NBA pre-season bold predictions: The Los Angeles Lakers will be a contender

NBA pre-season bold predictions: The Los Angeles Lakers will be a contender in the Western Conference. 

After back-to-back disappointing seasons, one of which included missing the playoffs entirely, I predict that the Los Angeles Lakers are going to make a roaring return to contention this season in the Western Conference.

The Lakers won a championship during the 2020 bubble playoffs season and haven’t looked the same since. They’ve been riddled by injuries and unfortunate circumstances – some of which that they did to themselves (*cough* Russell Westbrook *cough*).

The Los Angeles Lakers will bounce back

Nevertheless, there is a path for the Lakers to return to contention quickly. Many may not believe it exists for them to pull off this season, but I’d like to argue that it can. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis set to begin the season healthy, the Lakers have their foundation in place. And if they can remain healthy heading into the playoffs, this will be a tough team to beat.

That said, the Lakes do have some work to do before they can be considered a contender.