Lakers’ lack of effort
The Lakers very nearly snatched defeat from the throes of victory yesterday. Facing opponents with the second-worst record in the National Basketball Association, they ended the set-to with just about as much — or, to be more precise, as little — effort as they did from the opening tip and throughout. Only their evident roster superiority, coupled with the Wizards’ inherent ineptitude, saved them from an embarrassing outcome. All the same, their performance speaks volumes of their lack of readiness for the playoff wars ahead — that is, if they even qualify at all.
True, the Lakers were on the sixth and last stop of a grueling schedule that had them playing on the road for the last nine days. On the other hand, it wasn’t as if they faced a bevy of contenders along the way; of their competition, only the Bucks and the Pacers had winning records. And, viewed from all angles, the manner in which they did battle at Scotiabank Arena yesterday left much to be desired. They barely showed up, often going through the motions, clearly believing they could coast against the Wizards.
Admittedly, playing to the level of the competition isn’t unique to the Lakers; others with far better odds to claim the crown have likewise been afflicted with apparent ennui. That said, the Lakers cannot afford to slack off; they have neither the standing nor the body of work in their 2023-24 campaign to feel entitled. And with an outright postseason spot still in their sights, the last thing they want is to have their momentum halted by a mailed-in showing against certified patsies.
On paper, the Lakers managed to emerge victorious for the eighth time in their last nine contests. Yet, it’s telling that they remain exactly where they were when they began their winning skein: ninth in the bunched-up West and on course to hurdle two do-or-die affairs just to qualify for the playoffs. And with four of their final five encounters slated to be dogfights, they would do well to ensure they’re in the right mindset from here on. Else, disappointment will reign in La-La Land.
Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is a consultant on strategic planning, operations and human resources management, corporate communications, and business development.
