Lakers predictions: Why Luka Doncic could win MVP and lead a playoff surge

WEDNESDAY VS.GOLDEN STATE: It’ll be the first game of the Doncic era and the franchise’s first season opener without LeBron James on the roster since 2017.NOV.

27 AT SAN ANTONIO: The Lakers’ first big test against an intraconference foe comes in the form of Victor Wembanyama and the defending Western Conference champions. DEC.25 VS.

PHILADELPHIA: James’ first game in Los Angeles after leaving the Lakers for the 76ers as a free agent will draw plenty of eyeballs. JAN.26: VS.

OKLAHOMA CITY: The Thunder dominated the Lakers last season, winning all four regular-season games before sweeping them in the second round of the playoffs.  APRIL 9 VS.MINNESOTA: The final of four matchups against another Western Conference playoff team that underwent significant changes during the offseason. With a solid supporting cast around them, Doncic and Austin Reaves should spearhead an elite offensive team.

Add in the Lakers’ overlooked defense being at least average and there’s a recipe for the Lakers to get close to winning 50 regular-season games. ...