There are losses, and there are losses. While they’re the same word and marker in the standings, one feels so much more crushing than the other.
The Lakers’ defeat at the hands of the Pacers and Andrew Nembhard’s game-winner on Monday night, was one of those losses that bruise. They stay on your arm, they’re ugly and man do they hurt.
Like the adage goes, it was ultimately just one game. But given the context of what’s waiting around the corner this bruise may linger around for awhile. As the calendar turns to December, so will the level of competition for the Lakers.