How Will The Pacific Division Play Out Next Season?

Mar 10, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) on the bench the second half of the game against the Detroit Pistons at Staples Center. Lakers won 93-85. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

5th Place – Los Angeles Lakers – 23-59

I think the Lakers will get (slightly) better, but not good enough to make it out of the cellar and certainly not good enough to make the playoffs. Los Angeles has some good pieces in Kobe Bryant, D’Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle but without depth or cohesion I wouldn’t expect many wins.

I’m sure Kobe wants a competitive team and he continues to talk about his high expectations for the team, but that’s just who he is. I don’t think his optimism will transform the stark Los Angeles roster into a good team, but they should show some positive signs for the future at least.

Having D’Angelo Russell and Julius Randle healthy (hopefully) for this season is the main reason for my projected (slight) improvement in Los Angeles, but they’ll both go through some lumps considering their young age. Plus the rest of the West is really tough, so any more than 25 wins would be spectacular for the Lakers this year.

Sorry, Kobe.

Next: Deserted In Fourth Place