Why the Lakers will shock the Warriors (and the world) on opening night
By Nick Halden
3. The Lakers’ depth has improved
Lost in the mess that was last season is the fact that the last time these two teams squared off the Lakers won on the shoulders of LeBron James. With a far inferior roster to what they have this season and without a fully healthy Anthony Davis, the Lakers were able to beat the Warriors and give the team something to build off of heading into opening night.
The Lakers spent their offseason bringing in pieces like Thomas Bryant, Patrick Beverley, Dennis Schroder, and Troy Brown to put defensive pieces around Davis and James. Headed into the season this appears to be the most talented roster LeBron has had during his time in Los Angeles.
One that should be more than capable of competing with the Warriors’ impressive bench. Davis and James no longer need to outplay the entire opposing roster but simply be a better duo than Golden State’s established stars.
Add in a suddenly healthy Kendrick Nunn and the Lakers have a myriad of players who could surprise Golden State on opening night. The Lakers are a better team than the one that beat the Warriors in March and shouldn’t be overlooked as a contender not only tonight but in the Western Conference.