Once famed for being a consistent title contender for years, the Los Angeles Lakers now have three consecutive losses. Worse, the excitement which fans had over Kobe Bryant's return to the hardcourt became a massive disappointment that he, himself, even felt it.
Yahoo! Sports reported that after clinching defeats against the Sacramento Kings, Minnesota Timberwolves, and the recent defeat against Dallas Mavericks, the Lakers' start this season has been “dispiriting.”
SBNation said that the Lakers are currently at “ground zero,” attempting to rebuild what was once great. For almost 20 years, the famous team has been doing real good, but is now struggling.
The past two seasons have seen the worst squads the Lakers had, not living up to their past reputation. Key players got injured, coaching staff had turnovers and a lot more happened to the team during the 2012-2013 season.
Last year's team, the 2014-2015 season squad, were even worse based on the records: a disheartening 21-61. Bryant only played for 35 games, Julius Randle played less and Steve Nash didn't even play. Other players, Nick Young, Ryan Kelly and Xavier Henry all experienced injuries, making them lose a lot of important game time.
Their defense was quite weak and offense didn't do so well either. Overall, the Lakers did suffer and were not able to compete well in the league.
But with Bryant's return, fans were hoping to see a bright light shine. However, the expected light failed.
Captured by Lakers Nation, Bryant assessed his own plays and didn't sugarcoat his disappointment after going 3-for-15 on the floor.
"I'm the 200th-best player in the league right now," Bryant said. "I freaking suck."
"I don't know," Lakers' coach Byron Scott said of Bryant. "I know he's not happy with it. He's disappointed with the way he's shooting the ball. He's playing hard. He's competing just like he always does. I think it's a matter of time."
SBNation posted some photos of Bryant's terribly chosen shots in the three games that they've lost. Of 51, he only got 16 in which doesn't quite fit with the Bryant that was famous for the same shots a time ago. Coach Scott, according to Lakers Nation, didn't seem to mind.
"Fine," Scott said about Bryant’s shot selection. "I thought yesterday he did a much better job of getting to the basket, and he took some of the shots that we had been talking about as well. So, I’m fine with his shot selection right now. I mean, all of us can do a little bit better."
