3 biggest Lakers issues that will lead to massive ’22-23 disappointment

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 07: Injured Anthony Davis #3 (left) and LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers sits on the bench during their game Golden State Warriors in the first half at Chase Center on April 07, 2022 in San Francisco, California. 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 07: Injured Anthony Davis #3 (left) and LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers sits on the bench during their game Golden State Warriors in the first half at Chase Center on April 07, 2022 in San Francisco, California. 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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The Los Angeles Lakers are coming off of the most disappointing season in franchise history and the front office has not done enough this offseason to ensure that the 2022-23 season won’t be a repeat. Granted, at least this time around the expectations are lower, so it won’t be as disappointing.

There is still time for the Lakers to change the course of their future. Trading Russell Westbrook would go a long way in fixing some of the team’s core issues and creating a more cohesive roster that is actually capable of making a run for the NBA Finals.

However, the closer and closer we get to the 2022-23 season the less likely it appears that Westbrook will be traded. And if not, there are some massive issues with the team that will simply lead to more disappointment.

1. The Los Angeles Lakers have legitimate health concerns

Every single team in the NBA has to deal with the possibility of suffering injuries. Heck, the Milwaukee Bucks may have been back-to-back champions if Khris Middleton would have gotten healthy sooner so he could play against the Boston Celtics.

The problem with the Lakers is that their injury concerns are much larger than any other team in the league. Anthony Davis is injury-prone and bigs typically don’t get less injury prone as they hit their 30s (Davis turns 30 in March). LeBron James is going to be 38 in December and every year we see him become less and less durable.

In a perfect world, the Lakers would be good enough to give these guys rest in the regular season to ensure that they are good for the playoffs. The problem is that the team is not good enough to do that, forcing AD and LeBron to play just so the team can stay afloat and hopefully make the playoffs.

That is a massive problem. Those assuming that the Lakers will be completely healthy in 2022-23 are going to be in for a rude awakening, especially if changes are not made and the two stars have to play nearly every night.