In 2013-14 the Los Angeles Lakers recorded a terrible season. Lakers fans had every reason to feel disappointed with their team. LA failed to make it to the postseason and this was just the third time in almost four decades this happened. On top of that, the Lakers finished with a 27-55 record, one of the lowest ones in almost 50 years. Nonetheless, Mitch Kupchak and the rest of the Lakers’ front office made some moves during the summer, which will drastically help the team at least make it to the postseason. In fact, the Lakers do stand good chances to appear in the playoffs and here are the top five reasons why:
Five Reasons the Lakers Will Make the Playoffs
Kobe Bryant’s return
The absence of the Black Mamba was obvious last season. In fact, with him out of action, the Lakers’ season was almost doomed. Nevertheless, Kobe is a true fighter. He has proven that he has the ability to find ways and stay competitive, no matter the wear and tear in his body.
Steve Nash’s experience
Nash barely managed to play last season. However, now that Jeremy Lin is onboard, the Lakers can afford to use Nash off the bench and give him some much needed time to rest. Nash is too old to have a big impact in the Lakers’ game. Nonetheless, his experience and his playmaking skills could be extremely useful next season.
The importance of the role players
The Lakers are no longer a team of superstars so the role players are vital. Wesley Johnson, who has found his place on the team as the only small forward threat. Although he has never fulfilled the earlier promise, he provides Los Angeles with some much needed effective scoring.Another key role player is Ryan Kelly. He will be the fulcrum between the interior scoring of Julius Randle, Jordan Hill, Bryant and Carlos Boozer and the athleticism of Young, Johnson and Jeremy Lin.
Stars re-shining?
The Lakers became a sanctuary for former stars who got kicked from their teams. Jeremy Lin and Carlos Boozer were two significant offseason signings. If the two former stars manage to find their pace, they could be big factors in the Lakers playoff run. Boozer will have to fill in for the goner Gasol and Lin will have to eventually give the Lakers a solid point guard solution. The potential is big for both of them.
The Lakers have something to prove
Unfortunately, the Lakers became the laughingstock of the City of Angels last season. No one could ever imagine that they would be battling to avoid the last seed in the West, while at the same time, their city-rivals would be contending for the NBA Championship. So, now, Kobe Bryant and Co. have something to prove. Both individually and as a team, Byron Scott’s group will have to show to the NBA world that this team can live up to the expectations. The Lakers are a legendary team but they will have to prove their value on court in 2014 – 2015.
Thank you for reading. Ron Leyba is the lead editor of Fantasy Basketball Money Leagues, and a LastWordOnSports NBA Analyst. For more of his articles, follow his updates at Google+ or follow him on Twitter – @ronniedare. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter – @LastWordOnSport and “liking” our Facebook page.
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