Heading into the 2017-18 NBA season, the Los Angeles Lakers figured to be in for another year of futility but one they hoped would come with progress. And though the franchise missed the playoffs for a fifth consecutive season, optimism is abound within the organization.
A young core comprised of Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, Brandon Ingram and Kyle Kuzma have many pointing to the Lakers as a team on the rise and an attractive landing spot for prospective free agents. It doesn’t hurt that they are on track to have the most salary cap space available this summer.