National Basketball Association

Lakers: Five Bold Predictions After LA's Opening Games

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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October 26, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) attempts a shot against the defense of Los Angeles Lakers center Tarik Black (28) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

After watching the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Houston Rockets on opening night, here are bold predictions for the upcoming season

The Lakers showed what their potential could be with their 120-114 win over the Rockets in their first game of the season. They seem to be a team primed for high scoring and little defense, anchored by a bevy and young and hungry players who like playing together.

It’s obviously early, and things will certainly change, but here are five bold predictions based on that first game for the Lakers.

October 26, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) moves the ball against the defense of Los Angeles Lakers forward Nick Young (0) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Nick Young Will Be LA’s Best Defender

Walton has been singing the praises of Young’s defense since the preseason. Apparently Young’s defense was so good, it earned him a starting spot against Houston and Young delivered.

He had various moments of strong defense against James Harden, and also made multiple-effort plays that are important in a team’s overall defensive scheme.

Everyone knows Young can score. But he’s always been athletic and feisty enough to make a difference on the defensive end. And this season, it seems he’s finally bought into that side of the floor.

If he remains locked in mentally, the combination of his starting role and his veteran status should give him enough incentive to continue being the team’s defensive stopper.

D’Angelo Russell Will Average over 25 Points Per Game

On opening night against the Rockets, Russell proved that he is angling to be the face of the franchise in the near future. While only getting three assists, he scored 20 points in 29 minutes, including four 3-pointers.

What was most impressive about Russell was his leadership and command of the offense. It’s also very fun to watch him drain threes, and say things like this after he does so:

Russell clearly has the confidence of coach Luke Walton, and his improvement over the summer is already showing on the court. While it would be easy to predict he’d average 20 a game, we’re upping the ante and going with 25+.

Jordan Clarkson Will Contend for Sixth Man of the Year

Clarkson seems to have adjusted to his newfound bench role beautifully. He scored 23 of his 25 points in the second half against the Rockets, and played only 24.5 minutes.

He shot very efficiently, going 8-of-12 from the field, including 2-of-3 from the 3-point line. He even made a funny little impression of Metta World Peace when he flexed his arms after getting fouled on a fast-break layup.

If he continues to put together games like the one against Houston — and there’s no reason he can’t — he could gather some serious steam for the Sixth Man of the Year award. He may not win at the end of the year, but he’ll definitely be in the conversation.

Larry Nance Jr Will Cement Himself as the Fan Favorite

Nance may not have scored much — just five points and five rebounds in 23 minutes of action — but damn, he’s fun to watch.

There was a moment early in the second quarter where on a pick-and-roll with Lou Williams, Nance received the ball and launched himself from an invisible trampoline for a dunk attempt with the defender only escaping by fouling him.

Nance has successfully dunked on several opponents last season, and that is sure to happen again — maybe even more — this season.

He also has the most chantable name. Just imagine when he completes a highlight dunk or block, and crowd starts screaming “La-rry, La-rry, La-rry.” It’s already beautiful.

Oct 13, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Jordan Farmar (20) is defended by Los Angeles Lakers guard Jose Calderon (5) during the fourth quarter at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Dahl-USA TODAY Sports

Jose Calderon Won’t Play Much This Season

Did anyone notice that Calderon was sitting at the end of the Lakers bench in a suit and tie? He sat about because of a left calf strain that’s been bothering him for a while, according to an article by Tania Ganguli of the LA Times.