While 21 games remain on the schedule, the 2017-18 NBA season can be deemed a success for the Los Angeles Lakers. The team has already surpassed last season’s win total, but more importantly, the young core has made considerable strides with their improvement.
Other than a nine-game losing streak, which in some part was due to injuries piling up, the Lakers have avoided the same pitfalls that plagued them last season. They’ve transformed from the worst defensive team in the league to a top-15 unit this season.
While those are all positive developments for the direction and trajectory of the franchise, the Lakers’ success is also increasing the likelihood of the Boston Celtics failing to cash in on their longtime rival’s futility.