The Los Angeles Lakers again set a franchise record for fewest wins in a season last year, winning only 17 games. This season there is far more optimism surrounding the team and General Manager Mitch Kupchak expects to see that number rise.
With an exciting core lead by D’Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson, Julius Randle and Brandon Ingram, the Lakers certainly have the talent to make a leap in the win column, even if it doesn’t lead to challenging for the playoffs.
Kupchak spoke to the media ahead of the beginning of Lakers training camp and said that the team must win more than 17 games this season according to Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters:
Mitch Kupchak on success this yr: “I can’t pick a # of wins. Last year, we had 17…got to be more than 17 & it can’t be a game or two more."
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) September 27, 2016
Kupchak did add that he isn’t solely focused on wins, however, hoping to see the team be an entertaining one via Winters:
Mitch Kupchak: “I want our team to be fun to watch. I want them to have fun playing & I want them to get better as the season goes along."
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) September 27, 2016
Kupchak is right on both accounts. With this amount of young talent, as well as a number of solid veterans who can help the team grow both on and off the court, there is no reason the Lakers shouldn’t be able to rise to around the 25-win mark, if not more.
However, this team is still likely far away from playoff contention and as such, the focus should be more on the development and establishing a foundation that they can build on.
Russell seems like he is set to have a good season, and Ingram will get plenty of opportunities to grow this season as well. If Randle, Clarkson, Larry Nance Jr., and the rest of the kids can progress as well, the Lakers will plenty to be excited about.