After the most challenging stretch of the 2017-18 NBA season, the Los Angeles Lakers are currently on a nine-game losing streak. Without Lonzo Ball and Brook Lopez for some of these games, the Lakers were competitive against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors (twice), and Houston Rockets (twice), but only won one.
During the team's losing streak, new details are emerging about the recent team meeting. According to Frank Isola of New York Daily News, one topic discussed was Julius Randle:
According to one league source, one topic discussed is that some Lakers have been frustrated by the play of Julius Randle, who has been the subject of trade reports for nearly a year now. And yet, in the Lakers’ very next game following the team meeting Randle was promoted into the starting lineup.
Isola speculates head coach Luke Walton may have lost some support in the locker room by starting Randle:
The most logical answer is that management, with an eye on the Feb. 8 trade deadline, suggested/insisted Walton start Randle. Makes sense for everyone except Walton, who must have lost some support in the locker room with that move. It puts the head coach in an unfair position and judging by the results that aforementioned scenario where management gets involved seems very plausible.
For a young team playing in one of the biggest markets, this is a challenging time in Los Angeles. While the Lakers played against three championship contenders, it does not excuse their recent effort, especially on the defensive end.
With all eyes on the Lakers, it will be interesting to see how they respond. In their next matchup, it will be a battle of the two worst teams in the league as they host the Atlanta Hawks at the Staples Center.
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