1. Team Chemistry
Contrary to what some fans believe, simply throwing superstars together on the court doesn’t guarantee success. Sometimes it works (Celtics 2007 when Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen joined Paul Pierce), sometimes it doesn’t (Lakers 2003 when Karl Malone and Gary Payton were added to Shaquille O’Neal and Bryant and again in 2012 when Nash and Howard were combined with Kobe and Pau Gasol).
Circumstances are different this year. One superstar, Anthony Davis, is joining LeBron James on the Lakers roster. The rest of the squad will consist of newly-signed veterans Green, Bradley, Howard, Cook, Jared Dudley and Troy Daniels, as well as returning players Kuzma, McGee, Caruso, KCP and Rondo.
Still, it is important that the players understand their roles and all swim in the same direction. That’s what happened for the most part for the Lakers in 2017-18. But that feeling was mostly lost last season for many reasons, none of which are particularly relevant for this year’s team.
With nine new players and six returning ones, good team chemistry will take time to develop. Vogel will use training camp and exhibition games to experiment with player rotations, but even those will be subject to change once the regular season begins. It could well be a while before the roles of many players are clearly defined.
What is clear is that the tone will be set by Vogel in conjunction with the two stars, AD and LeBron. Everyone else will be in a support role. For most of the other Lakers, that should not represent a problem. It’s something they are accustomed to doing, so for them it should be business as usual.
The biggest adjustment will have to be made by Howard, who was an All-Star for eight consecutive seasons from 2007-14. He says he understands he won’t be the star of this team and is ready to accept a different role. Talk can be cheap, so we’ll have to wait and see just how well he actually does adapt.
It’s fortunate that the two stars, Davis and James, are on great terms and look forward to playing together. The Lakers have enough supporting talent at all positions to produce a playoff team. Good chemistry among the players can be the final ingredient to help battle for a title.
Conclusion
For the first time in seven long seasons, Lakers fans are rightfully hopeful about the team’s chances. If the players avoid further injuries, play good team defense and develop good team chemistry, this season might well have a happy ending.
All statistics courtesy of www.basketball-reference.com