Or course not. The Lakers lost an exhibition game to a Euroleague team today. This victory for Barcelona marks just the fifth time a European team has knocked off an NBA team since 2005. What is significant about this particular game is that the two-time reigning world champions were the losers.
Los Angeles struggled mightily from the field, going 29 for 85 (including 0 for 14 from three-point range). Their inability to hit open outside shots plagued them throughout the 2009-2010 season and it looks as though they may still be dealing with that issue.
This is a problem that could haunt them if they are forced to play against the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals this year. The Heat have a very athletic defense that will like to gamble this year. The best way to keep a defense honest is to be able to knock down outside shots.
They also had all kinds of trouble defending Juan Carlos Navarro and Pete Mickeal. Both of these players are very good and have done well in their European league, but Dwyane Wade and Lebron James they are not. If the Lakers can't stop Navarro and Mickael, they'll have a hard time against any NBA duo.
While LA cle ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NBA
Article written by Andrew Bailey
2010-2011 NBA Preseason: Lakers Lose to FC Barcelona, Should LA Fans Panic?
October 7th, 2010 by Andrew Bailey Leave a reply »
Advertisement