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

The Los Angeles Lakers championship scenario

First and foremost, both Davis and James report to training camp in great shape, fully recovered from their injuries. The team will still go only as far as their star duo will carry them.

The veterans must also all adapt to their teammates and new roles. For starters, that means that Westbrook, who has never been worse than the second-best player on his team, accepts that he is now the #3 option.

This season, Russ does a better job at managing his shot selection and works harder on the defensive end. He should certainly be the third scorer the team has needed. He may not again average a triple-double but he remains one of the league’s stars and most exciting players.

Melo will almost certainly reprise the sixth man role he played for Portland last season. In particular, he displays the same 40% three-point shooting touch. Ariza, who has shown signs of slowing down, still plays strong defense and makes his open shots.

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Bazemore, who may assume KCP’s role, provides good perimeter D and at least a little offense. Ellington fulfills his primary role by converting his long-distance shooting. Rondo, who did not play well last season for the Hawks and Clippers, reverts back to his old form when called upon to help set up the offense and plays at least passable defense.

Both Howard and Jordan provide rebounding and rim protection along with a little bit of offense here and there, primarily on lob passes and offensive rebounds. The Lakers acquire a big who can score from outside, providing better floor spacing for everyone.

Meanwhile, the three youngsters inject energy into a veteran lineup. THT continues his development and shows off his improved outside shooting. Monk assumes the same true scoring role that he held with Charlotte last season before he sprained his ankle. And Nunn demonstrates that he is an upgraded version of Schroder.

Defense is one of the biggest challenges facing the team and Coach Frank Vogel this season.  But he shows all players, veterans and youngsters alike, how to play effective team defense.

Although Vogel is unable to find court time for every player every night, those that sit out are supportive of their teammates without complaining. The team enjoys the same good chemistry that characterized the 2020 champs.

Is all this possible? At least most of it is, and as a result, the Lakers contend for and perhaps win the 2022 championship.