Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers Have Put the Panic Mode Theory To Sleep

Maybe the sky is not collapsing on the Los Angeles Lakers season after all.

On Sunday afternoon, the Lakers beat the Oklahoma City Thunder in a hard fought 90-87 contest, which just happened to be their fourth consecutive victory since the All-Star break.

I think it's safe to put the ridiculous notion that the Lakers were in panic mode to sleep.

To be fair, the Lakers didn't look like two time defending NBA champions in losses to Orlando, Charlotte and Cleveland.

But then again, titles aren't won in February either.

Perhaps it would serve everyone well to remember that because counting this Lakers team out of title contention this early is a dangerous proposition.

After the Lakers first victory in their current streak, forward Pau Gasol was asked if that victory erased the sense of panic that was surrounding the team.

Gasol's response? "Who says we're panicking."

Gasol reminded the interviewer that his Lakers team was a talented, experienced group, and that their issues had more to do with consistency than anything else.

Guard Kobe Bryant chimed in and said the Lakers were still an elite team and when they play with passion and purpose, he likes their chances against anyone.

I have to agree.

The Lakers' three losses to end their Grammy road trip were definitely gruesome, but even with those losses, Los Angeles has won eight out of their last 11 games.

And during this current four game win streak, Bryant's words have been validated as his team has played with plenty of passion, while Bryant has provided a sense of purpose.

Bryant's brilliance during the streak has come by tailoring his game to fit the team's need.

In an overtime victory against Portland, Bryant played the part of unstoppable offensive force by scoring 37 points, but in Sunday's win against the Thunder, he played the part of defensive stopper on guard Russell Westbrook by holding him to four points in the second half.

Whether or not the Lakers have found the consistency, Gasol says the team is searching for remains to be seen, but here are a few other facts to ponder about the Lakers supposed state of panic.

For the season, Los Angeles is seventh in the NBA in scoring at 102.5 points per game, fourth in rebounding at 43.8 per game and they only allow their opponents to score 96.2 points per game.

But the Lakers most impressive number may be their 21 road victories, which only San Antonio and Miami can match.

Those numbers don't seem to be those of a team in panic mode and considering this team has played in the last three NBA Finals' series makes the whole concept seem a little silly.

This Lakers team knows what it takes to win championships and they also understand that journey does not begin in February.