Los Angeles Lakers: Comparing the current roster to last year’s roster

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 02: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts with Anthony Davis #3 during the second half against the Miami Heat in Game Two of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on October 02, 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 02: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts with Anthony Davis #3 during the second half against the Miami Heat in Game Two of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on October 02, 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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(Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

Comparing the Los Angeles Lakers’ team chemistry

The Los Angeles Lakers team chemistry was an underrated, important factor why they won the title last season. The players exhibited great teamwork, rooted hard for one another and demonstrated a “one-for-all, all-for-one” attitude.

With five new players coming on board, and the departure of sturdy, supportive teammates like Green, McGee and Howard, it cannot be assumed that strong team chemistry will automatically carry over into this season.

That’s a key reason why Pelinka was smart to re-sign Jared Dudley and Quinn Cook. Although they occupied the end of the bench last season, and will almost certainly do so again this season, they were an integral part of the team atmosphere.

Neither impacted the outcome of games very much. Cook appeared in just 44 games, averaging 11.5 minutes per game, while Dudley played in only 45 games, averaging 8.1 MPG. Cook played in just six of the Lakers 21 postseason games 4 MPG) and Dudley in nine (3.4 MPG).

But the duo never complained about their lack of playing time and were always supportive of their teammates. That should remain the same this year.

Stars James and Davis will set the tone, and newcomer veterans Gasol and Matthews should have no problem fitting right in. Pelinka publicly praised the toughness of Schroder and Harrell. While they could potentially upset the apple cart, right now they appear happy to join the club, accepting of the prevailing feeling, and ready to accept their roles.

After winning a championship, many teams experience a drop-off in productivity the following season. Pelinka seems to have done a terrific job increasing the talent level of the team on both ends of the court while maintaining a winning atmosphere.

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Today’s Lakers roster seems stronger than it was last season. But championships are never won on paper. Fortunately, leaders like LeBron and AD both have a burning desire to dominate and are surrounded by an outstanding supporting cast. As a result, this squad appears to be in an excellent position to defend its title.

All statistics courtesy of www.basketball-reference.com