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Fatigue the main factor behind Lakers letdown: Bryant

(Agencies)
Updated: 2011-05-12 16:25

Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant talks during a news conference after the Lakers were knocked out of the NBA basketball playoffs in Los Angeles, California, May 11, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

LOS ANGELES - Fatigue had been the biggest reason for the premature exit from the playoffs by the NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers, All-Star guard Kobe Bryant said on Wednesday.

In pursuit of a third consecutive championship and a record-equalling 17th title, the Lakers were swept out of the second round by the Dallas Mavericks after being routed 122-86 in Sunday's Game Four.

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Seventy-seven playoff games over the last four years had left the Lakers mentally and physically exhausted, Bryant said, but he was confident the team could return to winning ways with the same lineup next season.

"It's been a long run ... a great run but a long run," Bryant told reporters before checking out of the Lakers' training base in El Segundo on Wednesday.

"The biggest thing was the fatigue factor. Guys were tired. A lot of times when you get tired, you get burdened by things that you're normally not burdened by."

Asked how the Lakers would recover for next season, Bryant replied: "Just re-focus.

"This summer, some guys will rest, some guys will train and some guys will get healthy. Just re-focus, come back next year with a good sense of purpose and be ready to go."

While the Lakers face an uncertain future over the coming months with a new head coach being sought along with possible changes in personnel, Bryant had no doubt the Lakers could get back to the top next season.