CHICAGO - Having lost two in a row and seven of their last nine games, the Los Angeles Lakers didn't exactly vault into the New Year looking like title contenders.
The way LeBron James and Anthony Davis have played so far this season, combining an average of 50.4 points, 19.7 rebounds and 10.7 assists, it's troubling that their record is only 17-17.
Sitting at ninth place in the Western Conference, the Lakers don't resemble the powerhouse purple-and-gold juggernaut that ran away with the NBA's inaugural In-Season Tournament last November in Las Vegas.
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This transformation from contender to mediocre didn't just occur randomly. There is a method to the madness.
The Lakers have been dealing with injuries and illness throughout the season. Right now, they're out four players - Cam Reddish (groin) Rui Hachimura (calf) D'Angelo Russell (tailbone contusion) and Gabe Vincent (knee).
An ever-changing rotation has obviously affected the team's chemistry.
A quirk in the schedule certainly hasn't helped. LeBron and company have played 14 of their last 19 games away from the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. They are weary, heavy-legged.
DUNK CHAMP OR SIXTH MAN?
The struggles are sparking speculations of a possible trade involving Zach LaVine and Jordan Clarkson.
The LaVine rumor mill has persisted for years. He is a California guy who played at UCLA and he hasn't been shy about his desire to play for the Showtime crew. His agent, Klutch Sports, also represents James and Davis.
The thing with Zach, though, is that he makes $40 million this year and $136 million more through the 2026-2027 season. I don't see how the cap fits in a team whose payroll is 11th in the league at $168 million.
Clarkson makes more economic sense. His is a front-loaded deal worth $23.4 million this season and "only" $28 million in the next two seasons.
A full-time starter in Utah where he is averaging 16.9 points, 3.3 rebounds and 5.1 assists, the 31-year old Clarkson is a former Laker whom LeBron is fond of and JC is familiar with the LA spotlight and performs under pressure.
As intriguing as that homecoming notion is, I don't think Clarkson, who never wished to leave Utah, is headed to Hollywood when the Jazz eventually ship him on or before the February 8 trading deadline.
JC FITS ANYWHERE
Don't get me wrong, Clarkson can hoop with any team. He just came off a career season that triggered his extension deal last July.
However, the Lakers' guards rotation is pretty much solid with Russell and Reaves. Max Christie is emerging and Vincent is set to return in eight weeks.
Even though Russell often irritates Laker Nation with his turnovers and sometimes iffy shot selection, he is shooting 46.6 percent from the field and 38.8 percent from 3 in 32 games this season.
The notion of having either a LaVine or a Clarkson in the line-up must entice the Lakers. By the same token, continuity is also important and I think coach Darvin Ham and GM Rob Pelinka will ultimately keep their team intact.
They're already good with what they have.
And with 11 of their next 12 games scheduled at home to open 2024, expect the Lakers to move up in the standings.
To paraphrase an old proverb once said, the best way to move forward is to stay still.
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