The Lakers have struck a chord in recent weeks, winning eight of their last 10 games.
The run has come following an inconsistent start to the season after which Lakers president Magic Johnson threatened head coach Luke Walton with the sack.
Walton has since gained a better grasp of his best line-up, which has been helped with LeBron James’ prolific spree of point-scoring.
The small forward is averaging 28.9 points per game this season – his highest average since 2010.
It was James who once again spearheaded the Lakers to victory last night, as he returned to his former team Cleveland Cavaliers.
The 109-105 victory propelled the Lakers (10-7) to seventh in the Western Conference standings, which has fuelled talk that they may be able to reach the conference finals.
There are no such expectations in James’ first year despite the hype, and ESPN sports journalist Kellerman believes it should stay that way.
“I don’t think [the Lakers] are close to becoming a contender, meaning they will actually contend for a championship this year,” Kellerman told First Take.
“I think Tyson Chandler is an enormous addition, I think JaVale McGee was an excellent signing.
“And LeBron is seeing what he needs to do and figuring it out and keeping their heads above water.”
Kellerman insisted that, despite the shrewd recruiting from the franchise, not much should be read into beating the Cavaliers, who have the worst record (2-14) in the NBA.
“But let’s not get carried away,” he continued.
“They just beat a hapless team – probably the worst team in basketball – by four points.
“Are they going to make the play-offs? I thought they would.
“Are they going to advance in the play-offs? I think they will, and it’ll stop there.
“I don’t see a Western Conference finals team here.”