2021-2022 Los Angeles Lakers roster: Where are they now?
Players still with the Los Angeles Lakers:
Anthony Davis
AD has turned a lot of 2021-2022 slander into MVP praises this season, as he was arguably having the best season of his career prior to his recent injury. He is expected to return to the lineup in the weeks to come, and the team’s struggles since his departure further cements his vitality to the Lakers’ winning percentage.
Wenyen Gabriel
One of just six returners from last year’s team, Gabriel turned a 2-way contract last season to a partially guaranteed contract that has not yet been terminated by Rob Pelinka and the front office. Obviously, Wenyen is doing what is asked of him during his time on the court.
LeBron James
LeBron James, now 38, has continued to defy the odds of time with yet another monstrous individual season. The King’s individual efforts just have not been quite enough to carry this team to wins consistently. When combining the team’s lack of success this season with LeBron’s continued jabs at the front office, it will be very interesting to see how the rest of LeBron’s Lakers tenure will unfold.
Kendrick Nunn
Kendrick, Kendrick, Kendrick… Through no fault of his own (injuries happen), Kendrick Nunn found himself as public enemy #1 last season amongst Lakers fans. After picking up his player option this offseason, Nunn has basically been out of the rotation all season thus far and will be on a different roster no later than next season (if he is not traded before this year’s deadline).
Austin Reaves
Austin Reaves earned the respect of the entire organization (coaches, teammates, fans) through his strong IQ and willingness to make winning plays last year. This season, he has continued to make strides offensively and defensively, and this offseason it will be on the front office to show him his respect when they hit the negotiating table.
Russell Westbrook
There has arguably never been a player that received so much criticism for an individual season the way that Russ did last year.
Throughout the constant hate and rumors, he has done a very admirable job of transitioning to a 6th man role this year with the Lakers. It remains to be seen how much longer he remains with this team, but he deserves a lot of credit for his professionalism and team spirit this season.