coach Luke Walton of the Los Angeles Lakers removes his jacket after being ejected during the first half against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on February 14, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 14: Head coach Luke Walton of the Los Angeles Lakers removes his jacket after being ejected during the first half against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on February 14, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – FEBRUARY 15: Josh Hart /

Lakers Looking Exhausted

Probably the biggest reason for the three-game losing streak was player exhaustion. As good as the trade was for the Lakers, it probably took an emotional and physical toll on the players. Larry Nance Jr. and Jordan Clarkson were beloved by the other players and the coaches.

It was definitely sad for the players to see them go. Julius Randle was probably relieved to not see his name in any trades, as he was heavily rumored all season. Although he was relieved, the emotional roller coaster he experienced leading up to the deadline has probably impacted his defensive play. The All-Star break couldn’t have come at a better time, as it will allow the team to relax before their first game back.

Post All-Star Break

Once the break is over, there will be some things for Lakers fans to be excited for. Lonzo Ball is set to return for the first game back on Friday against the Mavericks. That will end Lonzo’s missed games total at 15 straight games dating back to January 15th. Lonzo has been good in regards to defense, so maybe he will help straighten the Lakers out on that end.

It’ll also be interesting to monitor how the team continues to integrate Isaiah Thomas. Luke Walton used Ivica Zubac a lot with him in the Timberwolves game, and it worked. Zubac had a career night scoring, cleaning up on the glass and killing it on pick-and-rolls. The most important thing to monitor though, will be how Isaiah works with Lonzo. The jury is still out on whether or not the two will work well together.

Lastly, with only 25 games left in the Lakers’ season, we are getting closer and closer to free agency. During All-Star weekend, Paul George has been bombarded with L.A. questions and “We want Paul” chants from the Lakers’ faithful. LeBron James is going through some political and social issues currently, so his free agency isn’t being discussed. But once the season is over, all eyes will be on him and George regarding free agency. Lakers fans will have to pay attention to the Thunder and Cavs, as their play will impact LeBron and Paul’s decisions.

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Lakers don’t have much of a chance to make the playoffs at this point. Fans will just have to see how the young players continute to develop, how the Isaiah Thomas project continues, and how the free agent story lines continue to build.

But most importantly, hopefully the Lakers stop giving up 129.3 PPG.

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