Lakers: 5 Pipe Dreams for the Second Half of the Season

The Lakers only have 27 games remaining on the season, here’s how they can make the most out of it

After a disappointing first half of the season and an even more lackluster trade deadline, Lakers fans are beginning to question when the organization will hit rock bottom.

Some thought it came when the Lakers allowed the Philadelphia 76ers to get their first win of the season, others believed it was when they lost 10 consecutive games, but the good times keep on rolling and the end may only come 27 games from now.

This article was initially going to be called “5 Realistic Expectations for the Second Half of the Season,” however, seeing that the Lakers organization is currently a walking worst-case scenario, here are five pipe dreams for the remainder of the year.

1. D’Angelo Russell Will Play Meaningful Minutes

As mentioned previously, it doesn’t matter whether or not D’Angelo Russell starts games, but more so if he finishes them. Lakers fans have grown so accustomed to seeing the second overall pick subbed out with around four to five minutes left in the game for Lou Williams, often for the most nonsensical reasons.

Though it has been recently reported that Scott had gone back on his word to allow Russell to start games, the prospect of Russell playing meaningful minutes still remains. Whether or not that actually happens is really depends on how much Byron Scott wants to keep his job as coach of the Lakers.

2. April 13th Will Be Kobe AND Byron Scott’s Last Game in LA

Much of this season has been devoted to remembering the lasting legacy of Kobe Bryant but that will all come to an end on April 13, as the Lakers take on the Utah Jazz for the Black Mamba’s last game donning the Purple and Gold.

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However, how amazing would it be if as a retirement gift to fans everywhere, Kobe’s last game was also Byron’s last as well.

While it’s becoming more and more obvious that the dysfunction in the front office has partially guided Scott’s coaching, or lack thereof, sometimes you just have to “man up” and do what’s right for the team, something that Byron Scott has yet to do.

What’s concerning is the fact that Mitch Kupchak hasn’t decided whether or not they should bring back Byron next year.

Regardless, it’s doubtful that the front office told Scott not to run plays, or have a consistent defensive scheme in mind on a night to night basis so once his tank job is completed, Byron should be out of a job.

3. The Lakers Finish In Dead Last

Looking at the Lakers and 76ers schedules side by side, or more scientifically using the Strength of Schedule Rankings, it seems like an actual possibility that the Lakers end up with the worst record in the association.

While somehow snagging Ben Simmons and the number pick away is the ultimate goal, simply keeping their draft pick must be achieved first and foremost. If the Lakers indeed finish dead last they will have a 25 percent chance of getting the first pick and a 64.3 percent chance of keeping their pick all together.

However, looking back at history it’s frightening to note how many teams with the second worst record get bumped into the fourth spot or worse. That said, hopefully a self fulfilling pipe dream, thank you Tank Commander Scott, is that the Lakers end up with the worst overall record.

4. Tarik Black Starts Before the Season’s End

5. Kobe Turns Back the Clock One Last Time

Whether it be a game winner, a 40 point performance or a triple-double, Kobe Bryant is going to treat his faithful following to one more vintage Mamba moment.

With games against some fellow bottom dwellers like the Phoenix Suns and bigger games against he Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers, expect Kobe Bryant to go out with a bang.

Next: As Expected, the Lakers Stand Pat at the Deadline

What are some pipe dreams you’d hope to see the Lakers achieve by the season’s end? Let us know in the comments below.

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