The Los Angeles Lakers acquired Russell Westbrook via trade this offseason, giving them a big three of their own that can rival the one created by the Brooklyn Nets. Of course, many people believe that those two teams will be in the 2022 NBA Finals, simply due to the star powers on both rosters.
The fit between the Los Angeles Lakers’ big three has been questioned by some. Neither Russell Westbrook, LeBron James, or Anthony Davis are elite shooters, meaning that spacing could be an issue, though the Los Angeles Lakers have also brought in many veteran 3PT shooters to counteract the problem. There is also the question of how to ball-dominant playmakers in Russell Westbrook and LeBron James fit together.
NBA analyst and former player Kenny Smith seems to believe that the Los Angeles Lakers will actually “naturally play better” as compared to the Brooklyn Nets Big 3, and he referenced the ability of LeBron James and Anthony Davis to play off the ball to explain his choice. (2:50)
The Lakers probably would just naturally play better easily, because Anthony Davis doesn’t need to handle the basketball to be productive. Russell Westbrook can pass and assist and rebound to be productive. LeBron doesn’t need the basketball to be productive. I think that when the Nets are at their best, their best players score. So with one basketball, I would say it would be easier for the Lakers to adjust to play better together.
There is no question that if the Los Angeles Lakers can develop some chemistry and come together, they will have a good chance to win the 2021-22 NBA championship. While LeBron James is usually dominant on the ball, it is quite possible that he will play more off-ball to accommodate Russell Westbrook. Any team with this much talent is usually an automatic contender. While it remains to be seen if the Los Angeles Lakers Big 3 do end up being as good as hyped, they certainly have the star power to win it all.
