However you think this season will work out, it's safe to say it has not gone according to plan for the Los Angeles Lakers so far.
The team entered Tuesday 12-12 despite facing the second-softest schedule in the NBA by RPI. LeBron James has been hurt or otherwise indisposed for half of those games, but even his presence hasn't stopped losses to teams like the Sacramento Kings.
The Lakers entered the season as a clear contender, and they have not looked like one nearly a third of the way into the season.