Aggregating the Hottest L.A. Lakers Season Predictions from Around the Web

The Los Angeles Lakers have been in the news more than any other team this offseason. They picked up Steve Nash and Dwight Howard, while hanging on to Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol.

Everyone has an opinion about what this star studded team is capable of, and no matter where you get your sports news, you are guaranteed a new prediction every week.

Well, let's take a closer look and analyze some of those predictions. Who overestimated the Lakers? Did anyone actually underestimate them? Let's find out.

ESPN's Expert Poll

Prediction (via ESPN): 59-23

This was an expert's poll that was posted on ESPN on August 30th, so this isn't breaking news or anything, but it is ESPN's official prediction.

The comparison I want to make right away (and one I'll try not to overuse) is to the Miami Heat. The Heat also had a highly publicized offseason in 2011, highlighted by the famous "Decision" of LeBron James.

Miami now had LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh on the same team. The media built them as the greatest team ever assembled, and they finished with a 58-24 record.

LA now also has a group of stars, and the prediction is a humble 59-23. From where I am sitting, this is expecting too much out of this roster.

The Lakers will run into the same problem Miami ran into; chemistry. Kobe Bryant never played with a dominant offensive point guard, and Dwight never really had to share the ball much with anybody.

It will take time for every piece to fall into place, as all three will have to get used to handling the ball a little bit less every night. How quickly they adjust will determine how how high in the West they will finish.

This roster is also not the same as the Heat's because Kobe Bryant is not the willing passer Wade or LeBron are. Nash is used to running his offense, the pick and roll, and fast breaks.

Dwight is used to being a dominant force in the post surrounded by shooters who would get open and knock down threes.

It will take the Lakers longer to develop than it did for the Heat, and conversely, they will not finish with a better record.

General Manager's Survey

Prediction: (via NBA.com): Win the Western Conference, lose in the Finals

This is a prediction I think could very well come to fruition. The biggest threat to the Lakers in the West are clearly last season's Conference Champs; the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Thunder were a team many thought would either beat the Heat, or take them to the full seven games. Instead, they were sent home disappointed after just five games.

Concerns were raised over the consistency of their stars, and coach Brooks raised some eyebrows with his playcalling.

However, can be we really say the Lakers are the better team? The Thunder had no problem with the Lakers last year, taking only five games to send them packing, but this is a much different team this year.

Both Kobe Bryant and Nash realize their time to win is coming to an end, and for Nash, this could be the defining point of his legacy. Hunger can be the deciding factor when it comes to playoff battles, and I will give the edge to the Lakers.

While the Thunder can be beat, the case for the Lakers beating the Heat is harder to make. LeBron James is the best player in the world, and Dwyane Wade can match Kobe.

Nash and Dwight both have a rather big advantage on their matchup and It will come down to role players. In that department, the Heat have a clear edge.

Ray Allen, Rashard Lewis, Udonis Haslem, and Shane Battier give the Heat this matchup. Not to say that Jodie Meeks, Jordan Hill, and Antawn Jamison are bad, but the backups in Miami are proven.

All of them, with maybe the exception of Lewis, have stepped up and played well when their teams called upon them.

The chemistry is there with Haslem, Battier, Norris Cole and others, and they have a ring to prove it. I agree with the general managers on this one.

Yahoo Prediction

Prediction: (via Yahoo.com): 64-18 record

I wanted to include this as a definite reach, and definitely similar to the hype Miami received in 2011. Winning 60 games takes more than star power. Chemistry, depth, and health are all key.

Another issue I have is the predicted start of the Lakers, specifically their 7-0 beginning to the season. Their first few opponents aren't the most challenging, but it will be nearly impossible for the Lakers to start this hot.

If this was the 2013-2014 season, I could very well see the Lakers starting 10-0, but this season, they are going to have to learn from their mistakes early on.

It will take time, and they will get better as the year goes on. An important factor will be just how quickly they find their identity. Who handles the ball in what situation, and how the stars play off each other.

The writer, Mark Hawkins also has the Lakers winning their last four games of the season, something I find unlikely simply because the starters will be on the bench.

At this point in the season, their playoff spot will be decided, and the starters could use some rest. Nash isn't getting any younger, and the same goes for Kobe's knees.

It's easy to overestimate this team, but this is a very dangerous prediction.

Conclusion

Laker fans have a lot to be excited about, not just for this year, but for the future. Steve Nash, Kobe Bryant, and Dwight Howard being on the same court is scary good.

However, it is very important to not get caught up in the hype and keep a clear mind. Los Angeles will make the playoffs, but there will be rough spots along the way.

This roster, like any roster, needs time to fully reach its potential. Keep the expectations high, but realistic. LA is back to being one of the very top teams in the league, and that alone should be a great moment for fans.

Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed, and share your thoughts in the comments!