*Some NSFW language*
It was only inevitable. But thank goodness it's finally over. After taking so many L's this month, the Lakers have been eliminated from playoff contention. There are three reasons for this underwhelming season 1) injuries 2) the failed fire sale for Anthony Davis 3) chemistry ruined by Magic, Rob, and LeBron pulling the string behind the scenes. In a 2nd half of the season that was full of drama, the Lakers have ruined in what was their most promising start from the 4th seed to eliminated. And the drama doesn't stop there. While this was overshadowed by LeBron's influence to urge the Lakers to build a superteam and bring Anthony Davis, tensions arise within the Big Baller Brand as Lonzo Ball did the unthinkable: leaving BBB for Nike. Those BBB shoes are probably the reason why he was injury-prone these past two seasons. Not to mention, their co-founder committed some fraud. Ouch. So much for the BBB empire. Then, there's the search for a new head coach. It's inevitable that Luke Walton is gone by season's end. Rumors of Jason Kidd possibly being next in line is starting to pick up steam. To paraphrase his own words, it's hard to pass up a franchise that breeds championship DNA. That hasn't been the case the past few seasons. So, let's round and solve the problem of the Lakers' being mathematically eliminated in this week's Weekly Roundup.
03/19: @ Milwaukee 101-115 [L] (31-40)
HIGHLIGHTS
The Lakers wrap up their 4-game road trip with a visit against the best team in the East. This was a guaranteed beatdown for the Bucks. No LeBron. No Zo or B.I. Even if the Bucks were without the Greek Freak, they're roster is still loaded. The Bucks had control for the majority of the game. That's until the 4th quarter where they tried to give the game away to the Lakers. KCP or Kenny as the Lakers social media nicknamed him during this game's recap helped lead the way, going off with 35 points. But, the Bucks depth showed by the end of the game. Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez came to save the day to avoid an embarrassing disaster without their MVP. But on the flipside, they lose a key piece in Nikola Mirotic.
03/22: vs. Brooklyn 111-106 [L] (31-41)
HIGHLIGHTS
The stipulation is simple, if the Lakers lose this, it's officially over for their postseason aspirations. This presents an opportunity for the would-be successor of the Lakers. Yes, it had to be destiny that the one to bury the playoff hopes of the Purple and Gold would be D'Angelo Russell, the Lakers' former #2 pick of 2015. If we look at the trade in hindsight, the Lakers drew first blood on the trade. Then, the Nets came out connecting on a huge haymaker through D'Lo's All-Star play this season. He singlehandedly has the Nets primed for playoff ball in the East. The Lakers battled all game thanks to a monster game by JaVale McGee. I guess trading for Zubac would've been worth it if he put up these numbers: 33 points, 20 rebounds, 15-20 shooting, 6 blocks. It felt like prime Shaq was reincarnated. Ironic for the former Shaqtin' a Fool legend. But it wasn't enough as LeBron stumbled and tumbled down the stretch and the Nets grinded out another win over the Lakers. Poetic justice for D'Lo. Now for the sixth straight season, the Lakers get to sit on the couch during the postseason. *ELIMINATED* *Seppuku sounds* *UrinatingTree fans will get this reference*
03/24: vs. Sacramento 106-111 [W] (32-41)
HIGHLIGHTS
Oh, now they finally start winning. Where was this effort the last few games? But, it's the Kings. Even though Sacramento has improved through their young core of Fox, Hield, and Bagley III, they'll need a few veteran pieces to take the next step to the playoffs. Not to mention, they were coming off back-to-back sets. As meaningless as this was, it was good to see the Lakers finally win a game. The King and KuzMania powered the Lakers to this victory with 29 points each coming from both players. McGee didn't have a scoring explosion, but still contributed a double-double and almost half a dozen blocks. At this point, the Lakers have nothing to play for but pride. It would be an absolute miracle for this team to have some sort of shot at Zion Williamson in the NBA draft.
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