Remember when the Los Angeles Lakers were a dynasty? It’s becoming harder and harder as the Lakers have fallen on difficult times. Kobe Bryant is past his prime, he has no help around him and miserable luck reared it’s head when prized rookie Julius Randle broke his leg in the season-opener.
From 60-win juggernaut to Western Conference cellar-dweller, the Lakers’ horrible season has only just begun. While Kobe’s frustrated with the 0-4 start, it could be a while before this team wins a game.
They host the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night but are a six-point home dog. We’ve circled their best chances to win a game but it could be a while.
1. Charlotte Hornets
Sunday, November 9th
The Hornets lost in New York to the Knicks on Sunday, so if they’re bad enough to lose to a Knicks team that’s not likely to be one of the better teams in the NBA, they might also stumble against the Lakers. One thing that jumps out about the Lakers’ schedule is that if they can’t beat the Hornets here, they go on the road to play the Memphis Grizzlies and that doesn’t figure to be an easy one.
Charlotte is still a young, inexperienced team that’s coming together. The Lakers, playing at home, should have a shot here.[divider]
2. At New Orleans Pelicans
Wednesday, November 12th
Another possible but not probable Lakers win comes on Wednesday. If the Lake Show doesn’t beat Charlotte on Sunday, this is the next likely step in the middle of the road. New Orleans has talent – especially with Anthony Davis being a terror all over the court – but the Pelicans’ guards have not proven they can play with great consistency. New Orleans’ structure on offense is very focused on getting the ball to Davis and Omer Asik in the low post. Anything beyond that is not guaranteed.
And while Davis is a strong defensive presence inside, the Pelicans perimeter defense should allow the Lakers to do what they want. With guys like Tyreke Evans guarding Kobe Bryant, this could be the game he goes off and carries the purple and gold to a win.[divider]
3. Denver Nuggets
Sunday, November 23rd
The Lakers, after playing New Orleans on Nov. 12, would transition into a situation where they play two really rough home games: against the San Antonio Spurs and the Golden State Warriors. Those two home games would be followed by road visits to the Atlanta Hawks, Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks. The Lakers will be underdogs in every single one of those games.
The good news is after playing such tough competition, the Lakers come home to face the Denver Nuggets. The Nuggets lots on the road to the Oklahoma City Thunder, who are ridiculously hampered by injuries. If the Nuggets can lose in that spot, they can definitely be victimized by the Lakers.
It’s hard to believe but there’s a very good chance the Lakers start the season 0-13. Even if they manage to get a win or two, this team should be about 10 games under .500 by the time they host Denver.
