The Los Angeles Lakers are anticipated to show significant improvement this season and are considered strong contenders for the NBA championship. However, according to ESPN’s projections, they are expected to have a .500 win-loss record, which would place them on the edge of making the playoffs.
ESPN’s prediction for the Lakers is 41.5 wins, ranking them eighth in the Western Conference, which is somewhat lower than what many fans might expect. In contrast, FanDuel Sportsbook has set the Lakers’ over-under for wins at 47.5 and also gives them the fifth-highest odds to win the NBA title, trailing only the Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference.
It’s worth noting that achieving a .500 season may not have a significant impact on their championship aspirations, as demonstrated in the 2022-23 season. Despite a slow start and not reaching .500 until late March, the Lakers finished the season with a 43-39 record. They had to go through the play-in round but made a strong playoff run, ultimately reaching the 2023 Western Conference Finals, where they were swept by the eventual NBA champion, the Nuggets.
ESPN’s Western Conference predictions:
1. Grizzlies: 48.4 wins
2. Timberwolves: 47.7 wins
3. Nuggets: 46.4 wins
4. Warriors: 43.7 wins
5. Suns: 43.5 wins
6. Pelicans: 43.2 wins
7. Kings: 43.1 wins
8. Lakers: 41.5 wins
9. Mavericks: 41.4 wins
10. Clippers: 40.3 wins— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 7, 2023
ESPN’s projection, developed by writer Kevin Pelton, takes into account factors like player health, luck, and playing time. This is where the Lakers might face challenges compared to other teams. Anthony Davis has a history of playing fewer than 56 regular-season games in his four seasons in Los Angeles, and there are plans to manage LeBron James’ workload more carefully. Any extended absence of their two star players could impact their win total.
However, despite these concerns, the Lakers have had a successful offseason, making them better equipped for success even without LeBron James. They have retained key players like Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell, and Rui Hachimura, while adding talents like Gabe Vincent, Cam Reddish, Taurean Prince, Jaxson Hayes, and Christian Wood. This has resulted in a deep and talented roster that is expected to be among the best in the Western Conference, if not the entire NBA. The Lakers are optimistic that they won’t struggle to make the playoffs again this season.