May Lakers' owner Jerry Buss, who passed away today due to cancer, forever rest in peace.
In the offseason before 2013, who would have thought that at the All-Star break, the San Antonio Spurs would have the best record in the league while a 25-29 Lakers squad remained 3.5 games out of the playoffs? Indeed, there have been many unexpected twists and turns for the Lakers this season. Pundits continue to offer their thoughts on how to turn the Lakers around, as humorously seen in Saturday Night Live's spoof of ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith.
Let's take a quick look back at the Lakers' most recent outings. Other than a disappointing three-game losing streak on the road at Miami (Jan. 17), Toronto (Jan. 20), and Chicago (Jan. 21), the Lakers actually won all games they should have, with the exception of a narrow loss at Phoenix (Jan. 30). They almost beat the Miami Heat until crucial fourth quarter turnovers resulted in a 107-97 loss (Feb. 10).
Although the NBA landscape may change dramatically after the upcoming trade deadline, the Lakers' roster will likely remain in tact. Yes, there have been rumors about a possible Dwight Howard trade, one scenario even sending him to the Celtics for Rajon Rondo. However, as Lakers GM Mitch Kuptchak confessed, such a deal is highly unlikely. Throughout the remainder of the season, the Lakers must work with the pieces they have.
Kobe Bryant as facilitator has proven effective. His career-tying 14 assists against the Utah Jazz on Jan. 26 led the Lakers to a 102-84 blowout victory. Similarly, the Lakers only needed 4 points from Bryant for a win against the Suns on Feb. 13. Now, obviously, every game will be different. There will be games where Bryant will needed to shift his focus to scoring. Generally, though, the newfound approach of Bryant as point guard and Steve Nash at shooting guard has produced beautiful offense for the Lakers.
With Pau Gasol out until the end of the season, the Lakers desperately need Dwight Howard to step his game up. Howard must continue to play through the pain and manage his frustration. He must change his attitude, which former Laker Rick Fox called "a loser's mentality." Fans understand that Howard is coming off a major injury. No one is mad at Howard for that. Criticism of Howard has been that he hasn't been trying his best. Nights like his 19 point, 18 rebound performance against the Suns offer hope for the remaining games.
A boost from the bench is always helpful too. Coach Mike D'Antoni has showcased his fair share of enigmatic rotations and substitutions this season, but the reserves are finally starting to gel. Antawn Jamison was a force to be reckoned with 19 points against the Suns. Jodie Meeks stepped up with 13 points in the Lakers' 125-101 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers (Feb. 14). If the bench can provide consistent points, the Lakers will make the playoffs.