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Three Bold Predictions
- Lakers make Western Conference finals. History suggests there won’t be a Thunder-Spurs Western Conference finals rematch this season. The same two teams haven’t met in the WCF in consecutive years since the Lakers and Spurs in 1982 and ‘83. The Lakers have the upside for a deep playoff run.
- Walker Kessler leads Lakers to top-12 defensive rating. With the additions of Grimes, Thybulle and Williams, the Lakers improved their perimeter defensive personnel. But their success on the less glamorous end of the floor will depend on Kessler, who will be in the running for All-Defensive team honors.
- Luka Doncic wins first MVP. The Slovenian superstar guard has been an MVP favorite several times this decade, but many of his peers have won the league’s honor over him. With an offseason of rest and a properly built team around him, he’s primed to take home the award.
Five Games to Watch
WEDNESDAY VS. GOLDEN STATE: It’ll be the first game of the Doncic era and the franchise’s first season opener without LeBron James on the roster since 2017.
NOV. 27 AT SAN ANTONIO: The Lakers’ first big test against an intraconference foe comes in the form of Victor Wembanyama and the defending Western Conference champions.
DEC. 25 VS. PHILADELPHIA: James’ first game in Los Angeles after leaving the Lakers for the 76ers as a free agent will draw plenty of eyeballs.
JAN. 26: VS. OKLAHOMA CITY: The Thunder dominated the Lakers last season, winning all four regular-season games before sweeping them in the second round of the playoffs.
APRIL 9 VS. MINNESOTA: The final of four matchups against another Western Conference playoff team that underwent significant changes during the offseason.
The Post’s Forecast: 49-33
With a solid supporting cast around them, Doncic and Austin Reaves should spearhead an elite offensive team. Add in the Lakers’ overlooked defense being at least average and there’s a recipe for the Lakers to get close to winning 50 regular-season games.