of lakersThe current situation feels pretty close to being dire. Even after a reassuring performance against the Timberwolves on Friday, the team sits winless and its top-paid players struggle to stay productive regardless of their role.
But looking ahead, things don’t look as bad as they were at the beginning of the year. Russell Westbrook’s contract expires LeBron James extends contract And the Lakers owe the Pelicans one less draft pick in the future for this June draft.
These factors may have played a role in the Lakers’ actual rise. ESPN’s latest future power rankingsjumping 2 slots from March 18 From this year until the 16th. Here’s what ESPN’s Andre Snellings has to say:
The Lakers are the most talked about franchise in the NBA due to their inept casting supporting aging MVPs LeBron James and Anthony Davis. But Russell Westbrook’s massive expiring deal could be key to restructuring the roster this season. That potential flexibility and advantage (and the sharp decline of several teams before it) was enough to move the Lakers up a few places from last year’s rankings.
ESPN breaks down the overall rankings into five subsections: Players, Management, Money, Markets and Draft. The biggest change from March’s ranking to his October ranking was “the projected salary status of his cap. Ability and willingness to pay luxury tax above the cap.”
In the spring, the Lakers ranked 22nd in the league in prize money, soaring to 9th in the latest rankings. This could be perfectly explained by Westbrook’s contract expiring between the two rankings.
The Lakers also moved up six places in the draft rankings, from 29th to 23rd. This ties in with the Pelicans owing one less draft pick and the Lakers owning (and being able to trade) a 2029 draft pick. The Lakers also had modest improvements in players (tied for 18th to 16th) and management (tied for 24th to 20th), but the latter is no joke.
It underscores that the Lakers are in a better position going forward than they were earlier in the year.
for many lakers Talk, Subscribe to Silver Screen and Roll Podcast Feed itunes, Spotify, Stitcher Also google podcastsYou can follow Jacob on Twitter. @JacobRude.
