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4 things to watch for during the Los Angeles Lakers’ preseason

By Brad Magsam

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 11: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the fourth quarter against the Miami Heat in Game Six of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on October 11, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 11: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the fourth quarter against the Miami Heat in Game Six of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on October 11, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers
Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images – Los Angeles Lakers /

3. Differences in playing styles

Los Angeles Lakers’ general manager Rob Pelinka absolutely owned the offseason. He improved the roster in a big way, creating arguably one of, if not the deepest team in the NBA.

However, do not expect the Lakers to play like the same team from last season.

Although the Los Angeles Lakers should still be considered one of the better defensive teams in the league, it may not be quite as obvious without the presence of Dwight Howard and JaVale McGee down low. The twin tower center rotation was a massive presence at the basket. Paired with Anthony Davis, many teams had troubles scoring at the rim.

One of the most important matchups during the Lakers’ championship run was Dwight Howard versus Nikola Jokic. For as skilled as Jokic is, Dwight was able to physically bother the Joker. Howard’s physicality and defensive antics were enough to get under Jokic’s skin, which helped limit his productivity on the floor.

The Lakers are hoping that the addition of Marc Gasol will help fill the void that is left with Dwight Howard’s departure. Gasol, the former NBA Defensive Player of the Year winner, is a different type of defender. He is not nearly as athletic as Howard, but he can still be physically overpowering.

The signing of Montrezl Harrell may help the Los Angeles Lakers’ already devastating transition offense. A lineup of Harrell with LeBron James and Anthony Davis would be difficult for opposing teams to stop in the open court thanks to their size and speed.

The one unchanged characteristic of this Los Angeles Lakers team is their ability to adapt to any playing style. Whether they want to play big, small or somewhere in between, this roster is built to succeed.

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