LA Lakers: 2015 Season Preview
By Mehdi Bouneb
Oct 17, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Nick Young (0) reacts with the bench after making a three pointer during the second quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Valley View Casino Center. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
The LA Lakers will be opening their season one week from Wednesday against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Staples Center.
The Lakers have made key additions and there is plenty to look forward to.
Let’s first start with the roster.
At first glimpse, it is surprising that the Lakers decided to cut Robert Upshaw. In his lone year at Washington, Upshaw averaged 10.9 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 blocks per game.
Upshaw struggled with his offense and looked lost at times on defense when he played in preseason games.
However, not all could be lost for the young center, according to Mike Bresnahan of the LA Times:
Lakers hope Upshaw clears waivers + signs with their D-League team. He was cut because of "big-time learning curve on both ends," Byron said
— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) October 20, 2015
The Lakers believe in Upshaw since they want him to sign with their D-League affiliate, the LA D-Fenders. Jordan Clarkson benefited greatly from playing in the D-League, perhaps Upshaw could develop quicker than the Lakers thought he would.
Cutting Michael Frazier II came as no surprise as the young guard out of Florida would have had to battle for a roster spot against the likes of D’Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson, Kobe Bryant, and Lou Williams.
The roster now stands at 17, with two cuts remaining.
My prediction is that Jabari Brown and Jonathan Holmes will not be part of the final 15-men roster come October 28.
Even though the Lakers failed to acquire a top-tier free-agent once again, they still had a productive off season.
Next: New Faces