The Los Angeles Lakers are still seeking their second win of the season as the team sits 1-9 on the year. Frustration is getting high as the team's defense cannot matchup to their offense and the losing streak continues to pile up. The team now begins a three-game road trip in hopes of gaining some momentum as they prepare to face the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night.
The Lakers have the worst defense in the league right now. They are allowing opponents to average 112.1 points per game. That was highlighted by a Sunday loss to the Golden State Warriors who put up 136 points on the Lakers, 115 of them coming in the first three quarters. Bryant had 44 points, but it simply was not enough to overcome the sharp shooting of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. Bryant is taking more shots than anyone else in the league, but the return of Nick Young could relieve some pressure.
While Young is not a defensive player, he can at least assist on offense. After sitting out with an injury suffered during training camp, Young is expected back on the court. He signed a contract extension in the offseason after averaging 17.9 points per game last year. This road trip will not be easy for the Lakers. Atlanta is 4-0 at home this season while they then go on to face the Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks.
Atlanta has been playing well this season, especially at home. They are coming off a very bad loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers who beat them 127-94 while going 19 of 31 from beyond the arc. The Hawks are shooting 49.5 percent overall at home while being 40.0 from long range thanks to players like Kyle Korver who has hit 16 of his 24 3-point shots at home. Players like DeMarre Carroll and Al Horford will be charged with slowing Bryant down and getting the team back on track.
