ESPN Says Lakers Will Have Most Team Turmoil This Season

December 25, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers power forward Pau Gasol (16), shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) and point guard Steve Nash (10) react during a stoppage in play against the New York Knicks during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The ESPN Summer Forecast is at it again. This time, the Los Angeles Lakers are said to have the most team turmoil out of anyone in the 2013-2014 season. The Lakers had 61 more votes than the second team, the New York Knicks, and 186 more points than the third ranked team, the Brooklyn Nets.

It’s not really that surprising to see the Lakers as the top team in this category. Although all of the Dwight Howard drama is now gone, the Lakers could be in trouble because the team isn’t that great. There were people asking for Mike D’Antoni to be fired last season, and if the team doesn’t meet fan’s expectations, D’Antoni could be in a load of trouble.

Another reason the Lakers could be in turmoil is the fact that their three star players are all coming off of injury-riddled seasons. It’s been said many times on here that Pau Gasol and Steve Nash could both be on a minutes restriction this season. Meanwhile, Kobe Bryant is recovering from his torn Achilles, and he may not be back until November, or even December.

Last, but not least, the Lakers are going to be atrocious on defense this season. Kobe plays defense three games a year, and maybe even less coming off of his injury, Nash is old, slow, and hasn’t tried on defense in years, and the Lakers no longer have Metta World Peace or Dwight Howard on the roster. MWP and Howard were two of the Lakers better defenders last season, so without their presence, the Lakers could be in a world of hurt.

Don’t get me wrong, I would love for the Lakers to be good this season, but all of the reasons I gave above make it hard to believe in this team. With struggles ahead, this Lakers team can definitely be the team with the most turmoil in the Association.

Do you agree with ESPN? Let us know in the comment section down below!