Over the next month, we’ll be talking with a variety of people who cover each NBA team to talk a little bit about their team, and how they expect the season to go. We’ll also find out what they believe will be the most intriguing matchup when the two team’s meet during the regular season. We conclude the Pacific Division with the Los Angeles Lakers. We’re joined by Jacob Rude, editor of FanSided’s LakeShowLife. You can follow Jacob on twitter @JacobRude and LSL on twitter @TheLakeShowLife.
Game Dates
Friday, January 9th @ Los Angeles
Friday, February 6th @ Orlando
Last Season: 27-55; Finished 14th in Western Conference
January 24th: Orlando 114 Los Angeles 105
March 23rd: Los Angeles 103 Orlando 94
Projected Starters
Point Guard: Steve Nash
Shooting Guard: Kobe Bryant
Small Forward: Xavier Henry
Power Forward: Carlos Boozer
Center: Jordan Hill
Below Jacob answers some questions for us on the Lakers.
Q: With Kobe coming back from two serious injuries, what do you believe are fair expectations from him this season?
A: I’ve said it elsewhere, but I expect a more efficient Kobe Bryant, a version unlike what we’ve seen before. He’s admitted that he doesn’t have the explosion he’s had in the past. As a result, we’ll see a Bryant focused more on mid-range and post work, and as a result, I think he’ll have a throwback year stats-wise. Look for nearly 25 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds.
Q: The Lakers surprised many by claiming Carlos Boozer off of amnesty waivers. How can Byron Scott manage the slight log jam in the front court effectively?
A: The Lakers surprised themselves by winning the claim on Boozer. They put in a claim, but did not expect to win. The result, obviously, has been said logjam. I think we could see some interesting lineups this year. Depending on how well Julius Randle adjusts to the pro game, he could grab some minutes at small forward. Outside of that, I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a mid-season trade to free up some playing time for Randle and Ryan Kelly, who the Lakers are high on. Look for either Jordan Hill or Ed Davis to be moved prior to the trade deadline.
More from Games
- Orlando Magic FIBA World Cup: Franz Wagner can be a star if he takes it
- 2023 FIBA World Cup: Germany’s success is a model for the Orlando Magic
- Orlando Magic 2023 FIBA World Cup: Paolo Banchero made the right choice with Team USA
- Orlando Magic 2023 FIBA World Cup: Moe Wagner vs. Goga Bitadze
- Orlando Magic FIBA World Cup: Paolo Banchero is blocking shots now
Q: What’s one matchup you’ll have your eyes on when the Magic and Lakers get together this season?
A: The biggest thing is how the Lakers match up with the Magic’s youth and athleticism. Last year, we really struggled to match up with Tobias Harris and the young perimeter players. Depending on how our lineup looks, a Nash-Bryant-Young back court would be inept defensively, and Carlos Boozer is not known for his defense. If Victor Oladipo continues to develop, he could give the Lakers backcourt quite a headache.
Q: What are realistic expectations for the Lakers this season? Could they fight for one of those last few playoff spots in the West, or are they destined for the Lottery again?
A: The optimistic outlook would be sneaking into the 8th seed, but that’s incredibly optimistic. Our key players are old (Bryant, Boozer, Nash) and our role players, for the most part, are too young or inconsistent (Randle, Jordan Clarkson, Xavier Henry, Swaggy P, Hill). The realistic expectation is around .500, maybe a few games under. Some fans hope for them to bottom out once again in hopes of retaining their pick this year, which will be Phoenix’s unless it falls in the top 5.