LA Lakers fans show no faith in team as they face multiple contenders in first six games

The LA Lakers begin their 2022-23 season against the defending champions, the Golden State Warriors. Unlike last year, the Lakers have a relatively difficult schedule to start the season. They will face four potential contenders in their first six games.

The schedule features the LA Clippers, Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets (twice) apart from their opening night opponents, the Warriors. Many Lakers fans don't seem optimistic about the team's chances of getting off to a strong start.

The LA Lakers haven't improved their roster significantly and continue to rely on LeBron James and Anthony Davis for results. A 1-5 preseason record also didn't help their case entering their first game against the Golden State Warriors.

Lakers fans on Twitter made their feelings known when a fan page questioned how many of their first six games the team was winning.

LA Lakers have shown promise but seem way off pace compared to championship rivals

The LA Lakers will enter the 2022-23 NBA season as the underdogs. They have dominated the prediction charts over the past three years but are nowhere near being considered a legitimate threat in the Western Conference.

The preseason was a disaster. However, it cannot be denied that the Lakers have looked sharp at times. New coach Darvin Ham is trying to implement a new style and system. The players seem to have bought into his philosophies, too.

The Lakers' main rotation guys impressed during the first few preseason games. LA led their opponents when their starters were on the court in four games. They moved the ball around well on offense and were good defensively. However, the Lakers weren't able to sustain the momentum in the last two games.

Outside shooting remains a concern. They also lacked effort on defense when they couldn't get going offensively, even with their regular rotation players on the floor. It was exactly like the issue they were criticized for last season. The Lakers will have to reignite their competitive fire to keep up with their championship rivals.

Unlike last year, they aren't under the pressure of being a legitimate contender. So, the LA Lakers could look into using that reduced pressure and putting up solid performances nightly.

About the author

Arhaan Raje is an Assistant Content Manager and Senior Writer with Sportskeeda's NBA/WNBA team with four years of experience.

Arhaan focuses on features, trends, listicles, and the latest rumors and reports circling the league's top teams and players. He emphasizes detailed research to create impactful content for readers. A fan of Xs and Os, Arhaan provides technical deep dives in his reporting.

Arhaan completed his bachelor's degree in BBA in Media and Entertainment Management from Mumbai, India.

Arhaan admires the killer mentality of Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. He respects LeBron James for being a role model on and off the court. The bold and decisive Gregg Popovich stands out as Arhaan's favorite basketball coach. LeBron's epic chase-down block in the 2016 NBA Finals has a special place in Arhaan's basketball memories.

He has interviewed former NBA Defensive Player of the Year Gary Payton and Ronnie 2K, the face of NBA2k and Marketing Director.

Sports isn't the only passion he has pursued professionally. Arhaan is also into performing arts in the music industry as a percussionist.

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