The NBA season totals were recently released for the upcoming season, and the Los Angeles Lakers are expected to make a big jump.
One of the first signs of how the NBA season might shake out is when Las Vegas releases their season totals for the upcoming season. In recent years, the Los Angeles Lakers have been projected near the bottom of the NBA. However, this season, the Lakers have seen a big jump in their win total.
Due to the addition of LeBron James, many expect that the Lakers will be snapping their playoff drought this season. Over the course of his career, James’ teams have pretty much been a lock to make the playoffs and in the Eastern Conference, he has dominated in the playoffs.
While the Western Conference is far more difficult than the Eastern Conference, the Lakers’ win total was set at 48.5 games.
NBA seas wins
— Jeff Sherman (@golfodds) August 5, 2018
Atl 23.5
Bos 57.5
Brk 32.5
Cha 35.5
Chi 27.5
Cle 30.5
Dal 34.5
Den 47.5
Det 37.5
GS 62.5
Hou 54.5
Ind 47.5
LAC 35.5
LAL 48.5
Mem 34.5
Mia 41.5
Mil 46.5
Min 44.5
NO 45.5
NY 29.5
OKC 50.5
Orl 31.5
Phi 54.5
Phx 28.5
Prt 41.5
Sac 25.5
SA 43.5
Tor 54.5
Uth 48.5
Wsh 44.5
This seems like a very realistic and fair number for the Lakers. With all of the new faces, the Lakers could certainly have a slow start to the season. With new players getting used to each other, the Lakers having some growing pains as a team is to be expected.
Depending on how quickly they can gel as a team will be a big part of how many wins they can get in the 2018-19 season. With a lot of unselfish players on the team, the Lakers might be able to expedite some of those chemistry issues.
In addition to some potential chemistry issues, the development of the young core heading into next season will be key. The Lakers could take a huge step forward depending on how players like Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma, and Josh Hart play next season.
As shown last year, all four can have very bright futures in the NBA. Adding a great leader and player like James might help their development immensely next season, and 50 wins could be well within their reach.
While there are a few factors that could cause the Lakers to go slightly under the 48.5 wins, having James on the team makes them a playoff contender right off the bat. Injuries can always can a season, but a healthy Lakers squad is a very talented one. With the best player in the world, 50+ wins is a very obtainable number for the Lakers next season. If you are looking to place a wager on the total, over 48.5 wins should be the way to go.