Los Angeles Lakers: 5 reasons why fans shouldn’t panic right now

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 12: Anthony Davis #3 Carmelo Anthony #7, LeBron James #6 and Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers on the basketball court together during the second half of a preseason basketball game against the Golden State Warriors at Staples Center on October 12, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 12: Anthony Davis #3 Carmelo Anthony #7, LeBron James #6 and Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers on the basketball court together during the second half of a preseason basketball game against the Golden State Warriors at Staples Center on October 12, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers

When the Los Angeles Lakers traded for superstar guard Russell Westbrook during the summer, fans envisioned Showtime returning to Staples Center after it took a hiatus last season.

It hasn’t happened yet. LA lost on opening night to the Golden State Warriors, 121-114, after blowing a sizeable third-quarter lead.

Friday night’s game against the Phoenix Suns was even worse, as the Lakers fell behind by as many as 32 points to the team that knocked them out of the first round of last season’s NBA playoffs.

We as Lakers fans are a spoiled bunch, and naturally, we’re feeling restless and frustrated right now.

However, if we separate ourselves from our egos, there is absolutely no reason to panic right now.

Yes, there are definitely reasons to be concerned about the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Los Angeles Lakers’ defense is deficient right now, and their transition game, which has been expected to be a huge strength for them, has been mostly non-existent.

But it’s extremely early, and the NBA championship isn’t won in October. I also have never heard of an NBA title contender being counted out after just the first two games of the season.

Let’s give it some time before we throw in the towel and give up on our hopes for banner number 18.

There are several reasons why Lakers fans across our nation should be patient and try to be optimistic right now.