Los Angeles Lakers: Predicting the next four years with LeBron James
By Jason Reed
Year 1 (2018-2019):
- Final record: 55-27, lose in Western Conference Finals
- New additions: Nikola Vucevic
- Key losses: Kentavioaus Caldwell-Pope, Ivica Zubac
In the first year of LeBron James being a Laker, the team is going to do much better than most people are anticipating.
With the Lakers being a lottery team over the last five seasons and having no real winning experience, it is understandable why NBA experts think the team will sink in the Western Conference.
However, this young core is simply too talented to go down without a fight and alongside LeBron James should power their way to the Western Conference Finals where they are finally stopped by the Golden State Warriors.
At midseason, we will see a trade that helps the Lakers a ton during the playoffs by dishing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Ivica Zubac and a 2020 protected first round pick for Nikola Vucevic.
Vucevic is also on an expiring deal and is in a situation in which the Magic will be shopping him by midseason. Sending another expiring contract in KCP, a young center in Zubac and a future protected pick is more than worthwhile for the Magic.
Vucevic will be a significant upgrade from JaVale McGee and will be a big help for the Los Angeles Lakers for more than one season.