New Guys Show Up As Lakers Defeat Celtics

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In a season where the Los Angeles Lakers could do nothing right, they quickly made up for that Friday night. The Lakers completed their season sweep of the Boston Celtics, winning 101-92.

With the win, the Lakers snap an eigh-game home losing streak, which is the longest streak in franchise history.

The Lakers welcomed newcomers MarShon Brooks and Kent Bazemore following the departure of Steve Blake. Brooks and Bazemore made their presence known spearheading the Lakers victory.

Brooks and Bazemore combined for 29 points, giving the Lakers a boost of energy that has slowly disappeared from the team. Brooks scored 10 of his 14 points in the fourth quarter, while Bazemore hit crucial three-pointers late in the game. Both players led the Lakers in outscoring the Celtics, 38-18, in the fourth.

Along with free tacos, the Lakers gave their fans their first home win since January 3. In Pau Gasol’s first game back from injury, he scored 16 points and recorded seven rebounds.

But it was the new guys that surprised everyone, especially the fans that were upset about Blake’s trade. Six players ended in double figures, as the Lakers secured a much needed victory.

Still as great as this win is, the season didn’t end Friday night. The Lakers will face the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday. Fortunately, the Lakers will have one crucial swaggy piece back to their starting lineup.

Nick Young has been cleared to play on Sunday, which is music to Laker fans ears. The Lakers are still not up to strength though as Steve Nash, Xavier Henry and Kobe Bryant still remain on the bench.

Although Henry has been cleared to resume basketball activities, Bryant will remain out for another three weeks. Team physician Stephen Lombardo examined Bryant who still has pain, swelling and soreness in his knee.

So far this season Lakers players have missed a combined total of 200 games due to injuries. Head coach Mike D’Antoni has utilized 28 different starting lineups, and six different players starting at the point guard position.

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