The Los Angeles Lakers were not the lone NBA team to go winless this preseason, but because they are the Lakers and so much is expected from stars LeBron James, Anthony Davis and newcomer Russell Westbrook, everyone wants to see what happens.
Everyone wants to panic and assume the worst, especially in the fantasy basketball world. In reality, the Lakers figure to be terrific with their experienced team led by proven superstars and myriad other relevant parts, though they may go through the proverbial motions until the games really matter in April.
Fair or unfair?
Well, anyone worried about the Lakers will get an initial look this week with Tuesday's opener against Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors.
Then it is the defending Western Conference champions Phoenix Suns on Friday night on ESPN. That should be fun! Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies close the weekend on the Lakers' home turf. Three intriguing games at home (and 12 of the first 15 there), and nobody cares what the Lakers did this preseason ... unless they struggle as they did this preseason.
Integrating triple-double machine Westbrook into the offense is the big key and something that could really affect early in-season fantasy drafts. For now, we always assume Westbrook will be great. After all, he averaged a triple-double in four of the past five seasons, running offenses for three vastly different franchises.
Now he is with another one but not really running things. This preseason, Westbrook, with ample playing time (25 MPG), committed more turnovers than he had assists, and shot 35% from the field. Here come the questions: Can he play as effectively with James? Will the rebounds and assists be there?