Lakers Fading Against Best Teams In League
EL SEGUNDO (AP) -- The Los Angeles Lakers have the NBA's fifth-best record and a huge lead in the Pacific Division.
It's what they don't have that might be cause for concern.
After fading in the fourth quarter of a 109-96 loss to the Boston Celtics on Sunday, the two-time defending champions are just 1-4 this season against the four teams above them in the overall standings.
The Lakers also have seven home losses. That's the same number they had all last season.
Some of their fans are panicking after watching Kobe Bryant's one-man show fall miserably flat against the Celtics in Los Angeles' fourth loss in seven games overall.
The Lakers realize they haven't risen to their biggest challenges this season, but they believe there's still time.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
