Why the L.A. Lakers Will Make the Playoffs NEXT Season

Did you know the Lakers will be on 35 national television games next season? Only 4 four teams have more appearances. The team is coming off a 26-56 season in which they were nearly the worst team in the league. But they are looking to rebuild with Lonzo Ball, their new draftee. The problem is that even though they have a young team, the team will struggle to win games and will only improve by a little bit.

But who their new coach is now? Magic Johnson, a former Lakers player, can really help the Lakers with his knowledge of the game. Their front office has managed a team with a promising core and supplemented that with good cap space. The Lakers acquired Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Brook Lopez, and they should help the team improve their 26 wins they had last season. 

Another thing is their perspective. Since they are a young team, they play with an offensive mindset. But on defence, they suck. The Lakers were ranked last on defense.  Despite adding Lopez (who is an underrated center IMO), the team will continue to rely on a number of young, developing players, and I don't think they are going for a solid backcourt this season. Expect the team defense to move up a few spots with Lopez in the middle, but not by much.

So yes, the Lakers are improving, but they need more firepower in a crowded Western Conference. But if these youngsters improve, they a a great future making the playoffs in the 2018-19 season. Good luck Lakers!