The Los Angeles Lakers are looking like real threats in the Western Conference after trading Russell Westbrook for a package that saw them get D’Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Malik Beasley.
A video of the three making their way over to LA to become members of the Lakers had dropped and shows the tangible excitement that the players have ahead of their next chapter.
D’Angelo Russell , Jarred Vanderbilt and Malik Beasley were excited to join the Lake Show
(h/t @LakersEmpire )
pic.twitter.com/KrCEyjZ7S3
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 10, 2023
The players can be seen taking a jet to LA and enjoying their ride over before their careers as members of the Lakers begin.
Russell, Vanderbilt, and Beasley were all teammates last season on the Minnesota Timberwolves’ run to the playoffs. Vando and Beasley ended up being sent to Utah in the Rudy Gobert trade, with all 3 players becoming teammates again when LA executed a 3-team trade with Utah and Minnesota.
The New Core Already Impacting The Lakers
It was quite unfortunate that the Lakers lost LeBron James to injury after just getting 3 games with their new core on the floor. However, the Lakers won all 3 of those games and have been looking strong since his injury. Russell has also been out with an injury but is expected to make his return in the Lakers’ game against the Memphis Grizzlies tomorrow night.
Beasley’s shooting ability makes him a difference-maker, as he’s arguably the best pure shooter on the Lakers now. The roster hasn’t had a player like that since Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, though Beasley isn’t the same defender but a more accurate shooter.
Vanderbilt provides tremendous frontcourt defense and has already locked up the likes of Luka Doncic while playing for the Lakers. The team also has the best defensive rating in the NBA due to Vando’s fit next to Anthony Davis in the frontcourt.
Russell’s arsenal of playmaking and scoring hasn’t been put to use yet, but he may become the offensive fulcrum for the Lakers with LeBron out. His play style can fit in like butter, as he will serve as their primary ball-handler, distributor, and off-the-dribble scorer in LeBron’s absence. A top-6 seed was the goal and if these players continue performing the way they have, it’ll be very easily achieved as well.
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