The wait for Los Angeles Lakers basketball is over.
The 2022-2023 NBA season is finally here, and expectations for the Lakers are seemingly all over the place. From some corners of the NBA world, there is an expectation that LeBron James and company get back on track this season. From others, it is difficult to see much improvement without any drastic roster changes.
Where there is no debate, however, is the fact that the Lakers were an overwhelming disappointment last season. Posting a 33-49 record, the 2022 Lakers were the worst team that LeBron James has ever been a part of, as he missed the postseason for just the third time in his career (2nd since joining LAL).
The 2022 Lakers struggled to find a reliable outside shooter, could not defend effectively and were perplexed when it came to finding a useful role for Russell Westbrook. Outside of maybe Austin Reaves, last season’s Lakers were without a silver lining.
Coming into 2023, not much has changed in Los Angeles. Russell Westbrook is still with the team, despite an immense expectation that he would be moved. The role players have been swapped out, but the team still lacks reliable shooters. Just like last year, the Lakers will go as far as James and Davis carry them.
The one major change that has occurred in Lakerland is the hiring of new Head Coach Darvin Ham. After firing Frank Vogel, Los Angeles hired Darvin Ham from Mike Budenholzer’s staff in Milwaukee. The Lakers’ brain trust is hopeful that a new voice on the bench can be the difference between missing the playoffs once again and contending for a championship.
As we go full steam ahead into the 2022-2023 NBA season, let’s take a look at three bold predictions for the Los Angeles Lakers this year.
Los Angeles Lakers bold prediction #1: Anthony Davis returns to All-NBA form
Since winning his first NBA championship in 2020, it is no question that Anthony Davis has struggled to stay on the court. The availability concerns that the Lakers, and frankly the rest of the league, had about Davis became a reality, as the All-Star appeared in 76 total games during the last two seasons combined.
Even when Davis was on the court, he was much less effective than in his first season in Los Angeles. He averaged 21.8 points per game in 2021 and 23.2 points per game in 2022, respectively. Both lower than any season for AD since 2014-2015.
In Davis’ first season in the Purple and Gold, he averaged the third-highest points per game total of his career.
In 2023, the Lakers need AD to once again be AD. He will do just that.
Davis looked incredible in his preseason appearances, notably scoring 28 points in 21 minutes against the Warriors. He appears to finally be back to full health (back tightness?) and he knows that this Lakers team will only go as far as he is able to carry them.
The former first-overall pick will regain his superstar status this season and be named to the All-NBA first team.