This previous season NBA fans witnessed the worst years of all-time from the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers. They each play in the two most populated cities in the United States, so the pressure to succeed is always high.

The Lakers and Knicks combined for 38 wins and 126 losses this previous season. Which team has the brighter future ahead of them?

One could make the case for the Lakers simply because of financial reasons. Jeremy Lin is now with the Charlotte Hornets, and Kobe Bryant is set to retire after next season. The retirement of Steve Nash saved the Lakers millions as well.

The Lakers, like any other great franchise, have had their slumps before. They always rebound. The average 1990s were followed up by five championship squads led by Shaquille O'Neal, Bryant and Phil Jackson. Historically speaking, the Lakers have always figured these things out rebuilding and reloading. It won't be easy to replace Bryant, but the Lakers have young talented players such as D'Angelo Russell, Nick Young, Roy Hibbert and Julius Randle.

Is that going to win a championship next year? No, but it is a very good starting point. Hibbert gets very criticized because he isn't a gifted scorer, but he's still a talented defensive player. Next year is Hibbert's last year under contract, so the Lakers aren't committed long-term to him if this relationship doesn't work out.

As for the Knicks, they do have a few advantages over the Lakers heading forward. The biggest and most obvious one of course being competition. For the Lakers to make the playoffs in the Western Conference they will have to win about 45-50 games. In the Eastern Conference the Knicks only have to win about 35-40 games to qualify for the postseason. Last year three teams made the playoffs in the East without even having a winning record.

The Knicks also have the "superstar" factor on their side. Carmelo Anthony may not be the best player in the world, but he's still better than anyone currently on the Lakers. Anthony battled a few injuries last season having missed 42 games, but when healthy, he's one of the best scorers in the NBA. Jackson is also a great basketball mind who is helping the Knicks front office, although he isn't the head coach.

It's been very difficult for both of these franchises lately. The old "come to New York City or Los Angeles for fame and money" pitch isn't working anymore. Free agents and big name players are finding homes elsewhere. Cost of living and extremely high taxes in the area have certainly played a detrimental factor. Greg Monroe and LaMarcus Aldridge are each perfect examples of that.

The Lakers are clearing up millions in cap space, and should be returning to a somewhat competitive level eventually. That most likely won't be for another two or three years. The Knicks have a better chance at making the playoffs next season because of Anthony, and the weak conference they play in.

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