There no way to sugarcoat it: The 2021-22 season has been the most disappointing season in Los Angeles Lakers history.
With LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony all out on Sunday versus the Denver Nuggets, L.A. wanted to at least come out and stand strong in the season finale.
It did much more than that.
After a high-scoring first half that ended with a 69-69 tie, the Lakers fell behind in the third quarter, as they have about 17,792 times over the course of this season.
Trailing by as many as 17 at one point, it seemed there was no reason for them to even attempt a real comeback.
But L.A.’s young players performed as if their pride was on the line, and they proved something by making a furious comeback to claim an overtime victory in the Mile High City, 146-141.
Several of those young players played very well, as they did on Friday versus the Oklahoma City Thunder, and they have provided a glimmer of hope for next season.
Believe it or not, the Lakers do have a pathway back to title contention as soon as next season. It won’t be easy to get there, but they certainly can.