As the reigning NBA Champions, the Los Angeles Lakers have already accomplished what every team in the league is trying to do. Still, Rob Pelinka hasn’t rested on his laurels this offseason.
In just the first chunk of free agency, he brought in several game-changing players by trade and as free agents to make his squad even better. In the end, he replaced Danny Green, Rajon Rondo, Dwight Howard, and Quinn Cook with Dennis Schroder, Marc Gasol, Wesley Matthews, and Montrezl Harrell.
According to sports analyst Bill Simmons, that”s just too much for other teams to handle…
“Was this the only contender that actually got better? I feel like they’re better.
They are too deep at every position.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPsI8PzWK_Q
The Lakers upgraded their depth at almost every position, that much is clear. As LeBron enters his 18th season, LA will be leaning more on their role players throughout the season to preserve the health and durability of their star duo.
But they’re not the only contender that made notable acquisitions. The Clippers, Bucks, Blazers, and Rockets all made some pretty solid moves that should put them in a pretty solid position to compete.
Still, it is they who will have to prove themselves in this campaign. The Lakers, coming off their 17th title, have confidence, experience, and a strengthened roster to help charge their way to a repeat.
Needless to say, they haven’t made things easy for their competitors.
