The Los Angeles Lakers entered this season with high expectations; probably the highest expectations of all NBA teams. After missing the last six playoffs, the Purple and Gold made a big move, bringing Anthony Davis to Los Angeles in a blockbuster trade.
Even though they didn’t get Kawhi Leonard in free agency and saw him join their city neighbors, the Clippers, the Lakers were still confident they have a great chance to win it all this season.
Seeing the team they have and all their talent, they are obligated to win the title, otherwise, it would be a failure for them. According to sports analyst Chris Broussard, the Lakers must win this season or it’ll be a ‘bust’.
During Thursday’s edition of FS1’s “First Thing First”, Broussard reflected on the ‘responsibility’ the Lakers have this season, claiming it is a championship or nothing situation for them.
“It is absolutely a failure if the Lakers don’t win the championship. When your best player is in his 17th season there is no guarantee he’s going to stay at this level next year. There is no moral victories. They should be looking championship or bust,” Broussard said.
"It is absolutely a failure if the Lakers don't win the championship. When your best player is in his 17th season there is no guarantee he's going to stay at this level next year. There is no moral victories. They should be looking championship or bust." — @Chris_Broussard pic.twitter.com/pImN73MdTR
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) May 28, 2020
Just like they made good moves in the summer so did the rest of the teams in the NBA. The aforementioned Clippers did a terrific job creating a well-rounded team led by Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. The Houston Rockets added Russell Westbrook to their backcourt, teaming him up with James Harden.
Other teams like the Bucks or the Nuggets continued with their good core; the Boston Celtics and their young stars are ready to surprise the world, too. Yes, the Lakers have a great group of players, but the competition this season will be extremely hard. Perhaps not winning a championship shouldn’t be called a ‘failure’, but the Lakers have the tools to compete for that.
The 2019/20 NBA season is yet to resume, but the Lakers already have more pressure on their shoulders.
