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The LA Lakers took to the court for the first time this season amidst a lot of scrutiny and after a disappointing loss to the Golden State Warriors, the spotlight on them keep on increasing as the season progresses.
ESPN's Stephen A. Smith said that it will be a success for the Lakers if they can make the playoffs. The Lakers' roster looks weak compared to some of their rivals in the West, and the lack of outside shooting could prove costly for the team.
On "First Take," Smith said:
"You don't have any bonafide sharpshooters on that roster. A huge success would be a playoff berth and a win in the first round, because that would be exceeding expectations.
"Based on the roster presently constructed, they simply don't have shooters, too much to expect Anthony Davis to be healthy and for LeBron James in his 20th year to carry the load."
With Westbrook's role in the team still unclear, Smith could be right in his assessment of the LA Lakers. The Western Conference is loaded with talent this season and it could be very tough for the Lakers to make the playoffs.
LA Lakers' competition in the Western Conference
With the latest NBA season kicking off, the Western Conference continues to be stacked with a lot of championship caliber teams.
Defending champions the Golden State Warriors look even more dangerous this season. Klay Thompson will start his first complete season in three years. The Warriors' young core of Jordan Poole, Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody and James Wiseman will gain more experience throughout the regular season.
Andrew Wiggins broke through last season and can be considered one of the better two-way wings in the league right now. The squad depth will also allow head coach Steve Kerr to manage the minutes of superstar Steph Curry throughout the regular season.
The Denver Nuggets will welcome back stars Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. as they look to start their season on a positive season. With reigning back-to-back league MVP Nikola Jokic in his prime, the Nuggets will look to make a championship run this season.
On similar lines, the LA Clippers welcome back their superstar duo of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Add to that their incredible wing depth and a championship-winning coach in Tyronn Lue, the Clippers could be the best bet to dethrone the Warriors this season.
Luka Doncic and his Dallas Mavericks made the Western Conference Finals last season and will look to build on that. Even though the franchise lost Jalen Brunson to the New York Knicks, the additions of Christian Wood, Javale McGee and the return of Tim Hardaway Jr. could be enough to get the Mavericks back to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2011.
With teams like the Phoenix Suns, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans, Minnesota Timberwolves and Portland Trail Blazers also in the mix, the Western Conference looks as loaded as ever heading into the new season.
The LA Lakers will have their work cut out if they want to contend in this conference and coach Ham could have some tough decisions to make as the season progresses.
Guess the Lakers players!
