The Lakers are in a little funk, which isn't headline news considering it's January and they've played this role before.

So don't expect the two-time defending NBA champions to panic any time soon. That just won't happen. And it shouldn't at this time of year, especially with a team as good as the Lakers.

Nevertheless, it's clear they aren't playing anywhere near their best ball these days and aren't in the best of spirits, either.

"With this caliber team, the world champions, I'm definitely surprised," forward Samaki Walker said. "But like I said, I know the league, and in the league anything can happen. But I'm definitely surprised. This is not something you expect from the world champion Los Angeles Lakers. This team expects to win."