Kelvin Kuo/Associated Press
For the fifth consecutive year, the Los Angeles Lakers will be watching the playoffs from home.
The Lakers were officially eliminated from playoff contention Monday with a 112-106 loss to the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. With a record of 32-41, the postseason was a pipe dream, but there was always technically a chance—until now.
ESPN Stats & Info @ESPNStatsInfo
Pistons 112, Lakers 106 The Lakers are eliminated from playoff contention. https://t.co/xGScg5cJSd
Los Angeles will never accept anything but championships from the Purple and Gold, but there is a silver lining from 2017-18. Despite a non-winning record for the fifth consecutive season, the Lakers have improved on last season’s 26 wins.
It’s been a year of developing the young players, as Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball and Kyle Kuzma have been given opportunities. Unfortunately, that trio has had to battle various injuries this season, although Kuzma’s were minimal.
There have been growing pains, but these new-age Lakers made strides in Luke Walton’s second year as head coach. If the organization can lure Paul George and/or LeBron James in free agency, the playoff drought could come to an end next season.