Conventional wisdom says that the Lakers will be much worse next season. Without Dwight Howard manning the middle, Metta World Peace and Earl Clark protecting the perimeter and Antawn Jamison stretching the floor, the Lakers have lost four of their most productive players.
Upon closer inspection, the Lakers have filled these gaping holes with young athletes and shooters that should theoretically fit in better with Mike D'Antoni's system.
Without seeing Wesley Johnson, Nick Young or any of the other new additions in training camp or in the preseason, there is no real way to know how well the team will mesh.
The only way to make a real prediction of the Lakers' performance next season is to project the new additions' statistical output based on a variety of factors.
These statistical projections will be based on both intangible and tangible factors such as experience, stats per 36 minutes and projected playing time.
Elias Harris will not be included in the projections as he should not see more than 10 minutes per game behind Chris Kaman, Pau Gasol, Jordan Hill and maybe even Robert Sacre (who re-signed with the Lakers for three more years).
Nick Young
Projected Stats: 13 points, three rebounds, two assists
Projected Minutes: 20+
Nick Young may start off the season competing with Jodie Meeks for starters' minutes if Kobe Bryant isn't able to return for opening day.
However, once the Black Mamba returns to form, Young should still see over 20 minutes per game playing both the shooting guard and the small forward positions.
With averages of 17.7 points, three rebounds and close to two assists per 36 minutes, Young should be able to produce 13 points per game as the pr...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
