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2019-20 NBA season: Record predictions for every team

By Christopher Kline

PLAYA VISTA, CA - SEPTEMBER 29: Los Angeles Clippers Forward Kawhi Leonard (2) and Los Angeles Clippers Forward Paul George (13) pose for a photo during media day at the Los Angeles Clippers Training Center on September 29, 2019 in Playa Vista, California. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PLAYA VISTA, CA - SEPTEMBER 29: Los Angeles Clippers Forward Kawhi Leonard (2) and Los Angeles Clippers Forward Paul George (13) pose for a photo during media day at the Los Angeles Clippers Training Center on September 29, 2019 in Playa Vista, California. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers
Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images /

Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers‘ roster took a slight hit in free agency. After Kawhi dragged out his decision, the Lakers were stuck with leftovers. Some leftovers (Danny Green) were better than others (Avery Bradley), but in the end, it’s not what the fans or the front office expected.

And yet, it doesn’t really matter. The Lakers still have LeBron James, the best player in basketball until proven otherwise. Anthony Davis is there, ready to unleash his wealth of skill and versatility in the L.A. frontcourt. The Lakers, on the backs of LeBron and AD alone, are title contenders.

Speaking of Green, he’s going to thrive. He’s a strong perimeter defender who can help set the tone opposite AD. He’s also an elite spot-up shooter, which tends to work well next to LeBron. He will find a comfortable home after a strong season in Toronto.

The rest of the roster is, quite frankly, meh. Kyle Kuzma can get 20 points off the bench, but he’s still more spark-plug scorer than a well-rounded rising star at this stage. That could change — there’s obvious potential — but he didn’t get much opportunity to showcase growth on Team USA.

Rajon Rondo, Quinn Cook and Alex Caruso isn’t a great point guard rotation. The Lakers might end up using Bradley as a de facto point guard in the starting five, deploying LeBron as the undisputed initiator. That’s fine in theory, but starting Avery Bradley in 2019 isn’t the prettiest solution either.

If everything breaks right, the Lakers might have a few interesting depth pieces. Dwight Howard seems to finally have his affairs in order. Jared Dudley played an important role in Brooklyn’s brief playoff run last season. But due to questionable depth, possible load management, and the nature of the West, the Lakers land sixth. LeBron won’t care much where the Lakers land.

Final prediction: 48-34, No. 6 seed Western Conference