Blame It On The Bench!

Last night was another embarrassing game for the Lakers this post-season. You would've thought the Lakers realized how horrible their play was last series against Rockets. However, their back to their inconsistent play, which may lead them to an early exit.

LA came into game 4, with high confidence after a victory in a building in which Denver hadn't lost yet this post-season. Coach Jackson stated in the pre-game, how his team needed to play desperation ball, go for all the loose balls, play more aggressive, and out work their opponents.

A win would've sealed the series for the Lakers, heading back to LA up 3-1.

They started the game looking tired and Denver played on that making LA run up and down the court, which drained them even more. They managed to stay in the game with only Kobe and Gasol putting in work.

LA should've won this game easily with Melo under the weather (supposedly) and having an awful night from the field shooting a dismal 3-16, but knocking down 9 free throws for a total of 15 points. LA should've played on Melo's so-called twisted ankle by making him run up and down the court which would've hurt it more. However, LA didn't capitalize on it which led Denver to gain confidence, and stay ahead of the game.

J.R. Smith then entered the game and blew up. He has been shut down this series so far, and has to be considered the x-factor for Denver to advance to the Finals. Off the bench, Smith had an easy 24 points (tied for team high), and 4 assists which is inexcusable because he also got his fellow bench mates involved as well. Luis Kleiza dropped 14 points, while the "Bird Man" Chris Anderson grabbed 14 points.

Then the bench came in. I don't know why. It's a shame how awful this bench has played this post-season compared to last year. Last year, the leading factor in LA heading to the Finals, was the consistent bench play.

LA was only down 11 heading into the fourth quarter which could've been cut down if the bench hit some shots. Mainly Sasha Vujacic, who continuously is missing wide open threes. It's funny because teams are actually leaving him open knowing he's going to miss. That has to hurt as a player, when opponents don't respect you since their leaving you open.

Then we have Luke Walton, who i still don't understand why is on the floor. He has no impact on either the offensive or defensive end. He is another one who Denver leaving open to miss shots, which are relatively easy. He was never a scorer and Denver is forcing him to do that which he isn't ready for. He needs to work his shot, so he can draw Denver defenders to him, which lets LA's big man have enough room inside to do damage. LA's horrendous bench stats.

The biggest loser on that bench has to be Odom, who is only averaging eight points a game. This is the most versatile player in the NBA, and he should be able to score in bunches against this Denver defense, but he seems scared and looks a bit confused. Denver is playing fearless, and I think Odom is cautious of how to attack them, because he hasn't been able to do much. He needs to pick it up his intensity level, and start driving more to the basket where he could either make sum highlight passes, or draw fouls.

LA's heading back home which will easily propel them to a game 5 victory. I expect nothing short of great game, and it will probably end up another Kobe-Melo showdown.