The Los Angeles Lakers have practically gone through a roster overhaul. They are heading into the new season with the oldest roster in the NBA. Here is The Lakers season preview:
The Lakers set out to build a powerhouse roster that will take on the beatable three-headed monster of the Brooklyn Nets.
Key Additions
Carmelo Anthony
Over the last two seasons, Melo has shown that there is still a roster spot in the league for a midrange master. Though while with the Blazers he improved his shooting from beyond the arc. At the age of 37, Anthony will finally team up with his best friend LeBron James. Carmelo may not have very many seasons left in the tank but on a roster full of stars. The Lakers will not need him to ball out every single night.
Russell Westbrook
He may not be the best shooting Point Guard. Though once again with stars such as Lebron, AD, and the rest of the crew the team will not need him to be a superstar every single night. The Lakers will probably ask Westbrook to be the primary Ball Handler with LeBron getting older. Westbrook is known for his triple-doubles, and I’d expect him to average close to a 10-10-10 triple-double.
Kent Bazemore
Last year, Bazemore bounced back to fit the 3 and D mold. While he was with the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2019-2020 season, he did not work out.
Trevor Ariza
Could this be the ending run of his career? Throughout his career, Ariza has played for many teams and has even been traded to teams that he never appeared in a game for. But nonetheless, Ariza helped the Los Angeles Lakers win a championship in 2009. At the age of 36, Ariza is still one of the most effective 3 and D Wings in the league, and he is still quick enough to play SG, SF, and PF.
Dwight Howard
Frank Vogel will be pleased to have Dwight Howard back on his bench as the backup center. Two years ago, Howard averaged 7.5 points and 7.5 rebounds with 1 block as the backup.
Malik Monk
Still young and has a bright future ahead of him, Monk has come out and said that he is excited to play alongside Westbrook, Anthony Davis, and LeBron.
Kendrick Nunn
A defensive point guard to come off the bench for the Miami Heat last year. Though, Nunn has says he is committed to playing on both ends of the court.
Wayne Ellington
Coming back to the Lakers, Wayne Ellington is ready to make an impact as a 3 and D player. Ellington will more than likely slot in as the starting SG.
Key Losses:
Alex Caruso
The loss of Alex Caruso will probably hurt the Lakers the most. He gave 110% every time he stepped on the court, and that is what LeBron loved about him.
Montrezl Harrell
Bringing back Dwight Howard will help replace the defense of Harrell, and the offense of Melo will replace him in the midrange/down low.
Kyle Kuzma
Whether Lakers fans loved or hated him, Kyle Kuzma is a great player who could not perform in the shadow of LeBron. A change of scenery will be good for the young man. The additions of Trevor Ariza and Carmelo Anthony will make up for the loss of Kyle Kuzma.
Dennis Schroeder
Once offered an extension to stay with the Lakers, Schroder did not accept, and he is now playing on a Boston Celtics team for less money than he wanted. Though not hard to replace. Malik Monk can take over in terms of what he provided.
Roster Construction
Starters: Russell Westbrook, Wayne Ellington, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Marc Gasol
A roster that is very well balanced. The Lakers have some flexibility that they can use when it comes to the starting lineup and the bench.
Bench: Carmelo Anthony, Trevor Ariza, Malik Monk, Kendrick Nunn, Dwight Howard, Talen Horton-Tucker, Mac McClung, Chaundee Brown, Austin Reaves, Joel Ayayi
This bench unit does not have any middle-aged good talent, the players on the bench are either super old or super young.
Season Outlook
The Los Angeles Lakers have proven that they want to reclaim the Western Conference by putting together an experienced team that is capable of being called a Super Team. But more than that, a team that is capable of winning another Championship. If the Lakers are not the number one seed by season’s end, you should look to see them as a top 3 in the west.
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