The Lakers were clearly the most disappointing team in basketball last season. Two years ago, they won the ring against the Miami Heat but last season they failed to crack the play-in tournament. Of course, that can be chalked up to dozens of missed games from the players who matter most: LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
The All-Star duo played a combined 96 games, the Russell Westbrook experiment was a huge failure because he showed a low level and not according to his salary, Laker’s defense was horrible and the coach,Frank Vogel, was fired. Unable to move Westbrook so far, the Lakers are essentially running it back—Lonnie Walker IV, Dennis Schroeder( he played in Lakers 2020 2021 season) and Patrick Beverly were their big-name free agent adds—in hopes of healthier seasons from Anthony Davis and 37-year-old James with new coach Darvin Ham calling the shots. A play-in appearance is well within reach, but there are quite a few teams out West with better constructed roster than the Lakers.
Lakers’ Dennis Schroder has suffered a finger injury and his status is up in the air ahead of regular season next week, sources tell TheAthletic and Stadium.
Damian Lillard is one of the most talented players in the NBA,many years has been in the discussion of the MVP, but being on a team like the Trail Blazers diminishes his chances of becoming more relevant. Portland has never had a clear chance to win the championship in recent years.
Many have questioned his loyalty to Portland, even though the player has stated he wants to retire there. However, Lillard confessed that in the offseason he met with LeBron James and the Lakers option was on the table, but Damian explained that he wants to win the ring as a Blazer.
Santiago de la Peña
