The Lakers, as everyone knows by now, didn't do much to improve themselves in the offseason. They didn't get worse, but they didn't get any better, either. The hope is internal improvement—from players like Max Christie and Austin Reaves, better health from Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent, better coaching from JJ Redick—will be enough to elevate them past last year's 47 wins and at the least, make them look like a potential contender if Rob Pelinka can make a move. But part of playing all the way to their ceiling is the idea of getting off to a hot start. Many teams will stage a minicamp before official traning camps open. Run by players, they help build spirit and cohesion. The Lakers have done this a bunch of times in the LeBron Era... but won't this year. LeBron James and Anthony Davis are both back in LA and working out, but presumably the offseason work with Team USA threw off a normal summer enough where this wasn't going to happen. Does it mean Davis and James will take it easy through camp? Are they going to ease into the season? It's a tough balance. The Lakers need them both to be fresh for the playoffs to have a chance to advance. They also need them to win games in the regular season, in order to make those playoffs. The schedule, as noted, is torture. The Lakers need to be operating at as high a level as possible exiting the preseason. They know their teammates, but not the staff of the scheme. It's a tricky spot! All together, it's one reason the eggheads (or egghead, at least) at ESPN (Kevin Pelton in this case) believes the Lakers are a likely candidate to take a step back in wins this year. There is the normal concern about the health of James and Davis, who seemed to defy the odds (or at least recent seasons) by playing a ton of games last year. Can they do it again? It also notes the Lakers were unusually successful in close games. That's a number that tends to regress year to year, since it's often luck-based. HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: No minicamp ... is that a bad sign? SEGMENT 2: How can the Lakers balance a lot of competing forces? SEGMENT 3: Are the Lakers likely to take a step back this year? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. PrizePicksDownload the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONNBA and get $50 instantly when you play $5! You don't even need to win to receive the $50 bonus, it's guaranteed! Prizepicks. Run Your Game. eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it’s easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. FanDuelYou can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. Place your first FIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - guaranteed !Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)