The Los Angeles Lakers only have a few games left this season before packing things up for next year. This is rare space to occupy for LeBron James who is accustomed to playing in the final round for the last decade. It will be the first time since 2004-05 that LeBron won't appear in the postseason. 

It's not as doom-and-gloom as some may lead people to believe. The Lakers were on the verge of being a playoff team prior to injuries and trade talks, so after regrouping this offseason they should avoid this result next season. 

Source: bleacherreport.com