Los Angeles Lakers: Loss to Sacramento Kings Shouldn't Send Fans into Panic Mode

Two losses in two days isn't exactly how the Los Angeles Lakers hoped to start their season. That said, it's not time for fans to jump off the deep end. A couple games are nothing to worry about, even in a shortened season.

Metta World Peace probably said it best after the game (via AP):

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“We have a lot of games left, a lot of games left,” World Peace said. “Everything is going OK. Everything will be great.”

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The Lakers have lost to the Chicago Bulls and Sacramento Kings after dropping both preseason games against the rival Clippers, so it's not a major surprise that some people are getting bent out of shape. Especially when you consider the usual sky-high expectations.

There have still been some positive signs to fall back on, though. Kobe Bryant continues to look like one of the league's premier players despite his wrist injury, Pau Gasol has been his usual reliable self and World Peace looks like a solid sixth man.

Andrew Bynum will help boost the lineup once his suspension ends. Assuming he can stay healthy, pairing with Gasol should give the Lakers an interior advantage over nearly every other team. That should lead to more open shots for the team's role players.

The best sign might be the front office's willingness to search out options.

They have been linked to several players since the lockout ended with the most notable being Dwight Howard. Those talks signal that the Lakers understand they are a piece or two away from being legitimate contenders.

When that's the case, the Lakers almost always make a move before the deadline to bolster their hopes. They aren't just going to sit back and let the Clippers dominate the headlines, that's for sure.

The most important thing over the next couple weeks will be point guard play. Both Derek Fisher and Steve Blake struggled mightily in the first two games. If one of those guys can become a consistent contributor, the Lakers will be just fine. They don't have to be great, just serviceable.

Los Angeles still has more talent than a majority of the NBA's other teams. It's just going to take some time before all of the pieces fall into place under new head coach Mike Brown. The word fans will hear more than any other in the coming weeks is "patience."

While it may be tough for supporters of an annual title contender to exhibit that trait, it's the only way to survive this minor dry spell without losing hope.