The Los Angeles Lakers come into the 2020-21 season as the NBA Champions. Los Angeles went 52-19 in the regular season and will start next season with just 71 days in between games, which will be the shortest offseason in NBA history.
Key Additions
The Lakers acquired Dennis Schroder in trade for Danny Green and a first-round pick. Schroder will bring more scoring and playmaking to the Lakers roster. He was the runner-up for the Sixth Man of the Year award and averaged 18.9 points per game.
Wesley Matthews will take the place of Green. Matthews is a three and D player who shot 36% last year for the Milwaukee Bucks. He will try to bring what Green brought to Los Angeles but at a lower price.
One of the most surprising moves of the offseason was the Lakers signing Montrezl Harrell. He won the Sixth Man of the Year Award last season while with the Los Angeles Clippers. Harrell will bring more scoring punch off the bench, which the Lakers lacked last season.
Lastly, Marc Gasol joined the Lakers. He may be getting up there in age but will be solid on defense in the paint and bring a high basketball IQ. Also, Gasol can shoot from the outside, making him a great pick and pop player.
Key Losses
Los Angles lost a few key players from their championship roster; Javale McGee, Dwight Howard, Danny Green, and Rajon Rondo are all gone from the Lakers. They will miss Mcgee and Howard’s athleticism at the rim and shot-blocking ability. The Lakers will miss Green’s defense and a championship pedigree. Rondo bought a very high basketball IQ, and Playoff Rondo was a real thing. Los Angeles does not win the championship without Rondo.
Starting Lineup
Los Angeles can go many ways with a starting line up, but they probably will go with LeBron James back at the point. Matthews and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will give the Lakers shooting and defense on the wing. It will just be a matter of how consistent they can be from the outside. With Anthony Davis and Gasol in the frontcourt, you got two players who can score on the block and hit outside shots. Expect Davis to be in the running for MVP this season.
Bench
The Lakers bench this season should be strong with the addition of Schroder and Harrell. Also, Los Angeles still has Kyle Kuzma, who should play better than he did last season. Markieff Morris is also back after a strong playoff run. He will provide shooting and toughness.
2021 Outlook
f the Lakers can remain healthy, they will be among the top teams in the NBA without a question. It will be interesting to see how many games James and Davis play this season because of the quick turnaround. The Lakers should be primed to repeat.
