Lakers plummet to 14th place in Western Conference
With their sixth straight loss and 12th defeat in 13 tries, the Lakers have plummeted to 14th place in the Western Conference.
Falling on Wednesday night to the Phoenix Suns, the Lakers (14-25) were overtaken in the standings by the Sacramento Kings (14-23).
The Utah Jazz (13-27) are the only team in the conference below the Lakers, by just a game and a half.
The Lakers play their next six games on the road with a long list of injured players (Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash, Steve Blake, Jordan Farmar and Xavier Henry).
Henry, who has a strained knee, will be reevaluated on the trip. It’s possible he makes it back to the court before the Lakers return to Staples Center on Jan. 28 against the Indiana Pacers.
The Lakers may also lose Nick Young to suspension after an altercation Wednesday in Phoenix. Jordan Hill could also be subject to losing a game if the NBA determines he left the Lakers’ bench while Young was expressing his displeasure at an Alex Len flagrant foul.
The silver lining is lottery position. With every loss, the Lakers increase their odds at landing a higher pick in the 2014 NBA draft.
The Lakers are tied with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference, but ahead of the Boston Celtics (14-26), Philadelphia 76ers (13-25), Orlando Magic (10-29) and Milwaukee Bucks (7-31).
ALSO:
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Magic Johnson says Lakers problems lie with Jim Buss
Lakers start road trip with 121-114 loss to the Suns
Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.
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