Golden State Warriors: 2017/18 Pacific Division Preview
By Marc Princi
Los Angeles Lakers
Will Lonzo Ball prove his father correct and shape up to be a Big Baller? That’s the question on everyone’s lips ahead of the upcoming season. The Lakers are one of the more exciting teams as we approach the beginning of the season. The young core – led by Ball, Brandon Ingram, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and veteran big man Brook Lopez – should carry the Lakers to a higher position in the West.
The Lakers are bursting with potential future All-Star talent. They need to have a solid year to convince any of the 2018 free agent superstars to join them. This is a nice team, which won’t scare any of the West’s powerhouses, but should shock a few of the big teams this year.
This squad, like the Kings, lacks a superstar, however, are a better team overall. Big men, Julius Randle, Larry Nance Jr. and Thomas Bryant should make big strides this year under the tutelage of Lopez and veteran Andrew Bogut. While not destined for a high win-total, the Lakers will be fun to watch this year.
The Warriors are the obvious favorites in the season series against the Lakers. However, over the past couple of years, the Lakers have been one of the few teams to beat the Warriors in both seasons. The Warriors should realistically win the series 4-0, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Lakers steal one. I predict the Warriors to win 3-1.
Season Prediction:
I predict the Lakers will finally get over the 30-win hump and finish with a record of 32-50. This will see the Lakers finish the season as the 12th seed in the West.