Big Al to Dwight: Get That Sh%t Outta Here!

 

The frustration wore on the Lakers' faces.

They showed it when Mike Brown called a timeout, furiously yelling at Pau Gasol for not sprinting fast enough on defense. Dwight Howard demonstrated it when he complained to an official for not receiving a foul call, while Utah converted on the other end. Kobe Bryant showed the same reaction after getting called for charging.

On and on it went.

The Lakers lacked the discipline to contain the Utah Jazz's crisp ball movement. They lacked enough composure to fight through Utah's bruising post defense. The Lakers lacked enough energy both to match the Jazz in their 95-86 loss on Wednesday and to counter the fans' noise level at Energy Solutions Arena.

The Jazz's public-address announcer introduced the Lakers beforehand as "getting off to their worst start in 34 years." The Lakers' 1-4 record marks their worst start since the 1993-94 season. The Lakers opened with an 0-2 road record for the first time since, well, last year.

Even though Dwight Howard posted 19 points on 7-of-11 shooting, he also shot 5of12 from the free-throw line and had five turnovers. Worst of all, Gasol was a non-factor with five points on 2-of-9 shooting.

Ya know, our home Greenies may or may not move up the learning curve anytime soon. So please let me apologize for enjoying myself so much this early in the season.