What happened: Speaking via ESPN NBA, Kendrick Perkins projected the Los Angeles Lakers to rank among the league's elite scoring units this regular season. His breakdown focused on the specific traits that make the club's offensive attack so dangerous for opposing defenses.

Why it matters: Sustained offensive efficiency gives Los Angeles a reliable margin for error as the regular season unfolds in a competitive conference race. High-powered half-court execution also eases the burden on the defense while positioning the roster for postseason contention.

What to watch: How consistently the Lakers sustain their offensive pace against upcoming regular-season opponents will test Perkins' projection over the coming weeks.