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Considering how the LA Lakers have built their roster in the 2021 offseason, it is clear they are looking to win the NBA championship for the second time in three years. Things fell apart for the franchise last season, where they got eliminated by the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the playoffs. But they have made moves to turn things around this offseason.
It was an all-around struggle for the LA Lakers during the second half of the season, as they had to play without their superstar duo. While they maintained their defensive strength, they failed to make any noise offensively.
The time for change had come, and the LA Lakers' front office embraced that wholeheartedly. Only three players from the 2020-21 roster will feature for the Lakers in the upcoming season.
Meanwhile, the goal for the LA Lakers for the 2021-22 NBA season will be to win their 18th title. It will not be an easy ride, as they might have to square off against the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA Finals. Nonetheless, the Lakers are formidable enough to go all the way this season.
On that note, here are three strengths of the LA Lakers that could be key to their success this season:
#1 The LA Lakers have scoring options
The LA Lakers' 2021 playoff campaign was difficult to watch, because of their offensive struggles. Outside of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers did not do much scoring.
They were exposed when AD and LBJ were sidelined for long periods. The LA Lakers lost Davis on Valentine's day to a calf strain and Achilles aggravation, while James hurt his ankle shortly after.
It took no time for the LA Lakers to plummet in the Western Conference standings despite making a good start. Dennis Schroder and Kyle Kuzma were tasked with leading the team to victories, but failed to deliver. That resulted in the Lakers competing in the play-in tournament for a chance at playoff action.
Frank Vogel and Rob Pelinka wasted no time in the offseason trying to remedy that. The LA Lakers courted some of the most efficient scorers in what was almost a total team overhaul.
Carmelo Anthony stands out on the list of acquired scorers because of how efficient the veteran is. He is one of two active players in the top ten of the NBA's all-time scoring leaderboard. In 18 seasons, he has made ten All-Star appearances, led the league in scoring once, and averaged 23 points per game in his career.
Efficient three-point shooters like Malik Monk, Kent Bazemore and Wayne Ellington were also brought in to help contribute, especially from the three-point land. Monk has been exceptional for the LA Lakers so far this preseason, donning the purple and gold with pride and delivering scintillating performances.
#2 The LA Lakers are the most experienced team
The LA Lakers are being ridiculed for being the oldest team in the NBA. But the combined All-Star appearances and basketball IQ on the team are astounding. While youth and athleticism are great, they don't beat having an experienced roster, especially if those veterans still have some spring in their steps.
The LA Lakers brought in eight players who are over the age of 30 and have competed at the highest level in the past. Rajon Rondo and Dwight Howard were re-signed after one-year spells away from the team. Both were significant rotation players for the Lakers in their 2020 championship-winning campaign.
Their experience could go a long way in helping the Lakers compete in the upcoming season. While there are several concerns for the aged Lakers team, the quality of players makes them one of the best squads in the league.
The average age for the last ten NBA champions is 28.4 years, except for the 2012-13 Miami Heat team that was over 30. For the 2021-22 LA Lakers, the average age is 31.2, and both teams have one constant: LBJ.
#3 The LeBron-Davis-Russell combination
360, as what the trio of James, Davis and Russell Westbrook will be called, would be the players to watch. That's because they could develop into one of the most lethal big three in the upcoming season. LBJ and Davis were already phenomenal for the LA Lakers, but Westbrook's athleticism could be a boost.
The Lakers were in search of a veteran guard, and settled for Westbrook. He was acquired through a five-team trade that sent Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Kyle Kuzma and Montrezl Harrell to the Washington Wizards. The need for a point guard came after it became apparent that Schroder was not a good fit to play alongside the All-Star duo.
There are concerns about how the team could function considering the players involved. Russ likes the ball in his hands and loves to control proceedings; the same goes for James. While his three-point shooting is average, James makes up for that with everything else he does on the court.
Regardless of their shortcomings, this trio has the potential to cause major damage in the league next season. Westbrook's 20+ turnovers in his LA Lakers' preseason game is not a good look, but James is not worried.
Guess the Lakers players!
