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NBA: 2016-17 Predictions For The Pacific Division

By Carter Johnson

Jul 7, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; A large welcome Kevin Durant digital billboard is displayed outside of Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 7, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; A large welcome Kevin Durant digital billboard is displayed outside of Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 18, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (left) reacts during the second half against the Phoenix Suns at Staples Center. The Phoenix Suns won 95-90. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Los Angeles Lakers

2015-16 Record: 17-65 (Last in Pacific Division) 

2016-17 Prediction: 30-52 (Last in Pacific Division) 

The Black Mamba is gone and a new day has begun in Hollywood for the Los Angeles Lakers.

The team enters the 2016-17 season led by a new, young head coach in Luke Walton and a talented core of youngsters composed of a point guard with star potential in D’Angelo Russell, a consistent double-double performer in Julius Randle and a capable scoring guard in Jordan Clarkson.

The trio started to gain traction individually and collectively in the latter stretch of last season and should carry that momentum and growth into next year under the tutelage of the former Warriors assistant coach.

If that group wasn’t enough to get fans excited, the Lakers also added a young forward with smooth scoring ability and immense two-way potential by selecting Duke’s Brandon Ingram with the second overall pick.

The team has a well-balanced mix of talented youth and solid veterans to help it grow more competitive in the short term while giving the core of Ingram, Russell, Randle and Clarkson valuable game experience for the long haul.

The Lakers aren’t back to being a winning team just yet, but they will only improve from here and should take the first steps back to on-court relevance in 2016-17.

Next: No. 4