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Los Angeles Lakers: 3 way-too-early bold predictions for 2017-18

By Gil Alcaraz IV

LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 23: Magic Johnson, president of basketball operations of the Los Angeles Lakers shares a laugh with the media during a press conference on June 23, 2017 at the team training faculity in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 23: Magic Johnson, president of basketball operations of the Los Angeles Lakers shares a laugh with the media during a press conference on June 23, 2017 at the team training faculity in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers
LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 19: Jordan Clarkson #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to his three pointer in front of Kyrie Irving #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Staples Center on March 19, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Lakers somehow earn the No. 8 seed in West

I know, I know. This is ridiculous, right? How is this Lakers team going to actually win enough games to beat out seven other teams in the Western Conference? Well you have to remember that these are bold predictions…

Here’s what the Lakers have going for them: Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram. I’m very confident this will be a breakout season for Ingram, one of the top prospects in the NBA. Then there’s Ball, who’s already flashed some serious playmaking potential during Summer League.

If these two can do more of this during the regular season, they’re going to win some games:

Had this been the 2016-17 season, the Lakers would have needed 42 wins to inch out the Portland Trail Blazers for the final playoff spot in the West. That’s 15 more wins than they had. While I don’t believe this team has gotten leaps and bounds better this offseason, there’s plenty leaning in their favor.

Sure, the conference as a whole has improved. At the same time, that also means others team will have a tough time racking up wins as well. It gets more difficult for everyone — not just the Lakers. With Ball and Ingram, Brook Lopez and Ivica Zubac roaming the middle and another year under Luke Walton’s belt, the only direction to go is up.

Now don’t get too excited. Winning the eighth seed likely means a meeting with the Golden State Warriors in the first round. There isn’t a chance this current Lakers team can beat them in a seven-game series. Still, making the playoffs is a marked improvement, especially after failing to do so the last four seasons.

Next: 2017 NBA free agency tracker - Grades for every deal so far

Plus, it keeps the Boston Celtics from having yet another lottery pick next year. That in itself is a win for the Lakers.

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