via Getty
Los Angeles, CA, Saturday, February 6, 2021 – Lakers teammates enjoy their pregame ritual before taking on the Detroit Pistons at Staples Center. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
via Getty
Los Angeles, CA, Saturday, February 6, 2021 – Lakers teammates enjoy their pregame ritual before taking on the Detroit Pistons at Staples Center. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
With the brand new season of the NBA approaching faster than ever, teams are looking to add missing pieces to their puzzles. The Los Angeles Lakers will feel confident going into the new campaign, possessing a strong squad. Apart from their on-court talents, they have also acquired some quality members in their management. This includes their newest asset, who is an exciting inclusion.
Los Angeles Lakers rope in John Lucas III as assistant coach
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Ahead of the new campaign, Frank Vogel’s side have brought in former NBA player John Lucas III as their assistant coach. Having been part of the Minnesota Timberwolves as an assistant coach until last year, the 38-year-old has some experience in the role already. Lucas III featured in eight NBA seasons, as a reserve. The yellow army will be hoping that his inclusion will improve the team’s form. After all, the coach has a reputation for having a strong voice in the dressing room.
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Lucas’ father, John Lucas II, is a legendary player and one of the most respected voices in the basketball fraternity. Currently working with the Houston Rockets as an assistant himself, the 67-year-old coach believes that his son is a valuable asset in the LA setup. “I think it will be a very good fit,” said Lucas II with regard to his son’s appointment. “He’s known LeBron since high school and been in locker rooms forever. I’m extremely proud of him.”
Lakers hired John Lucas III as an assistant coach.
“I think it will be a very good fit,” his father, John Lucas II an assistant with the Houston Rockets tells @BallySports.
“He’s known LeBron since high school & been in locker rooms forever. I’m extremely proud of him.” pic.twitter.com/XoUu6Wsnuq
— 👑 Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson 📍 (@ScoopB) September 11, 2021
LeBron and co. to challenge for title in 2021-22?
It is no secret that the Lakers have a solid, experienced team for the upcoming edition of the NBA. They have managed to add Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony in the off-season. These are two crucial inclusions, as the side required someone to step up in the absence of James and Davis. And who better to do so, than two scoring giants of the league. Additionally, the Lakers offloaded the likes of Kyle Kuzma and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who did not contribute to expectations.
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This leaves the LA Lakers with a side oozing with experience, but perhaps lacking in youthful exuberance. Most of their players occupy a lot of floor space, and injuries could play a role in the long season ahead. Recently, the yellow and purple brigade opted to trade their veteran Marc Gasol as well. Thus, their side is in the balance, but is definitely potent to contend for the title.
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Do you think the Lakers have done a good enough job this off-season? They will be hoping that they can find the right balance to succeed. In Lucas III, they surely have a voice that can command proceedings behind the scenes. Whether or not the side can execute to their fullest remains to be seen!
