5 Realistic Expectations For The Los Angeles Lakers In 2016-17

 Major Improvement Is Made On 2015-16 Record

I understand this isn’t the heaviest of statements, but remember that these are realistic expectations.

In 2015-16, the Lakers finished the season with a franchise-worst record of 17-65. One of the NBA’s most successful teams of all time hit an all-time low, leading to an offseason full of drastic changes.

Kobe Bryant retired. Luke Walton was hired to be the leader of this team. Another No. 2 overall pick was added to the equation. So much movement in one offseason can be disastrous, but this Lakers team will survive and thrive (relatively).

Or at least, they’ll finish the year with a much better record than 17-65.

My guess is the Lakers manage to win at least 30 games, with the potential for more based on a number of factors. Realistically, it’s hard to deny this team has talent–they do have three recent lottery picks primed for prominent roles. However, so much of this team’s success will depend on their continued development.

There’s a lot of uncertainty for the purple and gold heading into 2016-17. However, if there’s one thing you can be certain of, it’s that they’ll win several more games than they did a year ago.