For a team that aims to compete every single season, the Los Angeles Lakers haven’t done a whole lot to fix their roster. Sure, they got younger, but the team is still without a consistent and reliable shooter heading into the new season.
To make matters worse, it looks like star guard Russell Westbrook will still be on the team by training camp, which could lead to a whole host of problems both on the court and in the locker room.
But despite all the questions and doubts currently swirling about the Lakeshow, Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal says they can still enjoy some success if both stars can manage to stay healthy.
(via Uproxx):
Q: “Laker legend, I want to ask about the Lakers and your general thoughts on their summer. It feels like so much of it is “if LeBron and Anthony Davis stay healthy, they’re going to be okay.” Do you agree with that, or do you think they still need more to get to where they want to go?”
O’Neal: “Yes, LeBron and AD stay healthy, they’ll be okay. But in order to be championship quality, they need to pieces around them. Pat Beverley is a good piece, he’s a defensive piece. Russ, I don’t know what he’s gonna do, I don’t know how they’re going to use him. But they need some dogs like Beverley, they need some rebounders, and they need some shooters. That’s all you need. It’s not rocket science. You need a floor leader, someone that’s gonna dominate consistently, every night, you need a knockdown shooter, and you need a guy that’s gonna ruffle some feathers. That’s it. That’s how you win a championship.”
Anthony Davis, Who Only Played 40 Games Last Season, Will Have To Be Healthy If The Lakers Want Any Chance Of Competing For A Title This Season
Westbrook is the key for the Lakers this season. If he shows up and lays a dud like he did last year, the Lakers are likely to finish in a similarly ugly position. But if he comes out and explodes for a redemption season, it could be all the Lakers need to compete in the West.
Most important of all, however, will be the health of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. After missing huge chunks of time last season, the Lakers will be counting on them to be available if they want any shot at keeping up with the elites.
