Los Angeles Lakers: 3 reasons why a first-round playoff exit is a real possibility

Why the Los Angeles Lakers could possibly fall victim to an early playoff exit this season. 

With the playoffs just a few weeks away, the expectation is that the Los Angeles Lakers will likely be one of the final teams left standing if they don’t win the NBA championship outright. The defending champions are improved from last season and are in a great position to win their second-straight championship.

Although, the injury bug couldn’t have hit this team at a worst time. Anthony Davis is set to return from an extended absence, after missing the team’s last 30 games, and LeBron James remains out with an ankle injury. LeBron has missed the team’s last 16 games and is expected to miss another couple of weeks (at least) before returning to the lineup.

Still, with the expectation being that their dynamic duo will make a return before the playoffs, the Lakers are still considered by many the favorites to come out of the Western Conference and win the championship.

Yet, with as much uncertainty that is currently surrounding this team, I can’t help but feel like the Lakers could fall victim to an early playoff exit. We explore three reasons why that may be the case this season.