If one were to ask ESPN, the Los Angeles Lakers are one of the top teams who should be expected to significantly trend downward. With September right around the corner, it is difficult to imagine how they possibly came to that conclusion.
The group of NBA insiders at ESPN teamed up for a summer forecast, attempting to answer some of the biggest questions heading into the 2025-26 NBA season. One of those topics asked, "Which team will take a tumble this season?"
To the surprise and confusion of fans everywhere, the Lakers were slotted into the second highest spot on that list.