The Los Angeles Lakers only had a two-month offseason in this out of wack, long, crazy, and abnormal year. But after ten years, we can finally say they are the defending NBA champions.
Let the defense of the NBA World Championship begin.
The team had what many people say was the best offseason, with the signings of Montrezl Harrell, Dennis Schröder, Marc Gasol, and Wesley Matthews. There is no doubt that on paper the Lakers improved their title-winning team. The superstar duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis were re-signed to long-term contracts, so this team is in the driver’s seat to compete for titles for years to come.
Raising the championship banner and walking onto the court to receive their rings will be the ultimate moment of a long and hard year for the players, and such a satisfying moment as a fan. The additional Laker touch of a 17th star on the Lakers home floor will make the first night of the NBA season that much sweeter.
Keeping the superstars and key role players healthy will be the most important part of this season. Very interested to see how often the likes of LeBron James and Anthony Davis sit out throughout the season. This is where reloading with the additions they made to the roster is that much more important. I feel like we will see the bench unit extend leads, or push comebacks when trailing on the scoreboard. Keeping the two superstars fresh throughout the season will be the biggest key to this team repeating.
Marc Gasol hitting cutters and picking and popping and hitting threes, LeBron finding Davis and Harrell on lobs. Kyle Kuzma cutting and scoring, Schröder or Harrell getting into the paint off the dribble, Wesley Matthews and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope hitting corner threes. Caruso flying in for a dunk or two. The defense being on a string, Davis protecting the rim and switching onto guards and swallowing them up when they think they think they have a mismatch. Oh man, I can’t wait for the ball to go up in the air tomorrow.
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