The short, not-so-sweet Lakers season of Mike Brown

Mike Brown’s short 2012 season

A look at the Lakers’ 1-4 record, their worst start since 1993, which led to Mike Brown’s firing on Friday.

Dallas 99, Lakers 91

Oct. 30

The ovations flooded Staples Center as the new stars, Dwight Howard and Steve Nash, took the court for the season opener. Then the Mavericks, without Dirk Nowitzki, ended the euphoria. Dallas point guard Darren Collison, with 17 points and four assists, outplayed Nash (seven points and four assists), who looked all of his 38 years. Lakers fans started booing in the third quarter.

Portland 116, Lakers 106

Oct. 31

Brown’s Princeton offense looked better, but the Lakers had an open-door policy on the defensive end in Portland. Nash also got kneed in his left leg in the second quarter and left the game. Afterward, Brown said: “You see flashes of us moving he ball well, you see flashes of us cutting well, you see flashes of us passing well. Even defensively, at times, we’re doing the right thing. We have to put it together for 48 minutes in order to be good in this league.”

Clippers 105, Lakers 95

Nov. 2

This was a statement game — by the Clippers. The Lakers fell to 0-3 for the first time since 1978, despite 40 points from Kobe Bryant. Nash was sidelined and Chris Paul (18 points, 15 assists) toyed with Steve Blake. The Clippers’ deep bench also outscored the Lakers’ reserves, 46-16. After the game Bryant said: “We’re not supposed to just kind of coast and just assume things are going to fix themselves.”

Lakers 108, Detroit 79

Nov. 4

Even without Nash their offense kicked in, as the Lakers led, 34-13, after the first quarter. Howard finished with 28 points in 32 minutes. The Lakers also held Detroit to 35.4% shooting. “Obviously, we needed a win,” Brown said. “It gives us a little belief.”

Utah 95, Lakers 86

Nov. 7

In Brown’s swan song, his team’s offense sputtered in Utah. The Lakers shot a miserable 33.8% from the field, and Pau Gasol was invisible, scoring five points in 36 minutes. The Lakers’ reserves were outplayed, again, this time outscored by the Jazz, 36-12. Said Howard: “Greatness takes time.”