The Los Angeles Lakers seem to always have a move up their sleeve.
Entering the 2021 offseason, they had very little cap space, questionable pieces, and no clear path forward to improve their team.
But now, in a draft-day blockbuster trade, they have brought Russell Westbrook home to play alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Amid a flurry of reactions online, Lakers legend Magic Johnson couldn’t help but express his excitement:
“With Westbrook joining LeBron and AD, the Lakers now have their version of the Big 3. All we need now is a couple of shooters and we’ll be tough to beat!!” Magic tweeted.
With Westbrook joining LeBron and AD, the Lakers now have their version of the Big 3. All we need now is a couple of shooters and we’ll be tough to beat!!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) July 30, 2021
With a projected starting lineup featuring three NBA superstars, the Lakers have easily become basketball’s newest super squad.
Of course, they also have several other solid pieces, like Talen Horton-Tucker, Marc Gasol, Ben McLemore, Markieff Morris, and fan-favorite Alex Caruso.
It’s a pretty solid deal that sets the Lakers up to become a favorite in the Western Conference.
Still, questions remain. How much does LeBron James have left in the tank? Can Anthony Davis stay healthy for the whole season? Does the team have enough shooters?
It remains to be seen how the Lakers will perform with their new and shiny piece, but they will face plenty of challenges over this next season.
