Lakers stumbling through season of high expectations

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The Los Angeles Lakers just can’t get it together, and now they’re nearly out of time.

From Anthony Davis’ injuries and Russell Westbrook’s subpar play to LeBron James’ inability to carry them all, practically nothing has gone well this season for the franchise that momentously assembled a veteran-laden roster last fall to chase another ring.

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After their 117-110 loss to the Spurs on Monday night, the Lakers are 28-36 and in ninth place in the Western Conference, just three games out of 11th. A group expected to contend for a title is much closer to missing the 10-team playoffs.

They haven't given up hope in Hollywood: James and coach Frank Vogel both insist there's still time for Davis to get healthy, for Westbrook to find his game and for the Lakers' supporting cast to recapture its collective prime.

"We still have games to play," James said last week after the Lakers blew a late lead and lost to Dallas at home. "Until you stomp me out, cut my head off, bury me 12 feet under, then I got a chance. So that’s my confidence."

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, right, talks with teammate Dwight Howard, left, and eats a snack while on the bench during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs, Monday, March 7, 2022, in San Antonio. James did not play. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

But every dispiriting loss and injury setback underscores the likelihood that the Lakers’ dreams of an 18th title are profoundly unrealistic. A roster with four members of the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team has gone 7-17 since Jan. 7.

Nobody knows exactly where to assign the blame for this mélange