The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz: Way too early predictions for 2019-20 Western Conference standings

By Jared Woodcox

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 09: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets tries to drive through the defense Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz in the first half of a NBA game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 09, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 09: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets tries to drive through the defense Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz in the first half of a NBA game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 09, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 26: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers smiles during a game against the Washington Wizards on March 26, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 26: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers smiles during a game against the Washington Wizards on March 26, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

6. Los Angeles Lakers

I’m sure I’m getting some raised eyebrows and cries of, “What?!” at this very moment as this prediction is read. However, I’m not as high on the Los Angeles Lakers as most.

Yes, LeBron James and Anthony Davis are a prolific pair and should make the Lakers one of the most terrifying teams in the West. Come playoff time, perhaps their combined star power will be enough to help Los Angeles well outplay what I’m predicting to be a marginal playoff seed. But in looking solely at the regular season, I’m not fully convinced on the Lakers thriving.

The first reason for that is their supporting cast. Many thought they’d be a solid team last season with LeBron James in their mix, but they quickly found that he couldn’t do it all, especially in the dangerous Western Conference. Sure, new teammate Anthony Davis is far better than anyone LeBron had a year ago, but they still lost valuable depth pieces this summer and didn’t add a whole lot that has me too excited.

Yes, Danny Green should be a great fit as a shooter alongside James and maybe DeMarcus Cousins can round back into form, but overall this Lakers team may run into some of the same problems they did a year ago with a lackluster supporting cast.

Not only that, but Davis is no stranger to injuries and LeBron James is coming off a season where a lack of health certainly took its toll. The injury bug could rear it’s ugly head yet again, but even if it doesn’t, the Lakers will likely be cautious with its two stars and follow a rigorous load management plan. This could very well cost the Lakers some wins, which is why I have them so low in the regular season standings.

Nevertheless, I’ll reiterate that I could see them being dangerous come playoff time. James has a lot to prove this season and will want to silence the chorus of doubters that arose after last year. Once the postseason rolls around, he and Davis could be a daunting force for any opponent to have to deal with.

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