LOS ANGELES >> The sustained consistency, depth and Hall of Fame-caliber coaching once provided the Lakers a gauge on their playoff readiness.
With the Lakers far removed from that picture in recent seasons, the San Antonio Spurs have since offered clarity on the gap between both franchises. As demonstrated in their 119-98 loss to the Spurs on Sunday at Staples Center, the Lakers are nowhere close to that level.
Afterward, Lakers coach Luke Walton lamented the team’s lack of “heart” and “competitive spirit” as the Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard (25 points), LaMarcus Aldridge (16) and Pau Gasol (15 points) scored with ease.