The Los Angeles Lakers have undergone a lot of changes this NBA offseason that has created an entirely new buzz around the team that hasn't been there in several years.

However, former Lakers head coach Byron Scott is pumping the brakes a bit on that immediately translating to the team snapping the longest playoff drought in franchise history this upcoming season, as he told TMZ Sports.

“I don't think so this year. It depends, but I think they got a really good chance of being a lot better than they have in the last few years. That's for sure.”

Scott also added that he believes rookie point guard Lonzo Ball also has an opportunity to develop into an All-Star-caliber player. Ball will immediately step into a prominent role with the Lakers being the driving force for the offense while second-year forward Brandon Ingram is expected to take over the leading scorer responsibility.

Los Angeles has made a couple of key acquisitions this summer that includes the addition of former All-Star center Brook Lopez via the D'Angelo Russell trade to the Brooklyn Nets and veteran guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope through NBA free agency.

These moves coupled with how the Lakers' rookies performed in the Las Vegas Summer League play last month have only increased the level of optimism around the organization. However, given the competitive nature of the Western Conference, it makes it hard to commit to the prediction that the team can make a leap into the playoff picture.

If anything, this upcoming campaign should at least see the Lakers provide many exciting and promising moments along the way that may lead to something special transpiring over the next few years.