Season don’t count unless they win in the playoffs. In other words, showtime lakers are only back if they win it all. Otherwise, they just a very good team that never made it.

They can manage without Howard or Rondo. It would definitely be a loss if either got hurt but they should stay healthier just because they are only playing about 20 minutes a game each. They are absolutely contenders but they aren't as good as their record in my opinion. They have won a lot of close games again lesser teams. Pelicans, Grizzlies, Thunder x2, Bulls, Kings.

I hope the Bucks are lucky enough to draw the Lakers instead of the Clippers.

The exact opposite happened last season where we lost so many close games. And add injuries to that. We should of made playoffs. But a wins a win and right now we winning baby!

I guess I'm more saying "lets wait and see before deciding if the Lakers are back". They haven't beaten anyone that good outside of Denver.

I also think the Lakers will end up with Andre Iguodala. Memphis is still trying to trade him but they'll have to buy him out if push comes to shove. Iggy will put the Lakers over the top and they'll become the new Dream Team. He's another championship caliber player that can hit big threes and defend. That's another weapon they could have in the playoffs. A healthy Clippers team is the only other roster I see with the talent to compete against the Lakers in a 7-game series.

I don't think Memphis will buy him out, I think they are trying to make a statement by not being bullied. I don't think they will get much more than a 2nd round pick from someone but I think he will have to be traded for.

A veteran like Andre Iguodala only wants to play for a championship contender though.
That limits a lot of trade possibilities for Memphis. Legitimately it's 4 or 5 teams, IMO.
But we'll see. They have until the trade deadline on February 7 to get a deal done.

There isn't a big market for him because of what you mentioned. It's more of a small market team trying to not get bullied by players/agents/big market teams. I think they are under new management in the front office and they want to make it clear that they aren't getting pushed around. I would have to look that up, I'm not certain but that's what I thought.

Lakers will be a beast to face in the playoffs with their size and defense on both A and B squads. Love all the coaching hires we made those offseason to add to our talent.