In recent seasons, the Los Angeles Lakers have struggled to maintain positive momentum. Despite entering their game against the Indiana Pacers with a five-game winning streak, the Lakers failed to replicate their previous success. After scoring a season-high 150 points in their previous matchup, they could only manage a season-worst 90 points, resulting in a 19-point loss.

The Lakers’ shooting from beyond the arc was abysmal, and their second-half performance saw them score a mere 39 points after trailing by just five at halftime. While the team’s effort was not lacking, there was a noticeable absence of energy, particularly as it was their third game in four nights, as pointed out by LeBron James.

Head coach Darvin Ham echoed this sentiment and emphasized the importance of the Lakers playing a fast-paced style of basketball, which they failed to consistently execute on Friday.

Looking ahead, the Lakers are set to face three sub-.500 opponents in the Brooklyn Nets, Toronto Raptors, and Washingtоn Wizards. However, these matchups won’t be easy, as the Nets had previously defeated them convincingly in January, while the Raptors and Wizards provided tough competition, with the Lakers narrowly clinching victory by a combined four points.

The Lakers find themselves in a challenging phase, needing to regroup and rediscover their energy and tempo to overcome upcoming obstacles.