Is Kobe Bryant tired? Is it tough to integrate Andrew Bynum? Are they just coasting through the dog days of the season?

It's tough to say exactly what's going on, but a smart analysis of their losses by Jeff Fogle of HoopData makes some things clear.

In their six recent losses that have caused a lot of worry, the Lakers have:

• Played at a slower pace than the rest of the season, and yet still ...
• Turned the ball over more than normal.

Their defense has also been a little worse than typical for them during the period, but most of the story is offense.

Which begs the question: Are the Lakers just a better, more efficient offensive team when they play a little faster?

Fogle recommends watching a few more games, and gathering a little more data, before drawing any conclusions.