Vegas Over/Under: 33.5
The Record Projection: 31-51 of fromal The Bet: Prevent but lean under
The Los Angeles Lakers aren’t ready.
Adding Brook Lopez will make this group better. So, also, will the inclusion of Lonzo Ball at the starting five and continued improvement from Brandon Ingram, who seemed so much better through the second half of his rookie effort than he did during the first.
We also can’t overlook the upside of–requires a deep breath–Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Josh Hart, Julius Randle, Larry Nance Jr., Kyle Kuzma, Ivica Zubac and Thomas Bryant.
But even after the additions of recognized contributors with NBA experience such as Lopez and Caldwell-Pope, the Lakers will be handing far too many minutes to young players still cutting their teeth in the NBA.
The Vegas line still has got the Purple and Gold progressing by more than seven matches following a year’s 26-56 end, and that’s a big ask.
Could it happen? Of course.
Ball could break out and win Rookie of the Year. Randle could make good on the enduring hype and post triple-doubles more frequently. Caldwell-Pope could shoot at a jaw-dropping clip from beyond the arc. And that is the reason you should avoid this bet.
Butif you had to pick much about this roster is in flux to wager on an jump.
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