The start of the Lakers 2009-2010 season isn't exactly following the blueprint that many fans drew up. A blueprint that had the Lakers steamrolling any team in its way and showing everyone why they are the defending champions.
Well sometimes things just don't work out that way. An injury situation and sloppy play have led the Lakers to a 2-1 record in the first three games. Yes it's only three games out of 82, so it's not time to hit the panic button like some fans have decided to do. But one has to admit, the start of the Lakers title reign is as interesting as Ron Artest's haircut.
Up to this point, the worried attitude has more to do with Pau Gasol's hamstring and inability to play a single minute this season. It was though at first that the injury was minor and it was a precautionary move to sit him out, but with a new report that it could potentially be a slightly torn hamstring, fans are beginning to worry about what this does to the Lakers to start the season.
When fans hear the reports of Gasol possibly being out six weeks with the injury, many do not see the fine print. So here it is: Gasol has not played in a game since October 9th. It has been approximately four weeks since that game meaning that Gasol, if his timetable is correct, would return in a couple of weeks.
In Gasol's absence, the Lakers were able to take out the Clippers, but then were shockingly torn apart by the Mavericks in one of the weirdest games I have watched this team play in a few years. They played uncharacteristically and just did not want to the things necessary to win the game. It surely was a game to be forgotten. Then two nights ago, they were able to bounce back and beat the Hawks, thanks to 41 points by Kobe Bryant, 21 by Andrew Bynum, and a stellar defensive performance by Ron Artest.
Until Gasol is back healthy, I expect the Lakers to have a couple more games that are frustrating. The reason being that the team isn't at full strength and Ron Artest is still finding his way, but if he does what he did against Joe Johnson and the Hawks, the Lakers will be just fine until Gasol returns.
Tonight the Lakers face off against the young, but dangerous Oklahoma City Thunder. It will be the Lakers first road game of the season, so it be will be crucial to start their road record off with a win. To win championships, teams need to show a mental toughness on the road in order to overcome tough situations. The Lakers have a lot of work to do to become a team everyone fears, one way to do that is to play hard-nosed defense. Let's hope they can do what they did in the 3rd quarter versus the Hawks, but this time for an entire 48 minutes.
