As part of summer of forecasting NBA awards, standings, and playoff predictions, ESPN unveiled their projected Western Conference rankings. Like last season, ESPN foresees a year of struggling for the Lakers, predicting a 12th place finish and a 30-52 record.
ESPN Summer Forecast, No. 12 in West: Los Angeles Lakers (30-52). #ESPNForecast http://t.co/ts8L8eorlc pic.twitter.com/3GvFXxMuM5
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) August 12, 2014
Last season, ESPN picked the Lakers to finish in the same spot, to the dismay of many Lakers fans. This year, the predicted finish is far more expected. After missing out on LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony, the Lakers chose to reload instead of bring in cheaper, younger pieces.
As a result, Byron Scott and company do not have high expectations heading into this season. Even with the return of Kobe Bryant, the Lakers will field a team compiled of players with reputations of below average defenders. While Scott has preached defense prior to the season, expecting results will be another story.
The new additions of Jeremy Lin, Carlos Boozer, and Ed Davis will likely help the team, but it may not be enough for a Lakers squad that went 27-55 last year. The influx of young talent with Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson is another added benefit, but still will likely only have small effects in their rookie seasons.
Do you think the Lakers will be the as bad as predicted this year? What do you think their record will be? Let us know down below!