Laker Nation

Pau, Kobe have big games and Lakers play hard-nosed defense down the stretch to defeat a tough Memphis Grizzlies team.

Lakers play strong for three quarters, but stumble at the end, falling to the reigning NBA champion Miami Heat, 107-97. Here are five takeaways from Lakers vs. Heat.

Dwight Howard returned, but the Lakers shot and defended poorly in a 116-95 blowout loss to the rival Celtics.

In introductory press conference, new Lakers Coach Mike D'Antoni pledges to bring up tempo style of basketball to team.

Lakers poor defense and turnovers, not the offense, is the cause of two bad losses to fringe playoff teams.