Where does Lakers’ loss to Cavaliers rank?
The Los Angeles Lakers are 9-13 and have lost five of their past six games. They are several spots out in the Western Conference playoff race, and two of their starters are out as they prepare for one of the NBA’s best teams.
It’s no wonder Kobe Bryant is unhappy.
“I’m very upset,” Bryant said after Tuesday’s 100-94 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. “When things get hard, you should get more determined, not shake your heads. It just seems when it rains it pours. It’s like this cloud is following us around at all times.”
The Cavaliers are the worst team the Lakers have lost to this season. They ranked 28th in the latest USA TODAY Sports NBA power rankings. They had lost five in a row entering the game.
But where does this latest loss rank among the Lakers’ 13? Let’s take the time to rank the losses, from best to worst:
13. 84-82 vs. San Antonio Spurs, Nov. 13
Why it was bad: They had this game won until Danny Green hit a miracle three-pointer in Bryant’s face in the final seconds.
Why it wasn’t: The Spurs may be the best team in the NBA, and the Lakers nearly won.
12. 114-108 at Oklahoma City Thunder, Dec. 7
Why it was bad: They gave up 41 points in the second quarter and let it get out of hand quickly.
Why it wasn’t: They showed resilience in the fourth quarter and nearly came back on the road against the hottest team in the NBA.
11. 106-98 at Memphis Grizzlies, Nov. 23
Why it was bad: They were outrebounded 39-28 and fell behind 34-18 in the first quarter.
Why it wasn’t: The bench had one of its strongest games, with Antawn Jamison, Chris Duhon and Jodie Meeks chipping in 30 points and seven assists.
10. 99-91 vs. Dallas Mavericks, Oct. 30
Why it was bad: The Mavs were without Dirk Nowitzki and Chris Kaman, their starting post duo.
Why it wasn’t: It’s easier to forgive an opening-night loss for a team with so many new parts.
9. 95-86 at Utah Jazz, Nov. 7
Why it was bad: They shot 33.8% from the field and 17.4% on three-pointers and … [For more on Where does Lakers' loss to Cavaliers rank this season?, click here.]
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