However, expectations surrounding this team are drastically lower, as the team is in a rebuilding process and are facing lingering questions that have yet to be answered.
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ESPN recently forecasted the Lakers to finish in the 12th position in the Western Conference, which players like Kobe Bryant found to be dismissive. Jordan Hill recently chimed in with his opinion on the matter in a phone interview with the L.A. Daily News’ Mark Medina. Hill seemed very optimistic, saying:
“We definitely could be in the top three in the West,” Hill recently said in a phone interview. “I don’t see why not. Kobe is making progress with his rehab [surrounding his left Achilles tendon]. I wouldn’t be surprised if he comes back at the beginning of the season or in training camp. I don’t know if he will. But I wouldn’t be surprised. I have faith in everything he can do. I believe in the Mamba. The sky’s the limit for him.”
When Medina asked him about the questions and challenges that exist for the Lakers, including Kobe’s return and unknown form, the need to fill the defensive void from the departures of Dwight Howard and Metta World Peace and the fact that the Western Conference is loaded, Hill replied:
“It’s going to be tough, I’m not sure,” Hill said. “We don’t know when Kobe is going to come back. But I’m confident we can make some noise. We still have so many good pieces with Kobe, Pau, Nash, Kaman, a lot of good bench pieces. We can surprise some people and make some noise.”
On paper, a top three seeding for the Lakers in the Western Conference isn’t realistic. This season will have its challenges for the Lakers. However, it is refreshing to see and hear the confidence Hill has in his team and in his teammates.
A lot is unknown with this Lakers team. Only time will tell as the season progresses just how much noise they can make.
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