Lakers hit with disappointing season projection after parting ways with 76ers' LeBron James

The Los Angeles Lakers have undergone significant turnover this summer, and the entire roster looks much different than it did last season. Los Angeles is now building around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves for the future.

It became increasingly clear last season that LeBron James would likely not return. James quickly let the organization know that he would be moving on this summer.

“LeBron James will return for an unprecedented 24th season in the NBA -- but it won't be with the Los Angeles Lakers. James has informed the Lakers that the franchise can move on without him because he will play elsewhere, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told ESPN's Shams Charania on Tuesday,” ESPN wrote.

That changed the entire complexion of the offseason for Los Angeles, as the organization officially had the opportunity to move forward without its longtime superstar. James would eventually sign with the Philadelphia 76ers.

“LeBron James is signing with the Philadelphia 76ers for his final run at another NBA championship, he announced Friday," ESPN's Dave McMenamin wrote. "James, 41, is signing a two-year, $8 million contract with a player option, Klutch Sports Group CEO Rich Paul told ESPN's Shams Charania."

Los Angeles added several different pieces to the roster this summer. While the Lakers believe they made the right moves, Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz believes the team could have its worst regular season since JJ Redick became head coach.

“The Los Angeles Lakers will look remarkably different this season, which may or may not be a good thing. Kessler is a huge upgrade over Ayton to be sure, and players like Grimes, Thybulle and Mamukelashvili are strong two-way floor-spacers next to Luka Dončić. The Lakers won't just miss James, however, but Smart as well. LA had a net rating of minus-6.1 in the 2,252 possessions where James and Smart were both off the floor last season. Expect the Lakers to flirt with 50 wins but ultimately finish in the high-40s, still punching their ticket to the West playoffs,” Swartz wrote.

If the Lakers fail to win 50 games, it would be the first time since Redick took over as head coach that they fell short of that mark. While Los Angeles made several moves this summer, it remains difficult to determine whether those moves are enough to make the team a legitimate championship contender.

This should be an interesting season for the Lakers, as they have plenty to prove. However, based on the current outlook, their first season without James in nearly a decade could be a challenging one.

More NBA news: