USA Today via Reuters
Oct 2, 2020; Orlando, Florida, USA; Miami Heat guard Kendrick Nunn (25) shoots the ball against Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the fourth quarter in game two of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 2, 2020; Orlando, Florida, USA; Miami Heat guard Kendrick Nunn (25) shoots the ball against Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the fourth quarter in game two of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
LeBron James and the Lakers were easily one of the favorites to win the NBA title last season. With a much younger supporting cast, the Lakers looked set to dominate for years to come. But the plan failed rather miserably as the team didn’t mesh well and injuries only worsened the situation.
This season the Lakers’ have revamped their side yet again. Adding a superstar in Russell Westbrook and multiple veterans like Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard, the Purple and Gold have changed their free season strategy.
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While Westbrook and the veterans have dominated the headlines, their young signings like Kendrick Nunn and Malik Monk have certainly flown under the radar. Up for some free agency and projected to secure the bag, the duo were opted to play for the Lakers and contend for a championship instead.
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LeBron James trusts Kendrick Nunn for this reason
One of the biggest problems for the Lakers last season was their point guard spot. While Westbrook has been the biggest acquisition, Nunn is the primary backup option for the Lakers for the upcoming season.
LeBron James is certainly a big fan of their new backup guard. In a recent press conference, LBJ said, “He comes from a defensive-minded franchise in Miami. You have to show up and play defense in order to be on the floor in Miami.”
LeBron, on basketball players from Chicago, and also more specifically on why he’s happy to have Kendrick Nunn on his team: pic.twitter.com/nEbh3ua6JV
— Harrison Faigen (@hmfaigen) October 9, 2021
“So I just love his competitive nature, and he’s from Chicago. Those guys are another level of pride when it comes to basketball on both sides of the floor. I love what he brings to our ball club.”
It is easy to see why LeBron mentioned that Nunn coming out of Chicago makes a difference. Given the number of quality players the city has provided the league with, Chicago is a hub of basketball.
With a decent campaign with the Miami Heat under his belt, Nunn is the perfect candidate to serve as a backup to Westbrook. With his ability to play in both sides of the floor, Nunn will fit in perfectly in Frank Vogel’s system. What impact will Kendrick Nunn have on the Lakers next season?
