Lake Show Life
Fansided

Los Angeles Lakers: A championship season vs. an also-ran season

By Ed Schrenzel

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)
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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 3
Next
Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

The Los Angeles Lakers immediately went into “win-now” mode in 2018 when they signed LeBron James, then age 34. They knew that the window to capture titles with him wouldn’t stay open very long.

As a result, out the door went three future all-stars:  #2 picks D’Angelo Russell and Brandon Ingram and #7 Julius Randle. Many other solid young players were also jettisoned, including another #2, Lonzo Ball, along with Thomas Bryant, Jordan Clarkson, Josh Hart, Svi Mykhailiuk, Larry Nance Jr, Mo Wagner, Ivica Zubac and their first-round picks in 2019, 2020 and 2021.

Anthony Davis arrived in their places and teamed with James and a supporting cast led by Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Kyle Kuzma and Alex Caruso to produce the Lakers’ 17th championship in 2020.

To defend the title, Rob Pelinka attempted to boost the team’s offense by acquiring Dennis Schroder and Montrezl Harrell. Each had their share of both good and bad games, but the Lakers’ attempt to repeat was derailed by injuries to both AD and LeBron.

This offseason, Pelinka completely retooled the Los Angeles Lakers roster to emphasize offense even more.

Gone are KCP, Kuzma, Caruso, Schroder, Harrell and just everyone else not named Davis or James.

Replacing them are veteran star Russell Westbrook along with old hands Carmelo Anthony, Trevor Ariza, Kent Bazemore, Wayne Ellington and Rajon Rondo and centers Dwight Howard and DeAndre Jordan. Pelinka also signed three youngsters, potential star Talen Horton-Tucker, who was re-signed, plus newcomers Malik Monk and Kendrick Nunn.

Will this changing of the guard produce another championship or will the team flame out? Either outcome is possible regardless of what you believe or want to happen.

Home/Lakers News