Los Angeles Lakers: 3 keys to reclaiming the throne as champions in 2022

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 11: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts with his MVP trophy and Finals trophy after winning the 2020 NBA Championship over 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 with his MVP trophy and Finals trophy after winning the 2020 NBA Championship over 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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(Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

The Los Angeles Lakers can no longer say that they are the defending champions of the NBA. The Milwaukee Bucks came all the way back from a 2-0 deficit to the Phoenix Suns, defeating Phoenix in six games in front of their home fans.

Congratulations to Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks. You don’t need to hear it from me, but Giannis is one of the most hardworking players in the league and deserves every second of this. I cannot wait to check out Mirin Fader’s biography on Giannis (you can find the link in her Twitter bio), which drops on August 10.

It is now time to go to work for the Los Angeles Lakers. LeBron James, Anthony Davis and co. are looking to climb back to the top of the mountain and reclaim the throne, potentially against the Bucks in the 2022 NBA Finals.

Three things are necessary for the Los Angeles Lakers to reclaim the throne atop the NBA.

The Lakers, as currently constructed, are not going to win the NBA Title. The team needs certain things to break their way that did not break their way last season as well as some additions to the team in the offseason.

They obviously have the best foundation possible with two bonafide superstars. Now it is up to Rob Pelinka to make sure the Lakers are checking off the right boxes and recognizing these championship keys.