Despite the Los Angeles Lakers improving this season, they were unable to reach the playoffs for the fifth straight season. After a 112-106 loss to the Detroit Pistons, the Lakers were officially eliminated from the playoffs in the tough Western Conference.
The Lakers played well against the Pistons with the threat of being eliminated from the playoffs, however, them being short-handed once again hurt them. In the loss, the Lakers had both Kyle Kuzma and Lonzo Ball play over 40 minutes.
With Josh Hart and Brandon Ingram both being out, the Lakers haven’t been the same team, especially on the defensive end.