3. Defense wins championships
Jan 22, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo (9) shoots against Cleveland Cavaliers center Tyler Zeller (40) in the first quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
PG – Rajon Rondo
SG – Kobe Bryant
SF – Luol Deng
PF – Julius Randle
C – Jordan Hill
Bench: Wes Johnson, Xavier Henry, Jordan Farmar
When was the last time the Lakers were associated with dominant defense? Have they ever? More often that not, they’re known for their offensive prowess: West and Baylor, Showtime, and Kobe and Shaq. Let’s say they change their tune heading into this spring.
With the Celtics committed to tanking, they look to free up cap space and rid themselves of future contracts. The long-rumored trade is pulled off, with a package surrounded around Pau Gasol and some of the big-time Lakers role players are sent to Boston in return for Rondo. With less post presence and a hobbled Rondo, the Lakers limp through the end of the season. As a result, they find themselves in the lottery. Blessed with the luck of Adam Morrison, they luck into the 3rd pick in the draft, drafting the best player left out of Andrew Wiggins, Jabari Parker, and Julius Randle.
In free agency, the Lakers bring back their young core of Hill, Farmar, Henry, and Johnson, using a decent amount of cap space. With their remainder, they go for Luol Deng, the ironman player who is a solid two-way player. Their starting lineup features a host of defensive talent and a great lineup for the future.