Los Angeles Lakers: 2019-20 NBA season preview
Best-Case Scenario
The Los Angeles Lakers built their team to win now. So, that is the best-case scenario for the team; winning a championship.
For that to happen, the Lakers need a few things to occur. At the top of that list is being healthy. Kyle Kuzma missed all of the preseason, which isn’t a great start. But, as long as LeBron and AD remain healthy and miss games only because of planned rest, the team can build some serious momentum.
In this best-case scenario, the starting lineup and rotation settle in and everyone is happy and accepts their role. Avery Bradley and Danny Green are both strong 3-and-D players, spacing the floor so opposing teams cannot cue on James and Davis.
Dwight Howard making it through the season without any issues would also be a best-case scenario for Los Angeles. He will fill a similar role that Tyson Chandler filled last season but is a huge upgrade in terms of talent and upside. If he buys in, the Lakers are getting quite a steal.
In this best-case scenario, the Lakers run through the Western Conference and finish with the No. 1 seed. Their journey ends in June with an NBA title.
Worst-Case scenario
The injury bug once again hits the Los Angeles Lakers, ruining whatever chance they had at building chemistry and cohesion. Kyle Kuzma never fully recovers from the stress reaction in his ankle and Anthony Davis doesn’t play in 70 games. Father Time, who remains undefeated, finally starts hitting LeBron, who begins showing legitimate signs of slowing down.
The point guard position never gets solidified, leaving a big hole in the team’s rotation. They also struggle to find a consistent rotation as a result, as the team struggles to get it done in the defensive end of the court.
Dwight Howard becomes a problem in the locker room, forcing the Lakers’ hand and leaving them with only JaVale McGee as a legitimate option in the middle. They try to go with smaller lineups, much like Luke Walton tried to do, and things don’t work.
Frank Vogel is constantly under fire as a result, as people push for a change as the team isn’t the contender many thought they would be. The Lakers barely sneak into the playoffs but are bounced early by the LA Clippers, making this a truly catastrophic scenario for fans.