The Los Angeles Lakers will have a completely new squad heading into the new season. After a disappointing 2020-21 NBA season, where LeBron James and Anthony Davis both struggled with major injuries, the Lakers got knocked out of the NBA Playoffs in the first round by eventual finalists Phoenix Suns. It was a bitter end to the season for the 2020 NBA Champions.
But instead of harping on the loss, the Lakers front office decided to make moves to bolster the squad. They executed a trade to bring All-Star and former MVP Russell Westbrook to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. On top of that, they made big free-agent signings such as Dwight Howard, Carmelo Anthony, Wayne Ellington, Kent Bazemore, Trevor Ariza, Kendrick Nunn, and Malik Monk.
The Lakers’ revamped squad will be led by the big three of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook. The trio will hope to reach the NBA Finals once again, as each player wants to win an NBA title. But Lakers head coach Frank Vogel has made it clear there is only one way this trio can succeed – sacrifice.
Vogel said he and the players all have spoken and understand that sacrifice is necessary in order for them to achieve success this season. It isn’t about individual numbers or success, but how well they play as a team. And the trio, along with the rest of the squad understand that are willing to put in the work for that.
“I think anytime you have three great players like this there is an element of sacrifice required and we’ve all talked about that and are all-in on that… These three guys can do it all and what I love about our group. Bron, AD, and Russ is they’re all make-the-right-play players, you know what I mean. It’s not just about scoring or being a one-dimensional player. They can all do it all, so I’m most excited about seeing what the three of them on the court at the same time looks like.”
Many fans have pointed out that the big three will face some early struggles because of their playing styles. But Vogel has said that they understand their roles in the team and are ready to do exactly what the team needs in order for them to be able to succeed. Players like James, Davis, and Westbrook are elite and should have no problem understand and adapting to each other’s style of play.
