The Lakers had 2020-21 season to forget. Marred with injuries and underperforming stars, the defending champions crashed out of the playoffs in the very first round. Considering the star power of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, this was certainly not the result the Lakers hoped for.
Last season, the Lakers were among the first competitors to make a significant addition to their roster. They have continued the trend in this off-season as well. Where many teams are trying to trade up in the draft lottery, the Lakers have pulled off a massive trade.
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Trading away key starters and rotational pieces like Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Montrezl Harrell, the Lakers have brought in a superstar point guard and triple-double machine Russell Westbrook.
READ MORE- Lakers Trade: Russell Westbrook Set to Join LeBron James & Anthony Davis After Kuzma Trade
LA’s new superstar trio emulate 2004 Lakers in incredible record
The Lakers were already one of the best teams in the NBA with the star power of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. But last season the Purple and Gold showed that they can also falter, injuries being the primary reason.
With teams like the Nets forming lethal trios, the Lakers knew they had to add another superstar. Russell Westbrook is the perfect answer to their problems. Not only does Brodie become an extra playmaker, he also adds toughness in the defensive end as well.
LeBron James, Russell Westbrook and Anthony Davis have combined for 30 All-NBA selections. They would be the 2nd trio in NBA history to enter a season with 30 All-NBA selections, joining Karl Malone, Shaquille O’Neal and Gary Payton for the 2003-04 Lakers h/t @EliasSports https://t.co/bFn0FOzvcz
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) July 30, 2021
The trio of Bron, AD, and Brodie might not have played till now, but they have already started creating records. With a combined 30 All-Star appearances, they are the second trio ever to enter a season with 30 or more All-Star appearances.
The only trio to have this unique record also belongs to the Purple and Gold. Back in 2004, the Lakers’ trio of Gary Payton, Karl Malone, and Shaquille O’Neal. While the trio of Payton, Malone, and Shaq looked unstoppable on paper, they rather looked disappointing on the court.
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With aging veterans like Payton and Malone unable to play big minutes, the 2004 Lakers were slow and ultimately faltered in the Finals. The Purple and Gold will hope that their new core of Bron, AD, and Westbrook do not have the same fate.
With the three players arguably in their prime, the Lakers look set to dominate next season. But will ‘Brodie’ be willing to sacrifice and fit in the Frank Vogel system next season?
