Predicting the Los Angeles Lakers record against each team in 2018-19
By Jason Reed
![LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 15: LeBron James (R) of the Los Angeles Lakers hugs Josh Hart #5 of the Lakers after he played in a quarterfinal game of the 2018 NBA Summer League against the Detroit Pistons at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 15, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Lakers defeated the Pistons 101-78. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 15: LeBron James (R) of the Los Angeles Lakers hugs Josh Hart #5 of the Lakers after he played in a quarterfinal game of the 2018 NBA Summer League against the Detroit Pistons at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 15, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Lakers defeated the Pistons 101-78. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/8515721bd2bb8441e464fa32e457c24f32121d26c427791393177d288542d27d.jpg)
Central Division:
Chicago Bulls: 2-0
The Central Division is really going to be where the Lakers make up some ground to establish the team as a high seed in the Western Conference.
First up is the Chicago Bulls, who do have a promising young core, but nowhere near enough talent to beat the Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron. While anything can definitely happen, these two games should be a cakewalk for the Lakers.
Cleveland Cavaliers: 2-0
While Cleveland Cavaliers fans would love to see the Cavs overcome LeBron James on their home court in his return to Cleveland, it probably won’t happen. James left that roster in a salary cap mess with nothing but role players that are good at just that, being role players. Sorry, Kevin Love.
Detroit Pistons: 2-0
Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond present a scary match up for the Los Angeles Lakers, who are desperately lacking size down low. However, where the Pistons hold the advantage there, the Lakers are going to hold the advantage with a fast-paced offense that will catch Detroit napping.
Indiana Pacers: 1-1
Victor Oladipo and the Indiana Pacers gave LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers a true run for their money in the first round of the NBA playoffs. With no real big additions to the team, the Pacers will be good enough to split with the Lakers.
Milwaukee Bucks: 1-1
Talent wise, the Bucks and the Lakers are pretty similar as the two sides are led by a superstar with a decent cast around him. However, the Lakers are only going to get better as the year advances and will present a tough matchup for the Bucks, who will narrowly squeeze out one victory in two games.