In a sudden turn of events, the Los Angeles Lakers, who soared up the standings post-Luka Doncic acquisition, find themselves in a downward spiral. With just 11 games left in the regular season, the Lakers have slumped to a 3-7 record in their last ten games, with losses averaging a significant double-digit margin. The latest 118-106 defeat to the Orlando Magic has prompted introspection within the team, with Doncic acknowledging a sense of complacency creeping in.
Despite a supposed wake-up call after a staggering loss to the Chicago Bulls, the Lakers' defensive lapses and offensive struggles persisted in their game against the Magic. Forward Dorian Finney-Smith pointed out the team's tendency to let offensive woes impact their defensive effort. With key players like Doncic and LeBron James taking responsibility to lead and address this concerning trend, the Lakers face a critical stretch ahead, navigating a challenging road trip and the looming pressure of securing a stable position in the Western Conference playoff race.