When the NBA trade deadline buzzer rang at noon pacific time Thursday, there was no player or consolation prize waiting on the other side for the Lakers. The golden carriage did not arrive to rescue them from their self-created nightmare, nor would even a pumpkin make an appearance.
Instead, only a mirror emerged, one featuring a damning reflection of all of the misfortunes the team has experienced in the last year.
For better or for worse, this roster will now essentially be the group that is relied upon to salvage a season that has been nothing short of a disappointment.