The defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers were bested yesterday by the same foe that they toppled in last year’s NBA finals.
Derek Fisher and the Lakers couldn’t muster any of the same late-game heroics that led them to the title last season, falling by two in a tight game to the Orlando Magic.
Derek spoke a few weeks back about the difference in energy around the Lakers this season, as compare to year’s past
"We haven’t found that thing that gives us the desire to prove we’re the best team on the floor every night," D-Fish said. "There isn’t anything that compares to being in the NBA Finals and what that emotion, passion and intensity feels like.
"That doesn’t mean you don’t respect guys in the NBA or opponents, but it’s a different game."
No. 2 said the team needs to find something to make them play with heart day in and day out. The Sunday loss is Los Angeles’ third straight. They also dropped a 98-83 game to the Charlotte Bobcats on Friday.
As Fish’s teammate Lamar Odom told reporters Sunday, it’s a little more difficult to win on the road when you’re everybody’s Super Bowl:
"When you actually win the championship, you’re heavyweight champion of the world, everybody is going to be trying to beat you," Odom said. "You always get everybody’s best shot. This year we’ve made a lot of opposing teams happy, especially on their home court. It’s like their day, their big game when they play and beat us."
Fish was held to just one basket on Friday, a three he hit early in the third quarter. No. 2 though did add two assists in defeat. But Derek put forth a stronger effort in Sunday’s return to Orlando.
The first half saw him go for seven points and assisting on the Lakers’ last points of the half. After 24 minutes of basketball, the Magic led Los Angeles 52-48. Fish hit two of his four shots in the second half, scoring four points, as well a recording a steal and an assist. He finished with 11 points, a steal and two rebounds.
Down two with ten seconds to play, Kobe Bryant missed a jumper from 20 that would have tied the game, and the Lakers lost 96-94. It’s the first time since Pau Gasol came to Los Angeles that the Lakers have lost three in a row.
NEXT UP
The Lakers will have another opportunity to prove they are the best team on the floor Tuesday night against the Toronto Raptors.
It’s their first game back at the Staples Center since a three game East Coast road trip as they look to end their three-game skid.
Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PST on Tuesday night and the game can be seen on FS West and NBATV.
RELATED ARTICLES
Kobe’s late miss continues Lakers slide as Magic hold on for win (ESPN.com, March 8, 2010)
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=300307019
Derek Fisher admits regular season motivation is elusive (Bleacher Report, March 4, 2010)
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/356475-lakeralert-derek-fisher-admits-regular-season-motivation-is-elusive