There have been a lot of questions surrounding where the Lakers stand among NBA teams going into this upcoming season, and the reception hasn’t been quite pretty.
In the preseason power rankings presented by ESPN, they had the Lakers slotted in at number 21, and 12th if you only consider Western Conference teams. In the general power rankings, teams such as the Wizards, Cavaliers, Pistons, and Trail Blazers were ahead of the Lakers. This was not only an obvious indictment on the fact that the Lakers won’t be good, but they will not make the playoffs.
Kobe Bryant surely isn’t a fan of people who doubt not only him, but his team as well. So at media day yesterday, he set the record straight and ensured Lakers Nation that despite what the doubters say, they’ll be in perfect position to make the playoffs again.
“They also said we would win an NBA championship last year,” Kobe told 710 ESPN in regards to the experts predictions. “I let it fuel me when I need it to fuel me, and I think the team will be the same way.”
Kobe is not shy with making premature guarantees and has the ultimate goal of winning a title every season. As recent as last season when the Lakers fell to 17-25 midway through the season, the Black Mamba made it clear that the Lakers would still be a playoff team, and he was correct.
It’s going to be interesting to see how this season unfolds. Surely this team will use the hate, as well as the doubt among the media, to strive for great success this season. That is what great Laker teams do, and Kobe feels the team is where they need to be to surpass those low expectations.
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Check out Kobe talking about his injury and the new roster at Media Day. Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel by clicking here!
