The Los Angeles Lakers have high expectations heading into the season. We preview their 2019-20 regular season with some storylines and predictions.
The Los Angeles Lakers have been in a position they are not used to in recent years. The Lakers are arguably the most marquee organization in the NBA. With the glitz and glamour of Hollywood and numerous title banners, everyone wants to be a Laker. However, they have fallen on tough times in recent years.
The Lakers finished the 2018-19 season without a playoff berth for the sixth straight year. It is the longest drought in franchise history. As a result, they finished in the NBA Draft Lottery, again, but Lady Luck was on their side.
Los Angeles went into the lottery with the No. 11 pick, but ended up moving into the No. 4 spot. That gave them another asset to dangle in Anthony Davis trade talks with the New Orleans Pelicans. After being dragged through the mud before the NBA Trade Deadline in February, Rob Pelinka and company were finally able to land their man.
It cost a pretty penny to pry Davis away from New Orleans. Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, the No. 4 pick and future picks were all sent to the Bayou. In return, the Lakers landed their second superstar to pair with LeBron James.
That gave Los Angeles a strong trio to build upon, as they retained Kyle Kuzma along with James and Davis. During free agency, rumors swirled about what the team would do. Would they go hunting for a third superstar to add to the mix, or fill out the roster with quality depth?
They tried their best to get Kawhi Leonard, but he ultimately chose the LA Clippers, convincing Paul George to come along with him.
While fans were disappointed they didn’t land the reigning NBA Finals MVP, it worked out well for the team. They were able to round out the roster around James and Davis, giving them solid depth across the board.
After what we saw in the NBA Finals, depth is key to succeeding. The Lakers have an excellent duo to build around with a solid supporting cast. Let’s take a look at that roster and some of the storylines surrounding the team heading into the season.