IT BEGINS TODAY! The Lakers kick off the 2021-22 NBA season, against the Golden State Warriors. So what's going to happen this year? It's time to make some big predictions.

But first, a little more housekeeping as the Lakers finalized their roster. They returned another familiar face to El Segundo, claiming Avery Bradley off waivers after the veteran guard was cut by Golden State at the end of the preseason. Bradley will provide a little bit of depth as the Lakers recover from injury, and in theory at least could help bolster a backcourt short on defenders. Then again, there's no guarantee he'll be on the team in six weeks. Why did they go this direction, when help on the wings remains a much more pressing need from a roster construction perspective?

Then, Frank Vogel talked about keeping LeBron James's minutes around 34 a game. Same with Russell Westbrook and Anthony Davis. Is that too many? Just right? LeBron says he doesn't like sitting, and actually feels worse when he plays less. Is he... um... full of it, just trying to maximize how much he'll play? And should everyone worry more about LeBron, or Davis and Westbrook? Just because LeBron is the oldest doesn't mean he's the most fragile.

From there... PREDICTIONS! It's time to answer the following....

• Where will the Lakers finish in defensive efficiency? How good do they need to be?
• What will they shoot from 3-point territory? What's the best way to boost that number?
• How many times will this year will Dwight Howard foul out? How many times will he be ejected?
• How much small ball center will LeBron and Carmelo Anthony play, and what does that say about lineups the Lakers might try?
• Plus two BOLD PREDICTIONS, about injuries and the number of dimes Westbrook and LeBron will drop this season.

And finally, the biggest prediction of all: Will the Lakers win an NBA title this year? If not, who is the biggest threat? It might not be the team you're thinking.

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

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