NBA Offseason: SCIC Roundtable – Part 2

Jul 24, 2014; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers general manager

introduces Jeremy Lin during a press conference at Toyota Sports Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Will the Los Angeles Lakers make the playoffs?

Michael Saenz: Not even if Kobe Bryant is the Kobe Bryant of old — there’s no way this Lakers roster has any shot at even sniffing the playoffs in that Western Conference. Although, the idea of Jeremy Lin and Kobe Bryant in the playoffs doesn’t exactly turn me off. If there was anything I’d love to be wrong about, it’s this. Bryant/Lin vs the San Antonio Spurs. YES.

But — NO.

John Armstrong: Will George Bush be re-elected?

Morten Jensen: No. Having 657,893 power forwards, a do-we-even-know-if-he’s-healthy Kobe Bryant at age 36, the artist formerly known as Linsanity, and a re-signed Nick Young does not exactly bode well for these Lakers. If they somehow sneak in there, Byron Scott should win Coach Of the Year. The Lakers, as currently constructed, have the distinct displeasure of having the most asymmetrical roster structure in the NBA. And having said that, they’re still one of my League Pass teams. Don’t ask.

George Middleton: In order for the Los Angeles Lakers to make the playoffs, many things must go right. It all starts with Kobe Bryant, if he averages about 24 points they have hope. The Lakers must also get a revived Carlos Boozer. If these two things happen and Jeremy Lin plays well, then they might sneak in. If not, then good luck. As of now I think the Lakers will miss out, there are too many obstacles to overcome, especially on defense.

Bryce Olin: Yeah……… no. Not a chance. The West is so stacked. The Lakers have no chance unless Kobe somehow gets some of that Benjamin Button juice and starts to age in reverse. Even then, the Lakers might not be able to make the playoffs.

David Ramil: No. Even if the team doesn’t sign talented-yet-troubled Michael Beasley, they’re already the lock for most dysfunctional team in the NBA. An older, injured, and angry Kobe Bryant sharing the floor with Nick Young, an indifferent Carlos Boozer and what’s left of Steve Nash? This doesn’t spell playoffs to me. Lakers’ fans have a well-earned reputation of incredibly delusional attitudes about their team but even they probably concede this team is gearing up for a future without Bryant.

Brandon Osborne: No. The Lakers didn’t improve their roster that much, other than adding Julius Randle through the draft and getting an upgrade at the head coaching position. Byron Scott is a big upgrade over D’Antoni, but the Lakers will once again be at the bottom of the West. Kobe Bryant’s huge contract will continue to hurt this organization.