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#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.
