2016 NBA Predictions: A look at each team in the league
By Keith Rivas
Los Angeles Lakers
A good way to look at the upcoming season for the Lakers is that it’s Los Angeles against the world.
Second year point guard D’Angelo Russell has looked more like himself in what we’ve seen from the pre-season, and the team is clicking on all cylinders despite not having the best talent.
Not yet, that is.
Los Angeles managed to sign veteran Luol Deng and center Timofey Mozgov in addition to selecting Brandon Ingram second overall in the 2016 draft.
Jordan Clarkson is also another promising young player whose role will expand in 2016.
The biggest factor for the team this season is truly moving on from Kobe Bryant.
It’s doable, but it’s not an easy task for a squad still looking for a true sense of direction.
There’s a lot of potential in the young Lakers, but until it develops into something when the games count then it’ll stay potential.
If nothing else, the Lakers are starting to reap the benefits of taking D’Angelo Russell. Poise, control, and confidence are the three things that Russell needs to continue to improve on and he’s bent on doing just that.
Unfortunately, the Lakers’ time for full success won’t happen this year — but they’ll improve.
Season Prediction: (37-45), 4th in Pacific