The storyline for the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2021-22 season was that LeBron James didn’t have a lot of help. They had assembled an aging squad, and that, combined with Anthony Davis missing significant time to go with Russell Westbrook, not being a good fit meant the team was a disaster. They even missed the play-in tournament, and this was despite LeBron averaging over 30 points per game.
Changes were inevitable, with Frank Vogel first being fired, and the Lakers are also hoping to trade Russell Westbrook at some point. While all this is happening, they have been making some additions to the team, with the newest arrival being Thomas Bryant on a 1-year deal. After the news broke, Legion Hoops hilariously stated that the Lakers had assembled quite a squad, with Bryant joining O’Neal and Pippen.
Bryant, O’Neal, and Pippen now on the Lakers.
LeBron got himself a squad. pic.twitter.com/BaOiwBVMRK
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 6, 2022
It is, of course, referencing the fact that the Lakers have also signed Shareef O’Neal, son of Shaquille O’Neal, and Scotty Pippen Jr., son of Scottie Pippen. They would sure love to have their hall of fame fathers within their ranks, but their sons will have to do here.
Scotty seems like someone who could crack the Lakers rotation at some point this season after some impressive showings in the Summer League. Shareef’s inclusion is a bit more doubtful, but if he does end up making the roster, then LeBron would have played with both father and son during his career. Bryant, meanwhile, was drafted by the Lakers in 2017, and while he was impressive during his time with the Wizards, it remains to be seen how effective he will be on his return to LA, having suffered a torn ACL last year.
These might well end up being good additions, and the Lakers are also hoping to land Kyrie Irving in a trade that would send Westbrook the other way. LeBron is pushing for the move, but Shams Charania reported there is no traction at the moment. If things don’t pan out in the end, James would at least still have Bryant, O’Neal, and Pippen with him!
