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NBA: 3 Extremely bold predictions for the 2022-23 season

By Andrew Novakowski

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 04: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans drives to the basket against Patrick Williams #44 of the Chicago Bulls during the first half of a preseason game at the United Center on October 04, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois.NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 04: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans drives to the basket against Patrick Williams #44 of the Chicago Bulls during the first half of a preseason game at the United Center on October 04, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois.NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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NBA Bold Prediction: The Los Angeles Lakers won’t make the playoffs for a second-straight season

It’s year 20 for LeBron James, and the Los Angeles Lakers will not be making the NBA Playoffs. If you were to look at the Lakers’ current star duo of LeBron James and Russell Westbrook, 10 years ago, we would think that they would easily win the NBA Finals, but fans will have to hope that they make it to play-in tournament if we expect similar to last season Lakers.

Last season, the Lakers finished with a record of 33-49 but were the favorites to get to the NBA Finals before the season, and this year they are in the top eight teams to likely win the championship, but they won’t.

Yes, the Lakers dealt with their fair share of injuries. They lost Anthony Davis for most of the season, LeBron James was out for a lengthy time, and Russell Westbrook was not who we have seen in the past; this season will be no different. Davis may have all the talent in the world to be an MVP-caliber player, but he can’t stay on the floor. Davis has played in over 60 games only once in the last four seasons, and he will miss a substantial amount of time at some point this season.

LeBron is undoubtedly one of the greatest players of all time; there is no argument for that. James is now entering his 20th NBA season but only played in 45 games in the 2020-21 season and 56 in the 2021-22 season. He’s now 38 years old and (eventually) will be on a decline. Even so, he is still one of the best in the game, but we will see a downfall in productivity this season.

Once upon a time, Russ was the most exciting player to watch in the NBA. His hustle and ferociousness were a sight to see, and his multiple seasons of averaging a triple-double were awe-inspiring. Unfortunately, Westbrook is not that player anymore. Westbrook’s career looks to be coming to an end, but what a legendary one to remember.