Various Lakers blamed a series of medical maladies for this season’s struggles. But the franchise has issues that run far deeper.
“So many moving parts,” James said. “It was challenging for us.”
“Not to log enough minutes together,” said Davis, “that hurt us.”
Said Westbrook, “I just felt I was never given a fair chance to be who I needed to be to help this team.”
Rob Pelinka, the Lakers' embattled GM, offered perhaps the most honest assessment.
“Obviously,” said Pelinka, “our roster did not work.”
The Lakers faced the media Monday, a week after the team was eliminated from playoff contention and hours after a 33-win campaign, mercifully, came to an end.