5 Bold Predictions For Los Angeles Lakers In 2015-16 Season

5 Bold Predictions For Los Angeles Lakers In 2015-16 Season

By George Middleton

July 24, 2015

5 Bold Predictions For Lakers In 2015-16

Kobe Bryant Los Angeles Lakers — The Los Angeles Lakers have won 48 games combined in the past two seasons. But they are young and hungry, with a terrific young trio of players in Julius Randle, Jordan Clarkson and D'Angelo Russell. They also have Kobe Bryant and just acquired Roy Hibbert, Louis Williams and Brandon Bass. The Lakers have the offensive punch to win games, but their defense is still a concern. Here are some bold predictions for next season.

The Los Angeles Lakers have won 48 games combined in the past two seasons. But they are young and hungry, with a terrific young trio of players in Julius Randle, Jordan Clarkson and D'Angelo Russell. They also have Kobe Bryant and just acquired Roy Hibbert, Louis Williams and Brandon Bass. The Lakers have the offensive punch to win games, but their defense is still a concern. Here are some bold predictions for next season.

5. Kobe Bryant Will Play Like the Old Days

Kobe Bryant Los Angeles Lakers

5. Kobe Bryant Will Play Like the Old Days

Kobe Bryant Los Angeles Lakers — There are lots of questions on the Lakers roster and it all starts with Kobe Bryant. Bryant will enter his 20th season and is coming off a torn rotator cuff injury that cut his season short. In 35 games, Bryant looked great at times and shaky at others. He posted averages of 22.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists. The problem was his efficiency, as he shot 37 percent from the field. Expect a similar season, but he will shoot at a higher clip.

There are lots of questions on the Lakers roster and it all starts with Kobe Bryant. Bryant will enter his 20th season and is coming off a torn rotator cuff injury that cut his season short. In 35 games, Bryant looked great at times and shaky at others. He posted averages of 22.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists. The problem was his efficiency, as he shot 37 percent from the field. Expect a similar season, but he will shoot at a higher clip.

4. D'Angelo Russell Will Win Rookie of the Year

D'Angelo Russell Los Angeles Lakers

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4. D'Angelo Russell Will Win Rookie of the Year

D'Angelo Russell Los Angeles Lakers — D'Angelo Russell showed flashes of potential in the Summer League, but he disappointed and was the first to admit it. Russell will be fine. He is an incredible talent as he is a great passer and a good shooter. Russell won't have the freedom he did in his lone season at Ohio State, but that's fine. I believe he will win rookie of the year, as he will stand out from the pack. Expect averages of around 15 points and seven assists.

D'Angelo Russell showed flashes of potential in the Summer League, but he disappointed and was the first to admit it. Russell will be fine. He is an incredible talent as he is a great passer and a good shooter. Russell won't have the freedom he did in his lone season at Ohio State, but that's fine. I believe he will win rookie of the year, as he will stand out from the pack. Expect averages of around 15 points and seven assists.

3. Roy Hibbert Will Have A Bounce-Back Season

Roy Hibbert Los Angeles Lakers

3. Roy Hibbert Will Have A Bounce-Back Season

Roy Hibbert Los Angeles Lakers — Roy Hibbert is basically a rental for the Lakers; if he plays well they will probably bring him back. Hibbert hasn't been the same player he was when he was a two-time All-Star over the past year and a half. Last season he posted averages of 10.6 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.6 blocks. Expect Hibbert to be slightly better than that in a looser system in terms of offense. He should average around 12 points and eight rebounds.

Roy Hibbert is basically a rental for the Lakers; if he plays well they will probably bring him back. Hibbert hasn't been the same player he was when he was a two-time All-Star over the past year and a half. Last season he posted averages of 10.6 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.6 blocks. Expect Hibbert to be slightly better than that in a looser system in terms of offense. He should average around 12 points and eight rebounds.

2. Louis Williams Won't Repeat As Sixth Man of the Year

Louis Williams Los Angeles Lakers

2. Louis Williams Won't Repeat As Sixth Man of the Year

Louis Williams Los Angeles Lakers — One of the more surprising signings in the offseason was the Lakers' acquisition of Louis Williams. Williams was the sixth man of the year, as he averaged 15.5 points for Toronto. The reason it was a surprise is because the Lakers already have Nick Young and a talented starting backcourt. Williams is also a combo guard, and he is far from a standout defender. Williams will have some bright moments, but he will struggle a lot.

One of the more surprising signings in the offseason was the Lakers' acquisition of Louis Williams. Williams was the sixth man of the year, as he averaged 15.5 points for Toronto. The reason it was a surprise is because the Lakers already have Nick Young and a talented starting backcourt. Williams is also a combo guard, and he is far from a standout defender. Williams will have some bright moments, but he will struggle a lot.

1. Return to the Playoffs

Los Angeles Lakers

1. Return to the Playoffs

Los Angeles Lakers — The Los Angeles Lakers will make the postseason as the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference. This is without question a bold prediction, but it's also a realistic one as they have some talent. There are two main reasons why they will squeeze in. Hibbert will be motivated in a contract season, and Jordan Clarkson will emerge as a terrific guard for the Lakers. The Lakers will then lose to the Warriors or Spurs in the first round.

The Los Angeles Lakers will make the postseason as the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference. This is without question a bold prediction, but it's also a realistic one as they have some talent. There are two main reasons why they will squeeze in. Hibbert will be motivated in a contract season, and Jordan Clarkson will emerge as a terrific guard for the Lakers. The Lakers will then lose to the Warriors or Spurs in the first round.

George Middleton is a Los Angeles Lakers beat writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @georgemiddlet0n, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google

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