USA Today via Reuters
Sep 4, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) blocks the shot of Houston Rockets guard Russell Westbrook (0) during the third quarter in game one of the second round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 4, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) blocks the shot of Houston Rockets guard Russell Westbrook (0) during the third quarter in game one of the second round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
2019-20 champions Los Angeles Lakers were touted as one of the biggest favorites to retain their title. But injuries and questionable roster decisions meant that LeBron James and Co. crashed out in the first round of the playoffs.
The Lakers had two major problems – lack of a certified playmaker apart from LeBron James and woeful three-point shooting. Struggling to create their own shots apart from LeBron and chucking up multiple three-pointers in the process, the Lakers’ offense looked broken in the playoff series against the Phoenix Suns.
USA Today via Reuters
Jun 3, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3), forward LeBron James (23) and coach Frank Vogel react in the second half during game six in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs against the Phoenix Suns at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Given the number of teams who have emerged as incredible competitors, the Lakers know they have to add the right pieces around the duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis if they realistically want to compete for a championship.
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Lakers add another superstar in Russell Westbrook
After a disappointing season, GM Rob Pelinka knew he had to answer the issues in the roster. Pelinka and the Lakers certainly put in the work in the off-season with multiple rumors surrounding LeBron and Co.
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Ahead of an exhilarating draft night, the Lakers have pulled off an incredible trade. According to NBA insider Shams Charania, the Lakers have traded Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell and their number 22 pick to the Wizards for superstar guard Russell Westbrook.
The Washington Wizards have agreed to trade Russell Westbrook, 2024 second-round pick, 2028 second-round pick to the Los Angeles Lakers for Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Montrezl Harrell and No. 22 tonight, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 30, 2021
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This could be a game-changer for LeBron and Co. Westbrook is one of the finest playmakers and will certainly take some pressure off of LeBron James. He might have an enormous wage bill, but the all-round skill he brings to the table can potentially propel the Purple and Gold to a championship next season.
The Lakers have certainly made massive statements with this move. Given that their superstars are aging, they know that they have to zero in on their championship period. With the number of players they have traded in the process, it will be fascinating to see who else they add to their roster. Will the Lakers’ new big three win a championship next season?
