It is the start of the NBA season and everyone is happy. Except for Los Angeles Lakers fans.

Last NBA season, the Lakers had quite the unfortunate season, winning only 33 games and missing the playoffs. This surprised most people considering the fact that the Lakers have superstar players like Lebron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook on their team. Ironically, these players would end up being an extremely imperfect combination in the NBA.

Over the off-season, fans expected lots of improvements to the team considering there would be a new head coach, Darvin Ham. They also were anticipating improvements from point guard Russell Westbrook, who seemed to be training a lot during his off time. Neither of these things came true for fans. Last season, Westbrook had one of the worst 3-pt shot percentages in the league, and he seems to be continuing that in the new season. This has become a very well-known fact in the NBA community, and it has resulted in Westbrook gaining the nickname, “Westbrick”.

The new coach Ham has not explained how he will be trying to improve the team or what he plans to do with players like Westbrook. According to Bleacher Report, Ham was asked if he was considering changing the team’s starting lineup to which he replied, “Not today”

The downfall of their season started in their first game which was played against the Golden State Warriors. The Lakers lost by a score of 109 – 123. They continued on that losing streak for the next four games losing to the Clippers, Blazers, Nuggets, and Timberwolves. During and after every game, the team faced backlash from the media, criticizing their shooting percentage and team decisions.

Finally, on October 30th, the Lakers were able to secure their first win of the season against the Denver Nuggets. This win sets them at a record of 1 – 5. Russell Westbrook came off the bench and scored 18 points with 8 rebounds and 8 assists and LeBron James put up a very helpful 26 points and 8 assists. Players celebrated by pouring water over Darvin Ham’s head to congratulate him on his first win as head coach.

Wayne Hills sophomore, Tanner Gaccione said, “They have looked a little slow but they will pick it up and make the playoffs. LeBron will win his 5th ring.”

Fans and players are very excited over this first win for their team, but it is uncertain how this will affect the rest of the season. Will the Lakers continue to succeed, or will they underperform for the rest of the season? Tune in to their next game on November 2nd, 10:30 pm, against the New Orleans Pelicans.