The Los Angeles Lakers are back in contention for another championship.
The Lakers acquiring Russell Westbrook gives them their own “Big 3,” making the Lakers the West favorite for the 2021-22 season.
In December, LeBron James will be 37 years old, and he has a couple of years left of championship basketball. Anthony Davis, when healthy, is the most complete big in the NBA.
The question is, how are the Lakers going to space the floor for Westbrook and James?
Photo: MARCAThe first move the Lakers made in free agency was acquiring former Laker Trevor Ariza. Ariza won the championship with the Lakers in 2009 and was a knockdown shooter and defender. At 36 years old, Ariza is on the backside of his career, but he can still play, and he’s a career 35% three-point shooter. The Lakers’ next move was acquiring Wayne Ellington Jr. Wayne Ellington shot 42% from three last year with the Detroit Pistons. Ellington will provide spacing off the bench for the Lakers.
Dwight Howard is rejoining the Lakers on a 1-year deal. Howard was pivotal in the Lakers 2020 championship run with his defense and rebounding. The Lakers also signed Kent Bazemore, who shot 40% from three last year with the Golden State Warriors.
The Lakers still have a decision to make on Talen Horton-Tucker, but the Lakers should re-sign him soon. The Lakers will need another perimeter defender to compliment Ariza and James.
The Lakers will be an exciting team to watch this upcoming season. If everyone can stay healthy, next season will be one to remember.
Featured Image: MARCA
