The Los Angeles Lakers did a pretty great job of re-tooling for the upcoming NBA season.
Despite having LeBron James and Anthony Davis (arguably the best duo in basketball), they went out and made a bunch of moves to bring in Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony, Kent Bazemore, Rajon Rondo, Dwight Howard, and more.
On paper, they’re right there with the Brooklyn Nets as one of the best teams in the game right now.
Still considering the age of the players, and the sheer number of new members o the roster, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst says we should expect them to get off to a slow start to this upcoming season.
(via The Jump)
I would say with so many new players I’m not sure how they are going to play. And I would tend to encourage people not to learn too much after this first month of competition.
If they start with 15 wins and 5 losses, fine. But if they don’t, no matter their home schedule, don’t overreact. This team is destined to miss its start to the season!
Let me remind you that historically when Russell Westbrook was traded to the Rockets, they got off to a sluggish start, because they had to learn to play with him. Same as the Wizards. When LeBron had to play with a new back star, in the person of Dwyane Wade in Miami: sluggish start, 9-8. When he joined Cleveland and Kyrie Irving: slow start, 19-20.
As talented as the Lakers are, it makes sense that it would take time for them to play up to their potential.
Throughout history, teams who have made significant changes need a few weeks, at least, to develop their chemistry and a game plan that works best.
In this case, considering most of their players are over 30-years-old, it’s not hard to imagine the Lakeshow looking a bit sluggish out of the gate.
Nevertheless, they will have their work cut out for them if they want to win the title. With teams like the Clippers, Nuggets, Nets, and Bucks standing in their way, the path to no. 18 will not be an easy one.
We’ll see before too long if they’re up for the task.
