LA Lakers fans show no faith in team as they face multiple contenders in first six games
The LA Lakers begin their 2022-23 season against the defending champions, the Golden State Warriors. Unlike last year, the Lakers have a relatively difficult schedule to start the season. They will face four potential contenders in their first six games.
The schedule features the LA Clippers, Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets (twice) apart from their opening night opponents, the Warriors. Many Lakers fans don't seem optimistic about the team's chances of getting off to a strong start.
The LA Lakers haven't improved their roster significantly and continue to rely on LeBron James and Anthony Davis for results. A 1-5 preseason record also didn't help their case entering their first game against the Golden State Warriors.
Lakers fans on Twitter made their feelings known when a fan page questioned how many of their first six games the team was winning.
One fan wrote:
"Lakers season starts game 7"
Another added:
"0-6 bruh, I can’t take this sh**t again"
Here are some more reactions:
@LakeShowYo 6-0 https://t.co/9cnKgHbBMO
@LakeShowYo https://t.co/vyYu5uunXF
@LakeShowYo 1-5. https://t.co/9kdO89nBEZ
@LakeShowYo Floor is 1-5 ceiling is 3-3
@LeGoatburner1 @LakeShowYo Floor is 0-6 when we're talking about this Lakers
@LakeShowYo I could genuinely see us winning all 6 and also going 0-6
@LakeShowYo Lakers season starts game 7😤
@LakeShowYo 0-6 bruh. I can’t take this shit again
@LakeShowYo None. I'll watch every game but I don't see this team winning unless LBJ and AD get 30 each every game
@LakeShowYo i fixed the pic for you...0-6😰💯😂 https://t.co/riA7kaD0KW
@LakeShowYo We may just go 1-5 but at least Russ will get traded
@LakeShowYo I’m a big Lakers fan since 1970 and this team can’t shoot or play any defense if the preseason is any indication we will suck again
LA Lakers have shown promise but seem way off pace compared to championship rivals
The LA Lakers will enter the 2022-23 NBA season as the underdogs. They have dominated the prediction charts over the past three years but are nowhere near being considered a legitimate threat in the Western Conference.
The preseason was a disaster. However, it cannot be denied that the Lakers have looked sharp at times. New coach Darvin Ham is trying to implement a new style and system. The players seem to have bought into his philosophies, too.
The Lakers' main rotation guys impressed during the first few preseason games. LA led their opponents when their starters were on the court in four games. They moved the ball around well on offense and were good defensively. However, the Lakers weren't able to sustain the momentum in the last two games.
Outside shooting remains a concern. They also lacked effort on defense when they couldn't get going offensively, even with their regular rotation players on the floor. It was exactly like the issue they were criticized for last season. The Lakers will have to reignite their competitive fire to keep up with their championship rivals.
Unlike last year, they aren't under the pressure of being a legitimate contender. So, the LA Lakers could look into using that reduced pressure and putting up solid performances nightly.