Can Lakers’ Aging Core Shut Down the Critics?
The Los Angeles Lakers overhauled their entire roster this offseason. There are only four players on the roster right now that were on the team last season; LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Marc Gasol and Talen Horton-Tucker.
The biggest move that Los Angeles made was acquiring Russell Westbrook from the Washington Wizards. But, to acquire him, the Lakers had to surrender a lot of their depth in Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Kyle Kuzma and Montrezl Harrell. The No. 22 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft was also a part of the deal.
With numerous free agents from last season’s roster as well, Rob Pelinka had his hands full filling out the roster. He has been successful doing so, adding numerous players on veteran minimum contracts.
Los Angeles is having reunions with Trevor Ariza, Wayne Ellington, Kent Bazemore and Dwight Howard. Carmelo Anthony, Malik Monk and Kendrick Nunn were also signed.
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Outside of Monk and Nunn, the other acquisitions the Lakers made this offseason are all in the latter parts of their careers. Will they prove their critics wrong and prove age is just a number this season? Westbrook certainly thinks so.
