Lakers Bench a Major Concern

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As well as the Lakers have played since the All-Star break (14-1), head coach Phil Jackson is not pleased with the way his bench is playing.

“They have to play defense a lot better and not turn the ball over…its a problem right now” – Phil Jackson as told to Brad Turner of the LA Times

The bench unit (which primarlity consists of Lamar Odom and the “killer bees”), themselves admit that they are in a bit of a funk right now.

“I think we’re all a bit frustrated. We’re just not getting stops the way we believe that we can. Its mentally affecting our offense a little bit” – Steve Blake

The Lakers have given up sizeable double digit leads in their last 2 victories over the Clippers and the Suns and much of the blame has been attributed to the 2nd unit. As great of an edge that the Lakers have with their starting lineup, Phil Jackson believes the bench needs to be more consistent in order for the team to get where it wants to go.

“Even though it’s (the 2nd unit) a team that can speed up the tempo of the game, theyre playing too fast…And defensively we havent made stops”

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