Mighty Los Angeles Lakers Show Biggest Crack in their Armor

The defending champion Los Angeles Lakers are a daunting opponent for every team in the league. With a record of 55-21, the Lakers are the top seed in the west and second only to the Cavaliers overall. Yet, despite this, the Lakers have repeatedly shown key weaknesses throughout the season that could lead to their downfall, the most principle one being their point guards.

While the Triangle Offense does not require a traditional point guard, it is an undeniable truth that the Laker point guards are among the worst in the league. The starter, Derek Fisher, has repeatedly proven himself to be one of the most inefficient players in NBA history.

Fisher, 35, is averaging a paltry 7.5 points per game on an abysmal 37.6 percent from the field. Fisher's poor shooting often allows for double teams on Kobe Bryant. Fisher stalls the offense with his selfish play and jacking-up of ill-advised shots. More often than not, Derek Fisher will kill a fast break by refusing to give up the ball and then subsequently blowing a lay-up or attempting a low percentage jumper.

Fisher is arguably even more detrimental to the team on defense. Fisher—never athletic to begin with—has deteriorated with age and is now among the slowest players in the league. Night after night, possession after possession, Fisher is burned by a younger, faster point guard. His lack of ability to cover his man often leads to defensive breakdowns as other players have to cover for him.

Fisher is no longer able to guard even another NBA geezer in 34 year old Chauncey Billups, who dropped a career high on the Lakers thanks to Fisher's defense. A team with an All-Star caliber point guard as well as a star wing player—such as the Cleveland Cavaliers—could give the Lakers a lot of trouble.

With Fisher on the team, it's almost as if the Lakers are playing 4-on-5. And Coach Phil Jackson is too loyal to sit Fisher on the bench where he belongs.
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers