Pull the Plug on the Lake Show

Glitzy powerhouses in the sports landscape have seen a renaissance as of late. The New York Yankees are back to their superstar ways, mashing home runs and taking names. The Dallas Cowboys have found an identity with homegrown talent defensively and have a beast of a running back, leading to their perch atop the NFC East. You know about Duke, Kentucky, and the other college basketball blue bloods. Even the Michigan Wolverines have seen some success as of late on the gridiron. There is one glamorous franchise that isn't doing a good job finding success: the Los Angeles Lakers.

First, it was the Anthony Davis fiasco. AD requested that the New Orleans Pelicans trade him since they were in no position to contend. The Lakers, looking to pair their shiny new toy LeBron James (okay, new may be an exaggeration), wanted to trade for Davis. The Pelicans make an absurd trade offer, asking for the likes of Kyle Kuzma, Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, and others. The Lakers barely budge, leaving the Davis trade at an impasse. The trade deadline passes with no trade going down.

As a result, the Lakers faltered and missed the playoffs. They ended the season with a record of 37-45, marred by injuries to LeBron, issues with LeBron, and a 28-game stretch from January 19 to March 22 that ruined their season (their record during that stretch was 6-22).

Then came Magic Johnson abruptly leaving. After citing a lack of desire from being in a position like the president of the Lakers, Johnson stepped down. This caught LeBron by surprise, leading him to be upset with the whole ordeal.

Then came the mess with Tyronn Lue. He was the "LeBron Whisperer" in Cleveland, but there was plenty of drama in Cleveland as well. Talks with Lue to bring the former Cavs coach to L.A. got 'stepped over' as Lue backed out of talks.

The entire mess the Lakers experienced this season has plenty of people to blame. You could blame Jeanie Buss for her mismanagement. You could blame LeBron for his ego. In any case, the Lakers better get their act together before they become a forgotten act.