Tuesday, 14 May 2024

2021-22 Season Preview: Los Angeles Lakers

LeBron James has been in Los Angeles for three seasons, and despite some setbacks due to injuries, he managed to lead the team to a championship in the last one. With the addition of Russell Westbrook and the return of Anthony Davis, there’s no reason to doubt that the Lakers can contend for another title this season.

The Arrival of Westbrook

The biggest reason for optimism is the addition of Russell Westbrook. While there are some doubts about his shooting ability, Westbrook brings unmatched energy and playmaking skills to the court. His presence allows LeBron James to focus more on scoring, making the Lakers’ offensive attack even more dangerous. Additionally, the team has bolstered its roster with veteran players like Carmelo Anthony, Rajon Rondo, and Dwight Howard, creating a solid rotation that can compete with any other team in the league.

Young Players Stepping Up

Beyond the star trio of LeBron, Westbrook, and Davis, the Lakers are relying on a small group of young players to fill supporting roles and show growth. This presents a golden opportunity for Kendrick Nunn and Malik Monk, who both showed promise with their previous teams but didn’t have the chance to fully establish themselves. Playing alongside veterans and in a win-now situation, they have the potential to make a significant impact for the Lakers.

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Managing the Regular Season

The Lakers understand the importance of preserving the health of their key players, particularly Anthony Davis, who has been plagued by injuries throughout his career. They may take a cautious approach during the regular season to avoid overloading their stars, potentially limiting their playing time together. While this approach may result in a lower seed in the Western Conference, the team’s priority lies in pursuing another championship.

Projected Starting Five

  • Russell Westbrook: The triple-double master has a great chance to win a championship with the Lakers.
  • Talen Horton-Tucker: A young and promising player who could secure a spot in the starting lineup.
  • LeBron James: Still performing at an MVP level despite entering his 19th season.
  • Anthony Davis: Hoping to stay healthy and make an impact on both ends of the court.
  • Dwight Howard: A rebounding and defensive presence for the team.

Key Reserves

  • Carmelo Anthony: United with his friend LeBron, Anthony can still contribute with his scoring ability.
  • Trevor Ariza: A solid defender who adds experience and versatility to the team.
  • Malik Monk: An athletic guard who could provide a scoring boost off the bench.
  • Kendrick Nunn: Another young player with potential, Nunn brings athleticism and scoring ability to the team.

Last 5 Seasons

Here’s how the Lakers have fared statistically over the last five seasons:

Season W L Win pct. OffRtg Rank DefRtg Rank NetRtg Rank
2020-21 42 30 .583 109.8 24 106.8 1 +2.9 8
2019-20 52 19 .732 111.7 11 106.1 3 +5.6 5
2018-19 37 45 .451 107.4 24 108.9 13 -1.6 22
2017-18 35 47 .427 106.0 23 107.3 13 -1.3 21
2016-17 26 56 .317 105.3 24 112.0 30 -6.7 30
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OffRtg = Points scored per 100 possessions
DefRtg = Points allowed per 100 possessions
NetRtg = Point differential per 100 possessions

Stat to Know

Russell Westbrook assisted on 47.7% of his teammates’ buckets while he was on the floor, the highest rate among players who averaged at least 10 minutes per game last season. This playmaking ability, along with LeBron James and Rajon Rondo’s high assist rates, showcases the Lakers’ ability to create scoring opportunities for their teammates.

FAQs

Q: How many championships have the Los Angeles Lakers won?
A: The Los Angeles Lakers have won a total of 17 championships, making them one of the most successful franchises in NBA history.

Q: Who is the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers?
A: The current head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers is Frank Vogel.

Q: What is the Lakers’ all-time win-loss record?
A: As of the end of the 2020-21 season, the Lakers’ all-time win-loss record stands at 3,402 wins and 2,233 losses.

Summary

In the 2021-22 NBA season, the Los Angeles Lakers are poised to contend for another championship. With a star-studded roster led by LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, and Anthony Davis, the team has the talent and experience to compete with the best in the league. The addition of key veterans like Carmelo Anthony and the development of young players like Kendrick Nunn and Malik Monk further solidify the Lakers’ depth. While managing the workload of their star players will be a priority, the ultimate goal for the Lakers is to bring home another championship. Don’t miss out on the excitement. Follow the Los Angeles Lakers on Osceolagarage.com for all the latest updates and news.

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