Commentary

Numbers highlight issues for Lakers

During their losing streak, the defending champs were exposed on both ends of the floor

Updated: December 6, 2010, 2:55 PM ET

By Kevin Pelton | Basketball Prospectus

Each Monday throughout the NBA season, ESPN Insider will investigate the latest trends in the NBA. Basketball Prospectus' Kevin Pelton is keeping an eye on all the numbers and will have a first look at how players, teams and the league as a whole are evolving.

Trending team: Los Angeles Lakers

After a 13-2 start to the season, the Lakers stumbled over the past week and a half, losing four consecutive games for the first time since 2006-07. More disturbing is the fact none of Phil Jackson's 11 championship teams ever suffered a four-game losing streak. So what went wrong for the Lakers during the losing streak? A little of everything.

To read how the Lakers were exposed during their recent losing streak, plus why Wes Matthews is lighting it up as a starter in Portland and why the new wave of scoring PGs is different, you must be an ESPN Insider.