The Los Angeles Lakers will head into next season led by two of the best players in the NBA, coming off an offseason that saw the franchise finally address the team’s most glaring need. However, it seems many around the game are casting doubt on this team performing well when they return to the court.
In a poll of ESPN NBA insiders, the Lakers were voted second among the teams most likely to take a step back next season. Los Angeles (32 points) finished behind the Milwaukee Bucks (41 points) and just ahead of the Boston Celtics and the Phoenix Suns.
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What’s particularly notable is the added context behind the voting. Many insiders voted for Milwaukee because of the “mounting uncertainty” regarding the team’s contention window and how long Giannis Antetokounmpo will stay. ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania has continued to spark rumors throughout the offseason that a trade request remains possible, despite Antetokounmpo giving no indication this summer that he wants to be moved.
As for Boston, regression is natural with Jayson Tatum recovering from an Achilles tear that will sideline him all season, and the team trading away Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday. Meanwhile, All-Star forward Jaylen Brown is recovering from arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in June, and the club is poised to have Sam Hauser and Neemias Queta as its starting frontcourt.
Regarding Phoenix, regression is expected following the Kevin Durant trade and the waiving of All-Star guard Bradley Beal. The Suns also have a first-year head coach, Jordan Ott, and will likely be deploying a starting five featuring Jalen Green, Royce O’Neale, and Dillon Brooks.
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Yet the Lakers, with Luka Doncic in the best shape of his career, are the team NBA insiders believe is the second-most likely to regress this upcoming season. That’s despite the fact that Los Angeles signed center Deandre Ayton, finally adding a starting-caliber big man who can rebound consistently and offers some upside on both ends of the court.
The Lakers also received the second-most votes for the team most likely to make a big move ahead of the NBA trade deadline. In addition, LeBron was voted as the third-likeliest superstar to demand a trade this upcoming season.