Can the Lakers Make the Playoffs Next Season?

But of course, a lot of factors contributed to their tumultuous season as injuries kept nagging the roster, while they constantly allowed their opponents to penetrate to the cup with their horrible defense. Kobe Bryant’s early exit last season definitely was a huge blow and furthermore, an aging Steve Nash was clearly of no help—leaving Pau Gasol to take most of the load in Lakers offense.

No wonder they were this bad. Well now with the end of this dreadful nightmare, can the Lakers earn back their respect next season?

Let’s see.

Several new faces have been added and subtracted from the roster and staff this off-season, Jodie Meeks is now with Detroit Pistons, Kendall Marshall is now with the Milwaukee Bucks, and Pau Gasol chose to play for the Chicago Bulls.

These losses were certainly vital for the Lakers’ chances of success next season—Bryant is left all alone and might have to carry the team like before into the playoffs. But as he turns 36 in a few days, I doubt he could do that again. No matter how much tenacity and spirit the Mamba has—he can’t defeat Father Time and will just have to accept the fact—he can’t do it alone anymore.

Lakers’ general manager, Mitch Kuptchak looked to find Kobe the help he needs to acquire that sixth championship. Unfortunately, things didn’t go their way as their prospects took their talents someplace else. LeBron James decided to return to Cleveland, Carmelo Anthony is staying in New York and Kevin Love is already out of the question.

And so, they had to look to plan B, which involves the acquisitions of Jeremy Lin, Carlos Boozer, Ed Davis and of course the drafting of renowned rookie Julius Randle of Kentucky—which isn’t that bad once you look at their individual potentials—but is still definitely not as better as plan A.

All eyes will be on Randle to immediately contribute and satisfy everyone’s expectation—being the seventh overall pick in the draft. He will be playing alongside Boozer, the former all-star who still has a little bit of fuel left in the tank to become a solid post presence together with Randle. Then the 25-year-old Lin will look to bring ‘Linsanity’ in Hollywood as he plays side by side with the much-experienced Nash. Also, Davis has huge potential to be a key rotational player with his great athleticism and presence in the paint.

Additionally, there is a new face at the head coaching position for the Lakers with the name of Byron Scott. This hiring is one of the best moves for the team so far this off-season, as we all know the former Laker had already earned the respect of the franchise, fans, and most especially Kobe. We still don’t know how Scott will plan to run things with the current roster, but rest assured his knowledge and love for the game and the Lakers will be a perfect fit.

Now comparing the current team to last season, we can safely say they can be a respectable team for next season. They have a strong chance in making the playoffs next season if they were in the east, but sadly it looks like they barely have a chance to be part of the top 8 in the west, as we all know how wild the west can really be.