2. Avoid slow starts
The Los Angeles Lakers record is impressive, no doubt about it. However, they have developed some bad habits along the way while piling up those wins. The biggest issue? Seemingly turning on and off the switch when they see fit.
In recent weeks, the Lakers have faced numerous half time deficits. During the last road trip, which the team went undefeated during, they trailed at halftime in each game. In the second half, they turned it up and were able to defeat each team. The biggest difference? Those teams all had losing records.
The Blazers are the only team on this upcoming trip that has a losing record, but they are notoriously tough to play against at home. The Nuggets and Jazz have three combined home losses all season, so the team cannot afford a slow start.
Whatever Frank Vogel has told the guys going into halftime of those games is what he needs to tell them before the game to get them going. With the competition heightening, the team will not be able to just turn it on in the second halves of games to assert their will against their opponent.