Best case scenario
Los Angeles has put themselves in position to succeed in the immediate and future. Their roster has a nice blend of veterans and youngsters coming into their own. For this season, the best case scenario would be everything coming together and the team being legitimate contenders in the Western Conference.
Legitimate contenders in the Western Conference would constitute making it to the Western Conference Finals. Finishing within the top half of the conference would also be nice. This is a conference that will be dominated by the Golden State Warriors in a league of their own.
Retaining all of their future assets is also a part of the best case scenario. Staying the course and continuing to develop the younger players instead of trading them off for more veterans is the way to go.
Brandon Ingram looked poised to take another step forward during preseason play. Kyle Kuzma looks ready to pick right up where he left off last season. Lonzo Ball put in work this offseason along with Josh Hart. Development by these players, along with the veteran presence, should push the Lakers to the next level as Western Conference playoff participants.