Los Angeles Lakers: 5 biggest disappointments from 2017-18 NBA season

3. Awful road loss to the Orlando Magic

Given they had a full two days off prior to their battle against the Magic on Jan. 31, the manner in which the Lakers capitulated over the course of this game was completely unacceptable.

Facing a Magic team entering the game with a 15-34 record and placed second-to-last in the Eastern Conference, the Lakers seemed primed for a competitive contest. Furthermore, while the Lakers were without rookie point guard Lonzo Ball, the Magic were missing two key starters in Aaron Gordon and Nikola Vucevic.

However, these absences made no difference to the output of the Magic, leading from start to finish as they demolished the Lakers, 127-105. Featuring a 43-point third quarter, the Magic tied a season-high 18 3-pointers, completely embarrassing the Lakers in the process.

Following the game, coach Walton wasn’t mincing his words when describing the performance:

"“We weren’t committed to guarding anyone tonight….Individual needs were more important than the needs of the team. That’s no way to try to win a game in the NBA.”"

Also, there were some damning comments provided by Hall-of-Famer James Worthy, which can be viewed in the above clip:

"“That was just embarrassing tonight. I thought they had gone through enough as a team to realize that you have to come out and win this game, the worst team in the league. Especially as well as you’ve been playing, and claiming that your defense is back and efficient. Tonight, they left everything on the bus, nothing got off the bus tonight. You could tell from the start of the game to the end….they should feel ashamed tonight.”"

Given the landslide of the final result, it came as no surprise that Walton used all 13 players on the active roster during the course of the game.