NBA: Which teams are contenders/pretenders at the All-Star Break?

Los Angeles Lakers (28-29)

The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most interesting teams in the league, there’s no doubt about that. But the month that LeBron James missed due to injury really put this team back, and they’re now in real danger of missing the playoffs altogether.

Even if they make the post-season, I have a hard time believing that this team is built to make any type of real waves.

The only reason why the Lakers are getting any type of attention in this pieces is because of LeBron. This is a team that might not even make the playoffs this season. There’s no question in my mind that this team is a year away from being any kind of players in the Western Conference playoffs.

Verdict: Pretender