Los Angeles Lakers: 5 reasons they won't make the playoffs in 2017-18

Los Angeles Lakers: 5 reasons they won’t make the playoffs in 2017-18

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 10: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Alex Caruso #4 of the Los Angeles Lakers look on 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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3. Too many young players

NBA teams rely on a mixture of young and old to form the best rosters. Older players are valuable because of their experience and production. Younger players bring value from upside and often less expensive contracts. Teams built for the short-term often swing towards older vets, while those playing the long game are generally younger.

The Los Angeles Lakers have been stuck playing the long game for the past four seasons, a bitter reality this team never wanted to swallow. Despite the ill-fated signings of Luol Deng and Timofey Mozgov, this roster is filled with draft selections and young pieces.

Although Brook Lopez will start at center, the remainder of the frontcourt rotation will be young guns. Julius Randle, Ivica Zubac, Kyle Kuzma, Larry Nance Jr. and Brandon Ingram will all be playing on rookie contracts. In the backcourt, Jordan Clarkson at 25 is the oldest of a group including Lonzo Ball, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Josh Hart and Tyler Ennis.

Young players are exciting to discuss and are the future of every team, but they also tend to be bad at winning games early in their careers. Adjusting to the speed of the game, gaining continuity with teammates, and understanding team defensive concepts all take time.

A team more balanced with veterans — and veterans in their prime, not a post-prime Luol Deng, who fell off a cliff last season — can better aim for the playoffs. But unless a roster is stocked with future All-Stars, winning more games than you lose is a tall task for a young roster, which is another reason the Lakers will be missing the playoffs.

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