The Warriors have become the first N.B.A. team to start a season 16-0. On Tuesday, the 76ers could become the first to start 0-19. In each case, the opponent for the record-breaking game is the Lakers.
Los Angeles fans had better enjoy this proximity to history; the team is unlikely to be involved in much more. Its 111-77 loss to the Warriors on Tuesday was the ugliest so far in an ugly 2-12 season.
After making the playoffs in 16 of the first 17 years of the Kobe Bryant era, including seven finals appearances and five titles, the Lakers plunged to 27 wins in 2013-14 and 21 last season.