Stocks, cryptocurrency, they haven't had a strong finish to the end of last year. There'll be days they'll do good, but not by much to recoup huge losses in the market that has no end in sight. That's pretty much how I feel about the Lakers right now. Their stock has taken a tumble in the coming weeks since LeBron James went down and it has no sign that'll it'll get better in the long run. Their free fall from 4th to 8th speaks for itself. It's not just LeBron though. The young Lakers couldn't find a way to string together an inch of consistency and it's been chronic ever since the spotlight was on them since the decisive Christmas Day win against the Warriors. Enough of me repeating myself in the last 2-3 Weekly Roundups. Here is the Roundup for the week of 01/13.
01/07: @ Dallas 107-97 [W] (22-19)
After the suckage that was last week, Luke Walton challenged Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram to "play with more energy." Let's be honest, Zo and B.I. stunk in the absence of key players during the last two games. They were especially horrible in the ugly loss in Minnesota where Ingram was held to 13 points while Zo dropped a goose egg. They answered the call as the Lakers traveled to Dallas. They do get a big boost with Kyle Kuzma coming back. But he shot 4-20 from the field, which is a typical stat line coming back from an injury. It wasn't all sunshine and rainbows to start as the Mavs built a lead to as many as 15. But, the Lakers came back and we saw "Eldest Big Baller" and "SlenderIngram" play with more sense of urgency. B.I. lead all scorers with 29 points while Zo followed suit with 21 points with a wet jump shot included. The Mavs tried to scratch and claw back, but like Luka Doncic's floater, they couldn't stay in the game. Big road win for the Lakers to stay afloat in the playoff race.
01/09: vs. Detroit 100-113 [W] (23-19)
The Pistons have the reigning Coach of the Year in Dwane Casey, a talented roster, yet they still remain as the Motor City's biggest disappointment second only to the Lions. Blake Griffin returns to Los Angeles in what seem to have been ages since he played under the bright lights of LA. But tonight's showing at the Staples Center? KuzMania. Well let me tell you something brother, what cha gonna do when KuzMania runs wild on you? After an ugly 4-20 showing, Kyle Kuzma put the Lakers on his back, dropping 41 points. Truly he's the 2nd coming of Kobe Bryant by notching no assists this game. #MambaMentality. You know this night was unfortunate for the Pistons as Andre Drummond goaltends twice and KCP's shot goes in off the top of the backboard. The only negative was that they broke the hearts of Lakers fans in attendance with a last second stores (Tacos from Jack-in-the-Box are just 99 cents, jeez). On another note, Michael Beasley has yet a solid outing off the bench. 13 points the other night against Dallas and 19 points against the Pistons. Not to mention, it was his birthday. Way to turn back the clock you Beasley!
01/11: @ Utah 95-113 [L] (23-20)
There's the Lakers I know who are so dependent on LeBron James to baby them and bail them out. It is written history though, the Lakers tend to struggle in the Mormon state. Utah shot the lights out of the Lakers this game. As Donovan Mitchell scorches this team and puts Javale McGee on a poster, I guess you can say that he's back to ROTY runner-up form. 41 points from Kuz the last game, only 11 points here. Foul trouble on Zo and Hart. The Jazz dominated this game from start to finish.
01/13: vs. Cleveland 101-95 [L] (23-21)
I had a hunch if there was a team that would help end Cleveland's streak of infamy, it'd be none other than the Lakers. They got away with one in the last meeting when LeBron returned to Cleveland prior to Thanksgiving Day. Even Luke Walton told this team to be wary of the Cavs. They did not get the memo as they rewarded the hapless Cavs with a win, ending their 12-game losing streak. Free throws yet again played a crucial role in derailing the Lakers' comeback. 4/12 from the stripe in the 4th quarter is completely unacceptable even by standards of one of the worst FT shooting teams in the league. It also doesn't help that they completely sucked from beyond the arc. KCP, nothing but bricks. Josh Hart, nothing but bricks. Kuz didn't even hit a three until the final seconds of the 4th. Clearly, something needs to change here as inconsistency has clearly put a rear naked choke hold on this team. I guess you can say: "CLEVELAND! THIS IS FOR YOU!"
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