NBA 2016-17 forecast: Pacific Division

By Brian Boake | Sep 5, 2016

November 17, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) shoots the basketball against Toronto Raptors guard Cory Joseph (6) during the fourth quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Raptors 115-110. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

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LOS ANGELES LAKERS

Last season: 17 – 65

This season: 25 – 57

Grit your teeth, play the kids, and call for patience. There’s little else management of the purple and gold can do this season. Their team is young, and there’s no pill which can be given to provide Instant Experience.

Dec 7, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) talks to Toronto Raptors head coach Dwane Casey at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Lakers 102-93. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

While they have added or retained a slew of veterans (Timofey Mozgov, Lou Williams, Jose Calderon, Metta World Peace, Yi Jianlian), new coach Luke Walton has the luxury of an extended honeymoon. He’s got to give his super-high-ceiling draftees like Brandon Ingram, D’Angelo Russell and Julius Randle major minutes.

Accept it, Lakers fans. There’s no quick fix. Measure this season by progress, not with fantasies of a playoff spot.

Next: Team Turmoil, Verson 5 or more

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