<body><div>Each member of the Los Angeles Lakers roster understands how immense the pressure is for them to perform. Since they have two of the league’s best stars, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, anything short of a Finals appearance is widely considered a disappointment. This is problematic for a fanbase that’s become used to winning championships.One of the biggest questions surrounding the Purple and Gold this season is how JJ Redick will fare in his first regular season as head coach. The former sharpshooter and TV analyst has an impressive basketball brain, but everyone knows that it takes more than basketball acumen to become a successful coach in what many consider the hottest seat in the league.There’s also the issue of a lack of quality players brought in the offseason. While Dalton Knecht is an exciting young talent for the Lakers roster, it’s hard to determine if the Lakers’ current iteration has what it takes to make a serious push for the Larry O’Brien trophy.As if to verify these concerns, one analyst placed the Lakers at a surprising position in a Western Conference prediction piece.Sports Illustrated analyst lists the Los Angeles Lakers at #10 of his 2024-25 Western Conference predictions<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3MW16M_0wGOnYZa00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3MW16M_0wGOnYZa00" width="700" height="467" ></figure>Los Angeles Lakers: Dalton Knecht Achieves Feat Not Seen Since Kobe Bryant's Rookie Season 15 Oct 4, 2024; Palm Desert, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Dalton Knecht (4) and guard Quincy Olivari (41) watch a free throw against Minnesota Timberwolves forward Leonard Miller (33) during the second half at Acrisure Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images Sports Illustrated’s Kevin Hicks didn’t mince words when it came to talking about the Lakers. He thinks the roster isn’t strong enough to make a meaningful postseason push:<blockquote>The Lakers failed to do much to improve the roster this offseason other than drafting Dalton Knecht – and it feels like the backcourt duo of D’Angelo Russell/Austin Reaves is unsustainable for a team that is seriously attempting to contend. </blockquote>The fact that teams like the Houston Rockets, New Orleans Pelicans, and Sacramento Kings are way ahead of the Lakers in Hicks’ ranking shows how little confidence he and many NBA fans have towards the Purple and Gold making a deep postseason run.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2d5KDY_0wGOnYZa00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2d5KDY_0wGOnYZa00" width="700" height="467" ></figure>Los Angeles Lakers Gets Shocking Ranking in Sports Illustrated's 2024-25 Western Conference Prediction 3 May 10, 2023; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) and Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) look on during the third quarter in game five of the 2023 NBA playoffs conference semifinals round at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports </div></body>

Mountain View, CA

NewsBreak

Los Angeles Lakers Get Shocking Ranking in Sports Illustrated’s 2024-25 Western Conference Prediction

Each member of the Los Angeles Lakers roster understands how immense the pressure is for them to perform. Since they have two of the league’s best stars, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, anything short of a Finals appearance is widely considered a disappointment. This is problematic for a fanbase that’s become used to winning championships.