Los Angeles Lakers: 3 things that could derail LA from winning the title

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JUNE 01: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts on the bench during the second half in Game Five of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on June 01, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

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Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports – Los Angeles Lakers /

I did not want to write this article, but I’m not fully sold yet on the Los Angeles Lakers being the favorites to win next year’s NBA championship.

On one hand, I’m impressed and excited by some of the moves they made. The Russell Westbrook addition is exciting by itself, and despite his flaws, I think he can really improve this team in a big way.

The additions of guards Kendrick Nunn and Malik Monk give the team some youth and juice in the backcourt and two guys who can run with Westbrook and LeBron James to form what should be arguably the NBA’s deadliest transition game.

But there is no such thing as perfect.

The Los Angeles Lakers seem to have a great roster, but it’s certainly far from perfect.

The roster has some flaws that could prevent them from hoisting the Larry O’Brien trophy next summer.

I really hope I’m wrong about that. But having been a lifelong Lakers fan, and having remembered the failed attempts to win with a superteam in 2004 and 2012, I feel like I should curb my enthusiasm just a bit.

Once this team hits the hardwood for a few weeks, maybe my fears will be unfounded. But for now, there are some real, if not huge, holes in the roster of the Purple and Gold.

It’s certainly possible that general manager Rob Pelinka will address these holes at some time in the next several months, but at the moment they are real.

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