Fans of the Los Angeles Lakers were convinced the worst was behind them when last season ended.
Following a lackluster season from Russell Westbrook, multiple injuries to both Anthony Davis and LeBron James, and a roster that just never really worked, the team actually missed the play-in tournament.
Obviously, things would be better next season, according to fans.
Right?
.@WindhorstESPN doesn't think the Lakers are guaranteed to make the postseason 😳
"With the roster that they currently have, the Lakers are going to have to be great to get into that playoff situation." pic.twitter.com/GoiF30fYAw
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) August 9, 2022
Well, maybe not: NBA insider Brian Windhorst was on ESPN talking about the Lakers’ chances next season and he threw a whole lot of cold water on the blazing fire of enthusiasm that fans are attempting to build.
“With the roster that they currently have, the Lakers are going to have to be great to get into that playoff situation.”
Windhorst isn’t wrong: not a whole lot has changed for the Lakers lately and they are about to enter a very tough conference.
This isn’t going to be easy.
Best Of The West?
LA has added some new players since free agency began although they are still waiting around to see if they have any chance at landing Kyrie Irving in the weeks ahead.
But the additions they have made aren’t enough to make the team frontrunners in the West.
Speaking of that conference, it is going to be even tougher next season.
Kawhi Leonard is returning to the Clippers along with newcomer John Wall.
Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. are coming back to the Denver Nuggets while Damian Lillard is coming home to Portland and Zion Williamson is ready to make noise with New Orleans.
Meanwhile, the Lakers will also need good luck in relation to their health.
They can’t risk James, Davis, or any other player getting hurt again because that could spell certain doom.
Between the talent they’re facing and the bad luck they have, the Lakers could have yet another rough season.
