The Los Angeles Lakers had hoped that their struggles in 2022 would be forgotten once the 2023 season began, yet the team continue to struggle.

LeBron James, despite his brilliance, has been unable to halt the Lakers' slide and the team have suffered another embarrassing defeat on Saturday evening.

Los Angeles bulked up their roster during the off-season, adding depth, however the team has started the campaign in a dismal manner.

The team currently sits at 3-3 and are licking their wounds after a defeat to the Orlando Magic, a team that has struggled for years.

James has been on a rollercoaster throughout his time in Los Angeles, reaching the Western Conference finals last season, but they are looking way off playoff pace this term.

"We got to try to figure it out, because it's definitely been a trend," James declared.

"Offensive rebounds and points off turnovers.

"Our defense looked terrible."

Will LeBron James be able to rescue the Lakers' season?

Despite having concerns over the team's defensive structure, James continues to perform at a high level.

He was the only player on the Lakers team to end the game against the Magic with a positive +/-, but the Magic registered 51 rebounds to Los Angeles' 40.

The Lakers now have to turn their focus onto the next game, which comes on Monday evening against the Miami Heat.

After that they will face a match against the Houston Rockets, although back-to-back victories would make life look a lot better for the Los Angeles franchise.

Anthony Davis was equally puzzled by the Lakers' defeat, calling it a 'collective problem' but he and James are going to have to be at their best if the team is to reach expectations this season.