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With the start of training camp just days away, many people aren’t too hopeful about the Los Angeles Lakers’ prospects this coming season.
They haven’t succeeded in trading Russell Westbrook, and as presently constituted, they appear to be nothing more than a lower-tier playoff team in the minds of many.
But Lakers owner Jeanie Buss isn’t listening to that noise, as she insists she is optimistic about the new campaign.
During an interview with Kirsten Chuba of Hollywood Reporter, she admitted she’s feeling good about getting things started, but she also admitted that there are potential pitfalls ahead.
Via Hollywood Reporter:
“This is the time of year everyone’s optimistic. We made a big change in hiring a new coach, Darvin Ham, who brings that work ethic that Laker fans really expect. I’m optimistic, but certainly injuries are what you can’t control, so we try to control everything that we can and set ourselves up for the best possible success. But everything else has to kind of go our way as well.”
Despite arguably the best superstar duo in the NBA, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and a younger and somewhat improved supporting cast, very few around the league consider L.A. a championship contender.
However, the franchise has always seemed to find a way to surprise people, especially when they least expect it, so it’s anyone’s guess what the 2022-23 season will hold for it.