The Los Angeles Lakers have fallen well short of expectations so far during the 2023-24 NBA season.
After a surprising run to the Western Conference Finals last season, the Lakers have struggled to build on that and find themselves 10th in the conference.
Los Angeles hasn’t gotten many favors this year due to injuries to key rotation players, though they’ve at least seen LeBron James and Anthony Davis stay mostly healthy.
However, even the two superstars can’t overcome inconsistent play and some questionable coaching decisions from Darvin Ham.
The organization has remained steadfast in its goal of pursuing championships, but they’re not guaranteed a playoff spot.
Insiders like Anthony Irwin believe that a major reset needs to happen in the offseason.
“Anyway, the Lakers are probably gonna be the 10 seed and will need to win two road games to merely make the playoffs and face the one seed. This despite having LeBron and AD healthy for most the season. Changes shouldn’t stop at the head coach this summer,” Irwin wrote.
Anyway, the Lakers are probably gonna be the 10 seed and will need to win two road games to merely make the playoffs and face the one seed. This despite having LeBron and AD healthy for most the season. Changes shouldn’t stop at the head coach this summer.
— Anthony F. Irwin (@AnthonyIrwinLA) March 17, 2024
It’s certainly an indictment on the Lakers that they can’t do better than the Play-In Tournament despite having James and Davis available.
The supporting cast led by Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell has been fine in spurts, but clearly isn’t enough to carry the load if either of the two stars have an off night.
From ownership down to the front office, Los Angeles sorely needs some new voices in the room to help guide basketball decisions or else the team will continue to fall short.
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