Lakers rumors: Is it time for team to tank?

The latest Lakers rumors have everything to do with tanking.

Keeping the upcoming draft in mind, the Lakers have to start taking their future seriously. Instead of keeping fans at bay for draft pick after draft pick, the Magic Johnson era has to be one with winning.

Johnson has spoken favorably of the young core in place right now, but this season went south quickly. After a promising start where Los Angeles broke even through twenty games, they’ve only won nine of their last forty-two contests.

That’s not good.

There’s been flashes of potential, but there’s a distinguishable difference between that and winning games. Getting it done in the Western Conference, at least the way things are right now, won’t be easy.

In the immediate future, the Lakers likely won’t contend for a top seed anytime soon, but could make the playoffs possibly even next year. A lot of that hinges on where they land in the upcoming draft.

Should Los Angeles finish the season with one of the three worst records in the league, they’ll be safe. If not, that pick goes to Philadelphia and Los Angeles is stuck in a rut.

Chemistry is essential for the long-term success and sustainability of the young core currently in place. Without it, whether or not the team is playing good on the floor doesn’t matter.

As made evident by last season’s drama between D’Angelo Russell and Nick Young, not being on the same page when not at a game can cause problems. Russell became isolated after it was revealed that he played a role in filming a confession of unfaithfulness by Young.

Given that there’s no chance of a playoff berth this season, it is definitely time for the Lakers to throw this season in the bag.

Next: What Is Lonzo Ball's True Value?

It can only go up from here.