The Los Angeled Lakers are set to play in their first playoff game in seven years today. After a rough stretch that involved them being one of the worst teams in the NBA for years, LeBron James’ arrival changed everything.
They went from WEestern Conference bottom-feeders to title contenders almost overnight.
Perhaps nothing reflects how far the team has come than their last postseason starting lineup, which included Darius Morris, Andrew Goudelock, Earl Clark, Pau Gasol, and Dwight Howard.
The last time the Lakers played in a playoff game the starting lineup was Darius Morris, Andrew Goudelock, Earl Clark, Pau Gasol, & Dwight Howard.
— Laker Film Room (@LakerFilmRoom) August 18, 2020
Needless to say, the Lakers are back.
The last playoff game the Lakers won was on May 18, 2012. Kobe dropped 36 points on the KD, Westbrook, Harden, Fisher Thunders for a 99-96 win. That game was also Kobe’s last playoff win. Today the LeBron/AD led Lakers are back in the playoffs for the first time in s 3,014 days. pic.twitter.com/noZHSpWnI5
— Rocky Liu (@rockyliu) August 18, 2020
Besides Dwight, who just recently came back, every other player on that roster has moved on.
Where are they now
Darius Morris: last played with the BCM Gravelines-Dunkerque of the French LNB Pro A
Andrew Goudelock: currently playing on the Rytas Vilnius of the Lithuanian Basketball League
Earl Clark: currently playing on the Anyang KGC of the Korean Basketball League
— Tone – Lakers winning #17 for #24 (@daygolakeshow) August 18, 2020
L.A. will have their hands full trying to contain Damian Lillard and the Blazers in round one. But, win or lose, it’s good to see them competing at the highest level.