USA Today via Reuters
Dec 13, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) and forward LeBron James (23) watch game action against the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 13, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) and forward LeBron James (23) watch game action against the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Lakers arrive into the 2020-21 season as the favorites to win the title. It isn’t surprising, considering their exceptional off-season moves. They already had a solid team last season, and despite a few departures, they have strengthened the team once again. Let’s look at the strengths and weaknesses of the roster GM Rob Pelinka has assembled.
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The Lakers’ strengths
Best duo in the league
With Anthony Davis and LeBron James, the Lakers have two of the best players in the league. Not only do they play well individually, but they complement each other too. They proved this last season as they led the Lakers to the title. The team will be expecting both AD and LeBron to repeat their MVP worthy campaigns in the upcoming season.
Target practice for Bron & Brow 🎯🎯
(📺: @SpectrumSN) pic.twitter.com/l3cKt6FJQS
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) December 19, 2020
Veterans… and more veterans
While this could go either way, the Lakers have shown that their ability to recruit the right veterans can bring a title. After the losses of Dwight Howard, JaVale McGee, and Rajon Rondo, the Lakers brought in Marc Gasol and Wesley Matthews. Time will tell if their new veterans can deliver a similar performance.
A deep rotation
Last season, the Lakers’ third-best player was Kyle Kuzma. While that isn’t bad, they now have Montrezl Harrell and Dennis Schroder too. The scoring options don’t end there, as they also have Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. So they have a multitude of scorers, and defenders as well in Markieff Morris, Matthews, and Gasol.
The team’s weaknesses
Weight of expectations
According to the GM survey for the upcoming season, the Lakers had 81% of the votes to win the title. In comparison, last season’s favorites, Clippers had just 46%. However, the team should not succumb to these expectations and just continue where they left off last season.
USA Today via Reuters
FILE PHOTO: Oct 11, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; The Los Angeles Lakers celebrate their win over the Miami Heat after game six of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena. The Los Angeles Lakers won 106-93 to win the series. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo
Loss of defense
The Lakers lost three veterans in Howard, McGee, and Rondo. All of them contributed a lot to their defense. Rondo was average in the regular season, but during the playoffs, he was an animal. Howard was consistent throughout the season, while McGee did well in the regular season. This rim protection void will increase the defensive responsibilities for Davis.
