So where will the Lakers finish given your insights
The Lakers are in a transition year. I don't see the commitment to defense from this team and outside of Ball, Kuzma, Ingram and Zubac don't think any of the remaining players will be around when LA next has a winning record. They are an inexperienced team and this season is simply going to be a learning year with a few wins interspersed. They won 26 games last year and their competition improved more than they did. I don't know how much Ball, Pope, Kuzma, Ingram and Randle have played together this season but I would like to see at least 4 of those 5 regularly on the court. With their length, if they play hard defense they could give people problems.I don't know what you define as "blossom," but the Vegas O/U of 33 wins feels about right. Of course, we know LeBron & Silver are going to conspire to ensure the Lakers win the lottery, so the Celtics won't be getting the pick.
Manzivino made a good post in the Celts game thread about the teams he thinks are worse than LA. LA could finish with the 7th or 8th worst record instead of the 4th or 5th worst that I hope they are heading towards. I do think that Brooklyn will finish with more wins than LA due to softer schedule and more effort. I liked what I saw out of Brooklyn to finish last year and believe that Marks and Atkinson have turned the culture around. It's early in the season but the Nets are giving consistent effort and while they're not talented, they have a lot more talent than they've had the last few years.
Gun & Lon, I'll be shocked if Lakers win 30 games and will gladly wager $50 to the Jimmy Fund on them winning less than 30 games as well another $50 that Brooklyn finishes with more wins than LA (tie I lose).