Lakers could set record for best-worst team ever

Correct me if wrong.

Are the Lakers 3-19 or 19-3? No you skeptics are correct the Lakers are 19-3 this season.

It’s very difficult to notice the Lakers 19-3 record. For a month now, the Lakers haven’t been able to find consistency, but still have found ways to salvage a victory, barely. Not winning by a large margin, but winning just enough to elude more criticism.

Currently, the Lakers are being criticized for their inconsistency. It’s been quite sometime now since the Lakers played with a sense of urgency, or even intensity, which have caused a few collapses and uninspiring losses that should have been automatic victories.

But, this time the Lakers were able to avoid another royal agonizing defeat at home against the Sacramento Kings. To refresh your mind, the Kings nicked the Lakers in a 113-101 loss at Sacramento on Tuesday night, embarrassing them.

Lately, the Lakers consistency has being dissatisfying, and painful to watch. Sure, fans might sit at home or come out to watch them in action, but it’s being a nail-bitter of late to watch the Lakers grind out a victory. And there has probably being a multitude of fans closing their eyes in the fourth quarter.

However, the Lakers were able to prevent royal damage. But the Lakers will not always find it easy to get away without raising their consistency level, particularly on Christmas Day. That’s when the Lakers will host their final rivals the Boston Celtics.

Meanwhile, the Lakers scratched out another win, after the Kings surrendered in the second half on Friday night, giving the Lakers a 112-103 win. Still, the Lakers have a lot of things to stabilize, needing to find a way to defend the pick and roll and slow down the transition game.

It’s simple, just play with intensity.

With the Lakers, notching their second straight victory, and still having sole possession of first-place in the West, it’s difficult to rip them. No it’s not, having yet faced the Celtics or Cleveland.

Both, the Celtics and the Cavs marked history on Friday night, with a victory over their opponents. Boston came away with a victory against New Orleans, to extend their active winning streak to 14 straight victories. It’s the first time in franchise history that the Celtics have won 14 consecutive games. And Cleveland won their 11th straight over Philadelphia, matching a franchise record.

On the other hand, the Lakers could probably set a record for winning 19 games without a consistent performance. Clearly, the Lakers are the best worst franchise in the league. With them playing inconsistent, they are very fortunate to have amassed 19 wins.

The Kings’ guard John Salmons has received egregious treatment in Los Angeles, after humiliating Lakers at Sacramento. He received boos after finishing a layup, tying the game at 44-44 with 3:02 left in the second quarter.

In Salmons last game against the Lakers, he took advantage of their indolence and inconsistency. The Lakers allowed enough time for Salmons to organize his shot, giving him a good look at a two-point jumper. Then the Lakers failed to keep Salmons out of the line, penetrating for a sure layup.

The Lakers have difficulty stopping penetration. And their backcourt defense has struggled. Derek Fisher and Jordan Farmer has trouble stopping opponents from blowing pass them.

However, Kobe Bryant ensured that his Lakers didn’t suffer another knock out against the Kings. With 5:02 left in the third quarter, Bryant hit a three-pointer to give the Lakers a 72-59 lead. It was a must needed shot, but Bryant was needed for the entire game.

Bryant finished with 32 points on 11-for-21 shooting, finally breaking out of a shooting struggle. Thank goodness that Kobe broke out of his slump. If he didn’t, the Lakers could have witness the improbable once again, a Kings beatdown. The Kings, winning without their star guard, Kevin Martin, who’s sidelined with an injury, is anything but cohesive.

I can just image what it would have been like with Martin in the lineup.

But, the Kings continued to scare the Lakers. The Kings wasn’t intimidated playing against the Lakers. Instead they were very optimistic about beating the Lakers. The Kings aren’t playing for anything, so upsetting the Lakers is a big fulfillment.

On the Lakers home floor, the Kings was hindered. The Lakers ensured that another demoralizing defeat wouldn’t occur, at least on their home floor. With just three minutes remaining in the game, the Lakers’ escalation marked an explanation point.

The Lakers started sizzling at the right time. Crunch time is the most vital time in the game. Fisher started their spurt, after making a 14-foot jumpshot. Then Kobe, perhaps the greatest finisher in this era, banked a nine-foot jumper and then elevated for a two-handed dunk.

Surely, the Lakers’ victories are great, but the inconsistency will hurt them at one point or another. But, the Lakers are good enough to win the West, though, they play inconsistent.

After all, the Lakers are the best-worst team ever.


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