The Los Angeles Lakers are not accustomed to losing. The Purple and Gold have made the NBA playoffs in 18 of the last 20 seasons, including five league championships.
But the past two seasons have been quite painful for Lakers fans. This season got even worse Monday night when the Lakers tied their worst loss in franchise history with a 48-point defeat to the Jazz in Kobe Bryant’s final game in Utah.
The 123-75 loss also was the worst of Bryant’s career.
The future isn’t very bright for the Lakers, either. Recent first-round draft picks Julius Randle and D’Angelo Russell have potential, but neither player appears to have superstar talent. And coach Byron Scott has been historically bad.
L.A.’s front office also has failed to attract marquee free agents in recent summers, and there’s no reason why that should change this July, particularly when you consider most teams will have enough salary cap space for one max contract player, thanks to the league’s new television deal.
Thumbnail photo via Mark L. Baer/USA TODAY Sports Images
