The Los Angeles Lakers entered the 2023-24 season with high hopes, but failed to live up to expectations, culminating in an early postseason exit. A report by The Athletic's Charania and Buha shed light on the struggles that plagued the team throughout the season.

The report highlighted a troubling 3-9 stretch earlier in the season that raised concerns about the direction of the team both internally and externally. It revealed a growing disconnect between Head Coach Ham and the Lakers' locker room, stemming from inconsistent rotation and starting lineup adjustments. This disjointedness led to a lack of rhythm and continuity for several players on the roster.

The Lakers' overall inconsistency was further exacerbated by a late blowout loss to the Atlanta Hawks, which dropped their record to 24-25. The team faced scrutiny when LeBron James sent out a cryptic tweet, adding to the mounting pressure on Coach Ham.

Coach Ham, who had extensive experience as an assistant for the Lakers, Hawks, and Bucks, took over as the Lakers' head coach at the start of the 2022-23 season. In his first year, the team finished with a 43-39 record, securing the 7th seed in the Western Conference. Despite being swept by the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals, their playoff performance overshadowed a lackluster regular season.

The Lakers' front office and fans had high expectations for the 2023-24 campaign, given the team's star-studded roster consisting of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves, D'Angelo Russell, and Rui Hachimura. However, the team fell short once again, finishing with a 47-35 record and settling for a place in the play-in tournament.

Unable to replicate their success from the previous postseason, the Lakers' hopes of a deep playoff run were dashed. It became clear that the team failed to meet the lofty expectations set for them at the start of the season.

As the Lakers analyze their shortcomings, questions loom over the future of Head Coach Ham and the team's approach moving forward. The pressure is on the organization to address the issues that plagued them this season and make necessary adjustments to regain their status as championship contenders.

Overall, the 2023-24 season for the Los Angeles Lakers was one of disappointment and missed opportunities. The team now faces a crucial offseason as they look for ways to bounce back and reclaim their position as one of the top teams in the West.