5 lowest points of the Lakers' season

Let's not clown anyone: The Los Angeles Lakers were expected to be bad this season, and after Kobe Bryant officially announced the campaign would be his last, its sole purpose became his swan song.

Yet, while there's little surprise the franchise has sputtered its way to a third-straight sub-.500 finish, there have been noteworthy low points along the way - developments that just a few years ago would be thought far beneath the gilded Lakers organization. Here are five of them in chronological order:

5. Welcome to L.A., guys

Before the season began, the Lakers struck out on prime free agents like LaMarcus Aldridge. Plan B was signing contributing parts with individual efficiency issues like Lou Williams and Roy Hibbert.

Not surprisingly, Bryant didn't contact either - or Brandon Bass - to welcome them aboard.

Kobe Bryant has yet to talk with new Lakers players Brandon Bass, Lou Williams, Roy Hibbert http://t.co/LMtENTy6dW pic.twitter.com/l3wgKtqHih
— Baxter Holmes (@BaxterHolmes) July 22, 2015

4. Team begins season 3-21

If there was any remote possibility of a miracle leading to the Lakers not being terrible, it was quickly eradicated with the worst start in franchise history. Bryant, who hadn't yet gone on record with his retirement, made things official Nov. 29, with the Lakers in the midst of a seven-game losing streak.

3. Young, Clarkson accused of sexual harassment

I pray these pics go viral because THIS is the problem with little boys. Five minutes ago, at the intersection of Melrose and La Bre here in LA, a jeep of four boys pulled up at a red light and started yelling and making the most disgustingly vulgar gestures at my mom and me. I rarely "rant" about things but this is the f%+#ing problem and the reason I've now dedicated my life to educating young men about respect, not just for women but for everyone. I'm angry. I'm insulted. I'm hurt. They were laughing hysterically until they realized I was filming them and immediately they panicked like the cowards they are. Thank you to all the real men out there who would never treat a mother and daughter that way... Speaking of, I'd love for this to make it back to their mothers!!! Help me find who these guys are!!! Let's see the power of social media and hold them accountable. I'd LOVE to have a candid conversation with them about sexual harassment not simply to shame them, but to understand their mentality so we can better educate young men to be respectful in the future. #littleboys #cowards #realmenrespectwomen #messedwiththewrongchick #wewillfindyou

A photo posted by Alexis Jones (@missalexisjones) on Mar 20, 2016 at 7:38pm PDT

In late March, a Los Angeles woman named Alexis Jones claimed Lakers swingman Nick Young and point guard Jordan Clarkson were among a group of men who sexually harassed them from a vehicle at a Hollywood traffic light.

Young ridiculed the allegations in a tweet which he quickly deleted - a habit he's employed more than once - while the team concluded the incident was the result of a miscommunication. Jones hasn't filed any charges.

2. Russell's adventures with video

Rookie D'Angelo Russell had already been raked over the coals by coach Byron Scott for his immaturity on the floor when a salacious video he surreptitiously recorded of Young found its way online. Given the individuals involved, and the era in which we live, no story personified the 2016 Lakers more than this one.

Russell was quickly alienated in the clubhouse for his violation of "guy code," while teammates like Williams later had to fend off allegations they were freezing him out on the court. Russell profusely apologized, with Bryant coming out as the voice of reason.

1. Worst loss in franchise history

To be fair, March 28 actually tied for the worst loss in Lakers history, a 48-point defeat to the Utah Jazz that matched a loss two seasons ago to the Clippers. Bryant, who probably had more trouble playing in Salt Lake City than anywhere else in his career, shot under 10 percent in the game - 1-for-11 - and finished with five points.

Only two Lakers scored in double digits while the Jazz shot over 53 percent from deep in the 123-75 drubbing. The Lakers' 75 points would be a season-low if it weren't for the 74 they put up Jan. 10 against the very same Utah squad.

One final note: The Lakers' lottery pick for their trouble this season is only top three protected, meaning a chance remains they may still surrender it to the Philadelphia 76ers - the only other NBA team that's lost more games the past three years.