6 things bothering me about the lakers this year.
Although the Lakers are only four games into the regular season, there’s quite a few blaring flaws in the team that I feel are such minor issues, that combine to cause major issues to the team as a whole.
 Hey Nick Young. You know that guy that’s around your size, plays your position, wears a suit, and who’s game you’ve modeled yours after? You’re not him, just saying, so stop throwing up shots like you are. Young may have stepped it up a little bit tonight, taking smarter shots and being more of a team player, but in the Lakers first three games his shot selection was as reckless as his hair. And it showed, as he shot 27% from the field in the first four games.
 Pau Gasol was vocal in the off-season about how excited he was to return to his natural position and the opportunity to play with his back to the basket more often. In the Lakers first four games hes done anything but that, he’s been settling for outside jumpers and even three pointers. Now I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with that, but as a center and the focal point of the interior offense, he’s got to work harder in the paint to improve his shooting percentage. (its currently at 40.3%)
3. Defense, Defense, DEFENSE!!!!
The Lakers team defense has been terrible, if one man loses his assignment there’s been absolutely no help, which usually results in a wide open layup or 3 pointer. One of the ways the Hawks got back into the game tonight was through easy 3 pointers by Kyle Korver and Cartier Martin, along with easy layups by Jeff Teague. The Lakers need drastically improve their transition D, as well as their communication and defense as a team.
4. Focusing on the task at hand.
As a lifelong Laker fan, I believe maintaining their focus for 48 minutes has been a major flaw of the Lakers, especially the last year or two.  Rarely ever do the Lakers go up by 15-20 points early in the first half, and maintain that lead throughout an entire game. I understand the current Lakers roster isn’t the same as the teams of yesteryear, but the team still needs to do a better job of staying focused and maintaining a lead throughout the whole game.
5. Where in the world is Jordan Hill?
Hill showed his value last year by being a monster on the boards. He’s done more of the same this year, despite seeing limited playing time.
You’ll hear it from the fans, you’ll hear it from the commentators, hell, I wouldn’t even be surprised if his teammates are thinking it too. Where the hell is Jordan Hill!? It seems like hes frequently playing the majority of his minutes in the 4th quarter, but barely playing before that. With the energy he provides on the boards, especially offensively, its ridiculous that he’s only getting playing time late in the game. It seems every time he enters the game, he makes an immediate impact and the momentum shifts back to the Lakers. Get him on the court D’Antoni!!
6. Steve Nash’s Performance
Now I understand Steve Nash is getting old. With Jason Kidd’s retirement after last season, he’s the oldest player in the NBA. That being said, I can understand a limit of 20-25 minutes in games, but I expect effectiveness during that time. Including his vastly improved shooting performance tonight, Nash is shooting an abysmal 31% from the field, a far cry from his lifetime percentage of 49%. Today Nash showed flashes of his old self by hitting floaters in the lane, scoop layups off the dribble, and three pointers. If the Lakers have any hope of being relevant this year, especially without Kobe, Nash has to show more of the same from here on out.
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