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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

The Lakers have hit rock bottom. Frank Vogel has failed miserably this season. With LeBron James averaging over 30 points per game, one would have predicted that the Lakers would at least fight for the playoff spots. Let alone the playoffs, the Lakers have dropped out of the play-in positions.

After the most recent losses against the New Orleans Pelicans and Denver Nuggets, Lakers have fallen short of the top ten in the Western Conference. They are now 11th seed looking into the play-in tournament with the tiniest chance to qualify. 

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There is no lack of quality and experience on the roster. But the truth of the matter is nobody seems to be working together. Frank Vogel won the NBA championship in 2020 in his first season in-charge. However, they have reached the lowest of lowest just after two years.Carmelo Anthony, Anthony Davis, Dwight Howard, Russell Westbrook, all the big names have failed to contribute on a consistent level. And once again it is Russ West under the cosh along with the rest of the team.

Read more: Shaquille O’Neal drops reality check for the Lakers.

Are the Lakers biggest failures in NBA history?

The question seems harsh and rude but actually the Lakers have been that bad. The side who has won the most NBA championships in history, is struggling to qualify for the play-in tournament. Even after the star studded roster, their struggles have been constant.

The anger of the fans is justified. The fans of the team with such a rich history would obviously expect more from players like Carmelo Anthony, Anthony Davis and especially Russell Westbrook.

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The feelings of the fans are understandable. One would never Lakers to be an 11th seed side, that too with LeBron James averaging 30.3 points per game. The roster does not lack much in terms of individual quality. However, it has been the theme of the season for them that they never pick up good momentum. The team seems to lack the fighting spirit and the desire to win. The big names have not clicked together, whereas one of them Anthony Davis has been injured practically all season. Only LeBron James has shown signs of his brilliance on a constant basis. However, he has also struggled with his sore knee and ankle injury problems.

Also read: LeBron snubs Westbrook.

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USA Today via Reuters

Only chance for the Lakers to qualify for the play-in tournament would be to win all 4 of their remaining games and there are no easy games. Moreover, only them winning all 4 games would not do them any good. They also need the Pelicans to lose at least 3 of the 4 remaining games. The possibility is far-fetched, and the season looks like a lost cause for the Lakers.