Last season was a disaster for the Los Angeles Lakers, who finished 27-55. Injuries, questionable coaching and a terrible road record all contributed to the most losses in franchise history.

This year, the Lakers are trying to make it back to the playoffs with head coach Byron Scott leading the team.

Why the Lakers Will Make NBA Playoffs

History is on the Lakers' side. The franchise hasn't missed the postseason in consecutive years since the 1974 and 1975 seasons, one of the most impressive streaks in all of sports. Last season may have been a disaster, but much of that was in part because Kobe Bryant was out for almost the entire season. Ex-Lakers coach Mike D'Antoni wasn't exactly the best fit in Los Angeles either, with his "run and gun" offense.

Byron Scott, who played 11 seasons on the Lakers, will be coaching the team this season. Point guard Jeremy Lin was the biggest addition to the Lakers roster, along with power forward Carlos Boozer. Things will seem different without Pau Gasol, but Boozer is younger and a better rebounder. Lin has shown he can be an excellent dual threat with his scoring and passing abilities.

Anytime you have Kobe Bryant, you have a great chance at making the playoffs. Nick Young will also do a lot of damage from the outside with his accurate three point shooting.

Why The Lakers Won't Make NBA playoffs

The additions of Lin and Boozer were nice, but the Western Conference is loaded. The Lakers have to compete with teams such as the San Antonio Spurs, Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Clippers and the Houston Rockets. Even the Portland Trailblazers and Memphis Grizzlies will be tough opponents.

Los Angeles fans are hoping Bryant can stay healthy, as he only played six games last season. We still don't know how Bryant will do this year playing on a knee he fractured last season. Scott is a proven head coach, having led the New Jersey Nets to consecutive NBA Finals appearances in 2002 and 2003, but will his system work in Los Angeles? Only time will tell.

The biggest hole with the Lakers is their center position. Robert Sacre, Ed Davis and Jordan Hill aren't scaring anyone. There's no doubt that this team will have to win more because of its backcourt than because of its frontcourt. If Lin and Bryant can form a great bond on the court, this could be a solid team.

Feel free to vote below in our poll and tells us if you think the Lakers will make the playoffs.

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