Los Angeles Lakers: 5 reasons they have a championship-caliber roster right now
By Robert Marvi
5. The Lakers now have two legit superstars
Last summer, the Lakers signed LeBron James, giving them a real superstar for the first time since Kobe Bryant tore his Achilles in April 2013. Their ultimate plan was clear: obtain one additional superstar within the next 12 months.
Mission accomplished!
After the debacle known as the very public Anthony Davis trade negotiations at mid-season, the Lakers officially got their man in early July, without having to gut their team to boot.
This means that for the first time in several years, they have a real dynamic duo, and for the first time since the early 2000s, they have two real superstars on their roster.
A quick look around the league reveals that a dynamic duo is necessary to have a real shot at the championship. The Clippers have Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, the Rockets now have Russell Westbrook along with James Harden, the Blazers have Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum, the Sixers have Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, and so on.
Davis’ presence will no doubt take some of the presence and load off James, just like how Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal made things easier for each other back in the day. When one superstar is resting on the bench or (knock on wood) out with an injury, the other one can keep the team solid in the meantime.
The Lakers have literally always had a dynamic duo whenever they have won the NBA championship.