Could the Lakers Make a Big Turnaround in 2022-23? Reasons for Optimism, Part 1

There are plenty of reasons to worry about the Lakers this season, especially if you're setting the bar at a championship. Or even avoiding the play-in tournament. Or if you want to get really dark, making the play-in tournament. But while ESPN gave them better odds this year to be "Team Turmoil," they also landed on the "Team Turnaround" list in their annual summer polling of execs and whatnot. So how can that happen? First, it's important to define terms. What does a turnaround mean? Is it a championship? Because if that's the only definition, Lakers fans are almost certain to be disappointed. But if turnaround can mean something else? And to that end, it's important fans remember that damn near everything that could go wrong last season did. Technically, not everything - it could have been worse - but replicating that string of bad outcomes will be hard. So with that in mind, what are some realistic things that could change this season that will help improve the team's fortunes? Start with Kendrick Nunn, who is often forgotten when people talk about what the Lakers could be this season. The issue isn't that he's an All-Star, but it's a higher level player that for all intents and purposes functions as a free agent acquisition for this season. Assuming he can play (and we need proof of life), obviously. Nunn can be a floor spacer, if he shoots near the 38% clip he managed in his second season in Miami. That's a big help. Add in reason to believe Austin Reaves will benefit from not hitting the rookie wall, which will help improve on his 32% from last year, and then Thomas Bryant, who did good work there in Washington before his injury and there's at least a recipe where the Lakers aren't a total catastrophe from 3-point range. And that's just one thing! More optimism coming in our next episode! HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Why everything that could go wrong last season did. SEGMENT 2: What does turnaround mean, anyway? SEGMENT 3: Kendrick Nunn is a reason for optimism. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline BetOnline.net has you covered this season with more props, odds and lines than ever before. BetOnline – Where The Game Starts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices