The Los Angeles Lakers are all-in in their hunt for a championship. Their disappointing 2020-21 NBA season left a bitter taste in their mouth. So Rob Pelinka and the Lakers front office completed an entire squad overhaul to prepare for next season.
Every player except LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Talen Horton-Tucker was let go. Kyle Kuzma, KCP, and Montrezl Harrell were used as trade assets to bring in former MVP Russell Westbrook to the franchise.
Whereas the other players were not offered a new contract. In their place, the lakers went with a veteran-heavy core, signing Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, Rajon Rondo, DeAndre Jordan, Trevor Ariza, Kent Bazemore, and Wayne Ellington.
But they were also smart enough to acquire some young stars like Kendrick Nunn and Malik Monk. Nunn is especially a smart get, considering he already has experience playing in the NBA Finals, against the Lakers no less.
With the wealth of experience and talent the Lakers have, they are once again one of the favorites to win the NBA championship next season. A big three of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook will be a sight to behold, especially surrounded by the wily role-playing veterans the Lakers signed.
Kendrick Perkins thinks that will work to their benefit. During a debate on ESPN’s ‘The Jump’, Perkins was shocked to hear the panel say the Lakers would only barely crack 50 wins last season.
The 2008 NBA champion argued that the Lakers have some of the most talented players in NBA history. And with the squad that they carry, they could be looking down the road to a historic 70-win season.
“What? This is another dead, bold lie. You cannot tell me that you’re about to have LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, Anthony Davis, Carmelo Anthony, Rajon Rondo, Dwight Howard, Trevor Ariza, all of these players and you’re telling me that they’re not going to have a 60-win season? Please. Matter of fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if they scratch the surface of hitting the 70-win season. Just look at the lineup.”
There are some questions surrounding the Lakers’ squad right now, especially with regards to their age. With the number of players above 30, the Lakers have one of the oldest squads in NBA history.
