Frank Vogel Sheds Light on How the Los Angeles Lakers Have Found Immense Success for a Relatively New Roster

The Los Angeles Lakers have come a long way this season. They finished atop the Western Conference, nine places above from where they finished in 2018/19. One might debate that Anthony Davis’ signing completely boosted the team, but the purple and gold have stuck together and thrived as a unit.

How did they develop a strong bond in just a matter of a few months? 

When LeBron James signed for the Lakers in the 2018 offseason, a lot was expected from him. Fans were in awe of King James suiting up in their fabled uniform, but the fairytale did not go according to plan. However, LeBron stood strong, and the Lakers made a few more changes coming into the current season. 

Besides the Anthony Davis trade, the Lake show brought in several free-agents who are proving to be essential towards their success. Dwight Howard and Danny Green are among the notable free-agents who joined the Los Angeles Lakers in 2019. 

Thus, it can be said that the 2019 offseason has proved crucial for the team’s current success. Three of the Lakers’ current starters are in their first year with the team. That speaks a lot, but how were they able to find that rhythm as a team that has taken them all the way till the Western Conference Finals?

Frank Vogel explains how the Los Angeles Lakers have shaped up to be championship contenders

In a recent hologram interview with Isiah Thomas, Frank Vogel detailed on the team’s mindset at the beginning of the season, versus now, where they are just two wins away from making the NBA finals. 

Coach Vogel himself is in his first year as the Lakers’ head coach, but he’s traveled along the way with umpteen confidence, which has been the primary boost for the purple and gold. Speaking to Isiah, Vogel mentioned how his belief in the team grew as the season progressed. 

“I felt like the beginning of the year it would be a little bumpy because everything was so new. New roster, new coaching staff — you know everybody trying to learn each other. We all had a great belief about what we could accomplish,” Vogel said. 

“Didn’t know we were going to have so much success uh early on as we did. You know hopefully our best games and our best moments are still ahead of us,” the 47-year-old mentioned. 

Well, their firm belief has led them so close to winning the title. But LeBron James deserves a special mention for all that he’s done this season. The King has settled into a selfless role, giving his teammates plenty of confidence and equal opportunities at earning buckets. 

One of the main reasons for AD’s burst in his first year as a Laker is because of LeBron’s leadership. The 4x MVP is doing everything right so far, and his combination with Davis is deadly. Can LeBron James pay the perfect tribute to Kobe Bryant by winning the 2020 championship?