The Los Angeles Lakers are growing more frustrated by the day as they are struggling to find consistency in the final stretch of the regular season. Their frustration is evident on Lance Stephenson late in the game against the New Orleans Pelicans.

The referees gave Stephenson a technical foul after pretending to throw the ball at him in protest to a charging foul call.

This happened with just 7:20 left in the fourth quarter, with the Lakers trailing by 14 points. They went on to lose by 13 points, 128-115. The offensive foul was just one of the 23 turnovers the Lakers committed on the night.

Despite a solid showing from Brandon Ingram and LeBron James, who scored 29 and 27 points respectively, the Lakers struggled defensively as seven Pelicans players finished in double figures. Jrue Holiday led the charge with 27 points, seven rebounds, and three assists, while Julius Randle contributed 24 points and five assists.

What makes this loss more frustrating for the Lakers is that the Pelicans were without superstar forward Anthony Davis due to rest. The Lakers are currently on the outside looking in for the final playoff spot out West and have 23 games left on their schedule. Thus, every game from this point on counts.

It has been quite the roller coaster ride for these Lakers this season. After gutting out an impressive come-from-behind win against the Houston Rockets on Friday, they lay a goose egg Saturday.

The Lakers need to put it together quickly as their margin for error is getting slimmer by the day. They get a chance to redeem themselves against the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night.