Lakers 20-21 at halfway point, one better than last year

Last season, the Lakers were 19-22 after 41 games.

This year, they sit at 20-21 following Monday’s home win over the Thunder.

Last season, they reached the Western Conference finals via the play-in tournament.

This year … well, it remains to be seen. The biggest difference between last season and this one is Anthony Davis has remained healthy, perhaps healthier than he’s been at any point in his career through the first 41.

Another difference is LeBron James just inched closer to 40 at the end of last month. James is still blowing bast and occasionally dominating guys 10-15 years younger than him. He’s a few nights where he’s looked 39, yes. But he’s had plenty more where he’s looked 29.

Yet the talent around James and Davis remains suspect. Some fans also have issues with coach Darvin Ham, already, but he’s not going anywhere. Nor should he, frankly.

So the changes the Lakers aim to make — if any — will all come with the roster. They have been linked to Bulls guard Zach LaVine and Hawks guard Dejounte Murray, though actually acquiring either would take a major commitment and several key pieces.

But it was deadline deals that saved last season and it may take something similar this time around.

But even if the Lakers don’t make trades, they can improve from within by bending their knees and shuffling their feet on defense. When they’re at their best, it’s because they’re guarding people.

“I think it starts with us defensively to make that push,” Davis told reporters on Monday. “We’re a good team when we’re defensive-minded, and when we show what we can do defensively on the floor, we tend to win those games.”

So yes, the Lakers look totally average. But they were even worse last season. Can they get one step further this time and help James reach another Finals at the tail-end of his career? Most say no. Not as currently constructed.

But everyone said the same thing last year, and the Lakers came really close.