The 2021-22 Los Angeles Lakers faced significant challenges during the NBA season, and Trevor Ariza has now provided a candid assessment of why the team struggled to find success. With an average age of 31.7 years, the Lakers were the oldest team in the league, and this demographic reality became a significant hindrance to their performance. Speaking frankly about the Lakers’ shortcomings, Ariza highlighted a critical issue—the team’s age.
“We were f*cking old. You got all players that are like super super vets. You can’t ask Melo to go dive on the floor for a loose ball or you know chase Anthony Edwards around for like 40 minutes.”
“You not gonna get that outta him. You’re not gonna ask Dwight to come off the bench and play 15 mins, when in his mind he can contribute more. You are not getting Bron off the court, that’s never gonna happen.”
“When you have things like that and all those elements, it’s hard to win.”
Trevor Ariza on why the 2021-22 Lakers didn’t work and the unfair treatment Russell Westbrook received as a Laker
“We were f*cking old. You got all players that are like super super vets. You can’t ask Melo to go dive on the floor for a loose ball or you know chase Anthony… pic.twitter.com/Xzo4e8jjre
— ᴇʀᴀ 🕷️ (@TheWestbrookEra) November 29, 2023
The Lakers boasted a roster filled with seasoned veterans, including LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Russell Westbrook, Dwight Howard, and Ariza himself. Ariza emphasized the limitations of relying on players with extensive careers, noting the difficulty in expecting individuals like Carmelo Anthony to make hustle plays or Dwight Howard to accept a reduced role off the bench.
Lakers Roster (2021-22 Season)
Carmelo Anthony: 37 years
LeBron James: 37 years
Dwight Howard: 36 years
Trevor Ariza: 36 years
Rajon Rondo: 35 years
Wayne Ellington: 34 years
Darren Collison: 34 years
D.J. Augustin: 34 years
DeAndre Jordan: 33 years
Russell Westbrook: 33 Years
Kent Bazemore: 32 years
Avery Bradley: 31 years
Anthony Davis: 28 years
Malik Monk: 23 years
Austin Reaves: 22 years
The challenge, according to Ariza, lay in managing the expectations and capabilities of a roster filled with players accustomed to more prominent roles and minutes.
The Lakers’ struggles were evident throughout the season, and despite the star-studded lineup, they failed to secure a playoff berth. The inability to find a cohesive balance between veteran leadership and on-court contributions ultimately derailed the team’s championship aspirations. Ariza’s candid acknowledgment sheds light on the complexities the Lakers faced, serving as a post-mortem explanation for a season that fell short of expectations.
The 2021-22 Lakers Were Also Marred By Injuries
The 2021-22 Los Angeles Lakers faced not only the challenge of an aging roster but also the significant obstacle of injuries to key players. Despite their veteran-laden lineup, the Lakers showcased resilience early in the season, maintaining a 16-13 record midway through December. However, their promising start took a hit when both Anthony Davis and LeBron James succumbed to substantial injuries, derailing the team’s momentum.
LeBron James missed a significant portion of the season, sitting out for 26 games, while Anthony Davis faced an even more extended absence, sidelined for 42 games. The absence of the Lakers’ dynamic duo had a profound impact, as the team struggled to maintain its earlier form without its two primary stars.
The repercussions were palpable as the Lakers tumbled down the Western Conference standings, dropping out of the top 6 and even out of playoff contention. The absence of key players highlighted the team’s dependence on LeBron and Davis and underscored the challenges of sustaining success amid injury setbacks.
The downturn in performance led to intensified scrutiny on Russell Westbrook, who faced undue criticism for the team’s struggles. Additionally, the head coach, Frank Vogel, paid the price for the disappointing season, losing his job as the Lakers sought a new direction following their playoff absence. Injuries, coupled with the team’s aging roster, ultimately proved to be insurmountable obstacles for the 2021-22 Lakers.
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