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Los Angeles Lakers: Five bold predictions for 2017-18 season

By Matt Leaman

TARRYTOWN, NY - AUGUST 11: Lonzo Ball #2, Josh Hart #5 and Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers poses for a photo during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG training center on August 11, 2017 in Tarrytown, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Babineau/Getty Images)
TARRYTOWN, NY - AUGUST 11: Lonzo Ball #2, Josh Hart #5 and Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers poses for a photo during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG training center on August 11, 2017 in Tarrytown, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Babineau/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers have tampering charges filed against them by Indiana Pacers
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 07: Los Angeles Lakers president of basketball operations Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson (L) and Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka talk during a 2017 Summer League game between the Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers at the Thomas /

Lakers will contend for 8th seed in West

Can a team really go from 26 wins to making the playoffs the next season? The Los Angeles Lakers will have a shot at doing just that with their revamped roster. They drafted their point guard of the future, signed a legitimate 3-and-D player, traded for an above average center, and have young players looking to take the next step this season.

With teams like the Los Angeles Clippers, Utah Jazz, and Memphis Grizzlies most likely taking a step back this season, it creates a real opportunity for the Lakers. The Lakers need to win 41-45 games to have a chance at the playoffs. Other teams that will likely contend for that spot are the Trail Blazers, Pelicans, Nuggets, and the teams mentioned previously.

A starting lineup of Lonzo Ball, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Brandon Ingram, Julius Randle, and Brook Lopez will no doubt win some games. Lopez could be one of the biggest additions to this team.

Last season the Lakers had to run out Timofey Mozgov as their center. Lopez will spread the floor, with the ability to shoot from deep, mid range, and close to the basket. He averaged 20.5 points on 47% shooting last season as he is as polished offensively as any center in the league.

Improved defense, three point shooting, and a point guard willing to get teammates involved will go a long way towards a good season in Los Angeles. Though making the playoffs would be a huge step in just one year, it’s a real possibility.

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