Mitch Kupchak Likes Lakers Playoff Chances

Los Angeles Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak firmly believes in the team’s playoff chances despite the Lakers finishing a franchise-worse 21-61 the season prior and an underwhelming off-season.

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Is Kupchak just simply saying the right thing and giving Lakers fans something to hold onto?

It’s certainly possible Kupchak believes in the underrated team he’s assembled even if nobody outside of the Lakers organization does.

It’s tough to say either way, but it’s not as if Kupchak’s job is on the line. The front office didn’t make the free agent splash they were hoping for with the likes of a LaMarcus Aldridge or DeAndre Jordan available, but the Lakers did acquire All-Star center Roy Hibbert and the reigning Sixth Man of the Year Lou Williams.

Kobe Bryant and Julius Randle are both returning from season-ending injuries. Jordan Clarkson figures to be a bigger part of the offense, and the No. 2 pick in the 2015 NBA Draft D’Angelo Russell is the right piece to run the offense.

Per USA Today:

"The goal every year, of course, is to win the championship. I’m really hopeful that we can be fun to watch, and certainly win a lot more games than we won last year. I don’t know why hopes of a playoff position shouldn’t be in the picture. That’s kind of where it stands.And like I said, if Kobe is healthy, and (newly-added veteran center) Roy (Hibbert) – if our veterans are healthy, and are productive. That’s Roy, Kobe, (free agent additions) Lou Williams, (Brandon) Bass … (Lakers forward) Ryan Kelly, believe it or not, is a third-year player now. (Guard) Jordan (Clarkson) is a second-year guy. So if the veteran guys could figure it out – and of course a lot would fall on (head coach) Byron (Scott) to help them figure it out – why wouldn’t we be looking at a (playoff) spot? … We wouldn’t be the only team that’s ever dealt with injuries. I’m not wishing injuries on any other team, but stuff happens. So we have to go into the season feeling that if we play our best basketball, and stay healthy, then why couldn’t we be a playoff team?"

Kupchak expects the Lakers to surprise a lot of people this year and feels there are at least a couple open spots in the Western Conference playoffs.

The Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans are by no means locks, and the Portland Trailblazers are sure to fall out. Head coach Byron Scott may have not been expected to win last season, but that won’t hold true for the 2015-16 season.

Next: Kupchak Lays Out Team Goals for Upcoming Season

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