As all fans know, the Los Angeles Lakers‘ hopes for a title repeat were dashed in round one by the Phoenix Suns.
Afterward, the players, coaches and front office all agreed that things would have worked out differently if their two stars had been at full strength. The prevailing opinion was “Let’s run it back next season.”
That’s easier said than done, especially since only five players are signed for next season. Some roster changes will have to be made.
The questions for the Lakers are: What will their 2021-22 roster look like? Which of this year’s players are most likely to return?
What are the odds that each individual player will return to the Los Angeles Lakers?
General Manager Rob Pelinka will have his work cut out for him. That’s primarily because of the salary cap, which is projected to be about $112 million next season, making it difficult to fill holes at center, point guard and outside shooter.
Let’s look at each player individually by category.