Men and women lie, but numbers do not.
After 49 games, we have enough data to conclude that the Lakers are middling at best. They are currently 24-25 and ranked eighth in the Western Conference.
What makes this season exciting for the Lakers is that this group was regarded as usually good. Anthony Davis has appeared in all but three games, and at 39 years old, LeBron James remains a top player and All-Star starter.
So, why are there more losses than wins?
James assessed the team’s present situation following a tough loss on the road against the Hawks.
“We could, on any given night, beat any team in NBA and then, on any given night, we could get our a- kicked by any team in the NBA,” James told reporters after the game. “What is our record? Less than 500? 24-25? “That is who we are.”
James’ evaluation was spot on. For every spectacular victory over talented teams like the Golden State Warriors or the Los Angeles Clippers, the Lakers have suffered an equally dismal defeat, such as a blowout against the Houston Rockets or a loss to a San Antonio Spurs squad that has only won 10 games so far this season.
The Lakers have dangled optimism over supporters’ heads with excellent wins and a dynamic pair, but they have never gained enough momentum to break out of the.500 mark for good.
Every time the Lakers make anything even remotely resembling progress, they find some new, exciting way to disappoint. It’s been the only consistent aspect of this season.
— Anthony F. Irwin (@AnthonyIrwinLA) January 30, 2024
With only a few days until the NBA trade deadline on February 8, something must change if the Lakers hope to compete this season. This means either improving from within, which requires head coach Darvin Ham to reassess his starters and rotations, or making a trade for an upgrade at guard.
You can’t waste what could be James’ final season as a Laker by keeping things as they are when this club has some potential for greatness. The Lakers management has a lot to think about, and no path is unquestionably correct, so we’ll have to see what adjustments come and if they’re enough to transform this pretender into a contender.
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