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Los Angeles Lakers: 5 reasons they will make the playoffs in 2017-18

By Josh Cornelissen

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 10: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on with Head coach Luke Walton of the Los Angeles Lakers during the preseason game against the Utah Jazz on October 10, 2017 at STAPLES Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 10: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on with Head coach Luke Walton of the Los Angeles Lakers during the preseason game against the Utah Jazz on October 10, 2017 at STAPLES Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images /

The Los Angeles Lakers are due for a return to their successful heritage. Despite the odds, this team will make the playoffs in 2017-18

The Los Angeles Lakers will make the playoffs this season.

That statement, held against the backdrop of the past three seasons, seems ludicrous. The Lakers have averaged 22 wins the past three seasons, never finishing better than 14th in the Western Conference. They play in the same division as the Golden State Warriors, in the impossibly talented conference, and won just 26 games last season.

The Los Angeles Lakers will make the playoffs this season.

That statement, held against the history of the franchise, seems like a no-brainer. Prior to this current stretch, the Lakers have qualified for the postseason 60 times in 65 seasons. The Lakers have won the Western Conference 31 times to advance to the NBA Finals. Only the Boston Celtics have more titles than the Lakers’ 16.

The Los Angeles Lakers will make the playoffs this season.

Such a statement represents a return to normalcy for a fanbase completely unable to grasp the inexplicable losing of the past three seasons. The Lakers were made for the big stage, the bright lights, the nationally televised playoff games. This is a franchise that wants to shine, and it’s hard to do that from your couch in April, May and June.

With an exciting class of rookies, new veteran talent, and a front office that represents the best of Los Angeles Lakers history, this team doesn’t want to wallow in the lottery any longer. With their first round pick owed out, there is no incentive to tank any longer. Los Angeles is about winning, and here’s why it will win enough to make the postseason in 2017-18.

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