Since going 45-37 in a tumultuous 2012-13 season and getting eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers have finished under .500 in each of the past four seasons. They’re likely headed for another such record this year.
The rebuilding process has seen a seismic shakeup in the front office and turnover in the coaching department. But Luke Walton has seemingly brought about stability, and the Lakers’ young core has shown signs of growth and development this season.
The team has remained much more competitive when compared to last season, and with their blowout victory against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night, matched last year’s win total (26) in 21 fewer games.