Lakers Waste A Double Digit Lead

An old nemesis revisited the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers have had a history of problems with teams having poor records. The Indiana Pacers have a losing record but they increased the number of wins by one, with a defeat of the Lakers. The Pacers won: 118 - 117.

The Lakers have stressed defense this season. With a fifteen point lead going into the final quarters, the Lakers may have become complacent. The Pacers doubled the points scored in the fourth quarter and out-scored the Lakers 32 - 16 in the final twelve minutes.

Box Score: Lakers / Pacer

What is noticeable is that the Pacers had more rebounds than the Lakers. The nineteen offensive rebounds contributed to the Pacers’ rescuing this game.

This road trip was touted as a test for these Lakers. It was to be a test of their defense and interior toughness. For the first of a three game road trip to the Eastern Conference, it was a failing grade.

Catherine Forsythe