ESPN projects Lakers will finish sixth in Western Conference this season

ESPN forecasts a challenging season for the Los Angeles Lakers, anticipating a sixth-place finish in the Western Conference. The team has undergone significant roster changes, bringing in nine new players while losing starters, including LeBron James. Despite the overhaul, ESPN projects the Lakers will secure 45 wins, a decline from their previous two seasons where they achieved 50 wins each. With a manageable early-season schedule, the Lakers will attempt to build chemistry among the new players and aim for playoff contention. October and November games could help establish cohesion before the season progresses.

• 4:01 PMYahoo Sports — ESPN's somewhat gloomy forecast for the Lakers this season