5 Reasons For Los Angeles Lakers Fans To Be Optimistic In 2016-17

Nowhere To Go But Up

Realistically, the Lakers hit rock bottom in 2015-16. The team finished with a record of 17-65, the worst mark in franchise history. The only thing that even kept fans paying attention was the farewell tour of Bryant, but even that was a mess at times.

Luckily, there’s a lot more to look forward to in 2016-17.

The one thing that really sticks out, though, is that there’s nowhere to go but up from here. Unless the Lakers plan on stooping to the level of the Philadelphia 76ers, they can’t get any worse than they were last season. At this point, it’s just not possible.

Sure, there are going to be some growing pains with this young group of rising stars. Ingram will look like a rookie at times, and the pundits will call into question his worthiness of the No. 2 overall pick.

I’m sure Russell will fall into a slump or two, and rumors will be made up that he’s on the trading block.

It all comes with the territory. Anyone familiar with this Lakers team knows that all too well. They also know that playing for one of the NBA’s most storied franchises is one of the greatest honors in professional sports–at least, it used to be.

More hoops habit: 5 Bold Predictions For Lakers' 2016-17 Season

The Lakers may not make the playoffs like I boldly predicted, but it’s going to get better. That, in my opinion, is reason enough to stay tuned in 2016-17.