Not a lot has gone right for the Los Angeles Lakers this season. The team sits at 27-35, on the verge of missing the Play-In game. However, head coach Frank Vogel isn't going to place blame on two members of the 2003(!) draft class: LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony.

After the Lakers were trounced by the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday — the Lakers' 11th loss in 14 games and fourth in a row — Vogel was asked if there have been any “bright spots” in what has been an unexpectedly trying 2021-22 campaign. He probably could have said a handful of things: Austin Reaves, Stanley Johnson, Malik Monk, the fact that it's almost over, and … nothing else, I guess. But, he chose to focus on the two 37-year old, future Hall of Famers on the roster.

“Well, LeBron's having an incredible season. And Melo. Those two guys, playing in Year 19 and doing what they're doing, is nothing short of remarkable,” Vogel lauded. “You gotta continue to commend what they're able to do at this stage of their career. It's just remarkable. So I'd say that's the biggest bright spot.”

LeBron had 26 points, eight rebounds, and four assists on 8-of-18 shooting vs. the Clippers. Melo had 13 points on 6-0f-11 shooting off the bench (and a team-worst -34).

LeBron and Carmelo, along with Reaves, have been the Lakers' most reliable players throughout this tumultuous season.

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James is averaging 28.9 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game. He's dropped at least 20 points in every game he's played since Dec. 15. Anthony is putting up 13.6 PPG while shooting 39.2% from downtown. Both veterans have been frequently thrust into the center role — something neither had done in their first 18 years in the NBA.

So, at least the Lakers can take solace in that.

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In terms of 2022-23 — this season is a wash — LeBron is under contract for one more season but is eligible for a two-year extension this summer. Anthony, meanwhile, is playing on a one-year minimum deal, but one imagines the Lakers would take him back for Year 20.