After suffering the worst win percentage in franchise history, the Los Angeles Lakers selected D’Angelo Russell, Larry Nance Jr. and Anthony Brown at the 2015 NBA Draft. While general manager Mitch Kupchak and company did not land their superstar free agent, the team traded for Roy Hibbert while signing Lou Williams and Brandon Bass.
— What will Kobe Bryant make this season? Find out here! —
Before the start of every season, the ESPN Summer Forecast Panel makes their predictions for every team along with awards. Despite the moves this off-season, Lakers are projected to finish with the second worst record in the Western Conference:
Today's #ESPNForecast looks at West Standings. Our projected records for teams 11-15 are… http://t.co/Xdq4Quh6cZ pic.twitter.com/hBjEtql3fz
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) August 18, 2015
This past season, the Lakers lost Julius Randle and Kobe Bryant to season-ending injuries. While Los Angeles has improved its roster, they are still in the early stages of the rebuilding process with an extremely young core.
Heading into the new season, it will be an uphill battle to make the playoffs in the Western Conference. Despite the 26-win prediction by the ESPN Forecast Panel, there will be plenty of excitement to look forward to this upcoming season and beyond.
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