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Los Angeles Lakers: Three bold predictions for the second half

By Jason Reed

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 31: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks toward the bench during a 123-120 win over the LA Clippers at Staples Center on January 31, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 31: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks toward the bench during a 123-120 win over the LA Clippers at Staples Center on January 31, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Harry How/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

2. The Los Angeles Lakers go on at least a five-game winning streak when Lonzo Ball returns

Although the Los Angeles Lakers recently got LeBron James back in the fold the team is still missing a huge piece: Lonzo Ball. Ball often does not get the love he deserves from the NBA community, especially those in his own fandom, and obviously has a massive impact on the Lakers when he is on the court.

Say what you will about his jump shot and his extremely poor free throw percentage (which is a problem) but Ball is a huge part of this team. The Los Angeles Lakers are just 3-7 since Ball went out and have been missing his presence on the court.

His ability to help LeBron push the tempo and run the offense is definitely something that the team is missing. However, Ball’s biggest impact on the team is his defense. The Lakers have really struggled with the exterior defense and defense in transition since Ball has been injured.

Getting those things back with a healthy LeBron James is finally going to give the Lakers a full-strength team. Once that happens, LeBron is going to go into his mode of carrying the team and Ball is going to come firing out of the gates.

With that in mind, no matter who the opponents are, the Los Angeles Lakers will win five games in a row.

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