The Los Angeles Lakers are off to a fantastic start to the season. Recently, Frank Vogel spoke about how well the team has come together.
It wasn’t too long ago when the Los Angeles Lakers looked like an absolute mess.
The ending to last season was not a pretty one for the franchise. However, the Lakers have bounced back and are one of the best teams in the NBA.
After missing out on Anthony Davis last season, they were able to get the job done this summer. That move caused a lot of drama last season, but has certainly looked like the right one so far this season.
In addition to Davis, the Lakers really re-shaped the entire roster. Since they traded a good chunk of their rotation to the Pelicans, new players had to be brought in. When there are a lot of changes to the roster, things coming together generally doesn’t happen overnight. However, things have gelled nicely for the Lakers.
Recently, Frank Vogel spoke to Anthony Irwin of Silver Screen and Roll about the Lakers coming together as a team. Here’s what he had to say.
"“I mean, honestly I think their games fit. And when you’re a general manager and you’re putting together a team, it’s not just about a collection of talent, it’s putting together pieces that fit,” Vogel told reporters Sunday night after the Lakers topped Minnesota."
Credit can really go all around for the strong start for the Lakers.
Rob Pelinka did a great job this summer of surrounding LeBron James and Anthony Davis with players that complement them nicely. Compared to last season, the Lakers have guys that can really dig in on defense and shoot the ball from beyond the arc.
On the court, the Lakers’ willingness to pass the ball has certainly played a part in their good start. James has really embraced his role as the primary ball-handler, as he is leading the league in assists per game.
The Lakers are far from a finished product, but this has been a better start to the season than anyone could have imagined. Like Pelinka and the players, Vogel also deserves credit. If not for the Lakers playing so well defensively this season, they likely would be where they are right now.
He has done a great job helping to create the identity for the team and has exceeded expectations. As the season goes on, the Lakers might only get better from here.