L.A. Lakers Stung by New Orleans Hornets: Another Sign of Trouble?

The Lakers for the second game in their four-game road trip fell behind big early. And like against the Oklahoma City Thunder, they lost decisively, without even a bite.

Fans of the Lakers dynasty from 2000 to 2002 will remember how the second one is always tougher to get, especially during the humdrum regular season games. But despite a 48-26 stuttering before the postseason, the Lakers that year went on to win 23 straight en route to another championship.

This year, not so sure.

The Lakers' tendency to play down to their competition during the regular season is well documented, but this season, the problem has become second nature.

Against the Hornets, despite holding a 48-40 rebounding edge (19-8 on offensive glass), the Lakers let the Hornets dictate the tempo of the game. The same thing has happened in blowout losses to the Nuggets, Mavericks, Cavaliers, and Thunder.

Again and again the opposing point guards (be it Collison or Paul) exploit the Lakers' old Fisher and the post is exposed, but the main culprit lies in a weak team defense that fails to help out and rotate quickly enough. Yes, Pau, I'm calling you out.

Granted, Andrew Bynum is out, but Gasol should man up against big men like Okafor who are clearly inferior to him.

Odom continues to be about as inconsistent as my cooking. One night he goes for coast-to-coast thunderous dunks, the next he lays an egg.

Aside from the Mamba, this team, despite the addition of Ron Artest, lacks that same killer instinct they possessed last year.

But you know what? This may be a blessing in disguise. The Lakers have suffered humiliating losses to the Cavs, Nuggets, Raptors, Rockets, Thunder, Clippers, Grizzlies, and now the lowly Hornets.

The Cavaliers have been, like last year, stomping the regular season opposition. No real tests except for maybe the February encounter against the Lakers.

What is important is how the Lakers respond to this loss to a low-tier Hornets team, how they learn to be humble while at the same not losing the hunger for championship. By doing so, they will gain the upper hand over the Cavaliers. When the pressure mounts, they won't panic—playing from behind will be something easier to adjust to.

Through tough stretches like these the team bands together and develops a chemistry, camaraderie, and resiliency that could prove invaluable in the postseason. 

At least that's what Lakers fans are hoping. Right now, if the championship were played in the regular season, the Cavaliers have long ago claimed the title.