NBA Power Rankings: 2014-15 Western Conference Projections

11.  Los Angeles Lakers — 37-45

Hardest month:  January  (.560)

Weakest month:  February  (.424)

Back-to-backs:  16

By the end of 2014-15, expect there to be a classic photo of Kobe Bryant throwing clipboards, teammates, water bottles, and Steve Nash‘s crutches across the court.

Yes, Nash could be headed that way unless Lakers’ trainer, Gary Vitti, was being sincere about his health showing a major upgrade.

Bryant, on the other hand, shouldn’t have to battle with the challenge of staying on the court long enough to see the playoffs in sight.  They won’t have enough defensive aptitude to total 49 wins, which is how much it will take to reach the postseason, but there will be times where it seems plausible.  Kobe has had more time to get physically set for a full season grind, so the excuse will be pointed towards his workouts and therapy if he shows up slower and out of shape in October.

All signs are pointing straight forward, though, with trainers coming to a conclusion that the 2013 Achilles tear won’t affect his game next season.  It’s had time to heal, and get used to sprints for long periods of time.  The issue will be the “36” blinking on his birth certificate, and minute reduction that he won’t get along with.  Byron Scott isn’t as naive as Mike D’Antoni, and won’t try to depend on Bryant for 37-40 minutes a night to help steal wins down the stretch.

If you want to witness a team struggle with lineup decisions and a season-long competition at power forward, tune in to the million nationally-televised games Los Angeles was given this season.  28 is too many for a sub .500 team, but it’s something the league and it’s fans have to deal with since they have a box office superstar with a “return” storyline and they’re located in the heart of entertainment.

Julius Randle was vastly more impressive than raw Aaron Gordon, who was grabbed by Orlando at No. 4 overall in the draft.  Mitch Kupchak must’ve cried a stream of tears knowing they finally received a draft prospect to be excited for.  A long handful of draft picks have been shipped off in trades, much to the pleasure of Bryant, who is always in “win now” mode.  Blockbuster trades are clearly more indicative of that mentality than drafting in the lottery.

Carlos Boozer doesn’t fit the mold of a refresh — not a rebuild — for these Lakers, as he’s in his thirties and only plays as a pick-and-pop scorer from 15-20 feet.  Randle’s jumper isn’t close to having the same flow and consistency, but anyone would take a younger calf over the amnestied Bull (see what I did there) in this transforming league.  It’s no longer about having guys that have “been around the block.”  You’re almost better suited to compete for a playoff spot in the West with an energetic bunch that can get out and push the pace (Phoenix).

Midway through the season, Jeremy Lin is likely destined to be a fan favorite, and finally see his amount of starts rise.  He claims he doesn’t care about who starts (instead who finishes), but believing a 40-year-old point guard is more dangerous offensively at this stage of their careers would have everyone questioning your sanity.

As Bryant noted after the 2011 Playoffs, there are such things as “wasted years” of a career.  Cheers to another one.