5 Bold Predictions for the 2013-14 Lakers

2. The Lakers will make the playoffs

BAM! Head first into this one folks. In reality, there’s every reason NOT to believe the Lakers will make the playoffs. A slew of teams vastly improved their rosters (looking at you Warriors, Rockets, and Clippers) while few teams dismantled or suffered significant setbacks. Add in the likelihood of a team like the Timberwolves, who were riddled with injuries last year, making a playoff run and the Lakers seem to be the odd man out.

Minneapolis, MN, USA; Los Angeles Lakers power forward Pau Gasol (16) congratulates teammates Kobe Bryant (24) and Steve Nash (10) at the end of the fourth quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Greg Smith-USA TODAY Sports

But in the wise words of Lee Corso, “NOT SO FAST MY FRIEND.”

Want to know why I think the Lakers can make the playoffs? Everything I mentioned above. The spotlight will be bright in Houston and Golden State. The Clippers, not the Lakers, will be the favored team in Staples Center. Fans and media will focus on the Thunder and Spurs bouncing back from last season, not the Lakers. And tell me seriously, despite the age, can you still count out a trio of Nash-Pau-Kobe? Sure, they’ll be shells of their old selves, but that’s a potential playoff trio with a load of experience. Do I think they’ll be anything more than a 7 or 8 seed? Nope, but thinking a Kobe-led team won’t try their damnedest to make the playoffs is silly.