.jpg?itok=oaymTb4t&ssl=1 "Will the Lakers make Russell Westbrook their sixth man? The Angels’ big questions heading into the 2022-2023 season")
With the new 2022-2023 season on the horizon, Los Angeles Lakers They are doing everything possible to make what happened last year a nightmare of the past. Less than two years after his elevation Larry O’Brien Trophy in 2020, Californians show up at training camp with more questions than certainties. The Angels have a new coach, 13 new players and only two of their championship team remain: LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
After everything that went wrong in the last two seasons, it was clear that a change was needed, but Have the Lakers made the necessary adjustments to contend in the Western Conference again?
These are the more important questions which the Lakers face after a out of season very intense in Los Angeles.
Will Russell Westbrook be the Sixth Man?
The condition of Westbrook with the Lakers it is anything but pleasant. Despite the average 18.5 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.1 assists, The 2017 MVP’s first season in Los Angeles was largely seen as a disappointment.
While Russ has been in several trade reports in recent months, his $47 million salary is a big reason no team has had any real interest in acquiring him. In this out of season The Lakers added two more coaches, Patrick Beverly and Dennis Schroeder. That significantly strengthens their outside line, to which must be added the recovered Kendrick Nunn, who missed all of last season with a knee injury.
New coach Darvin Ham has expressed high expectations for Westbrook, but with his issues and depth at the position, could Russ end up being the best fit to lead the Lakers’ second unit? Would you be open to this role?
With Westbrook approaching his 34th birthday and the final year of his contract, he has reached a pivotal moment that could define the rest of his NBA career.
Will Anthony Davis stay healthy?
Health is almost impossible to predict, but Davis has struggled to stay on the floor throughout his time with the Lakers. A big deal considering how important he is to Los Angeles’ success.
Since the gold and purple won the ring in October 2020, it appeared in AD 76 of a possible 154 regular season games, including 42 absences during the 2021-2022 campaign.
If the star can play again as a top 10 talent in the league, the outlook for the Lakers next season becomes much more positive.
Will LeBron James’ level drop in his 20th season?
This is a question that has come up year after year since then LeBron James entered the twilight of his career. Will the King be able to defeat the effect of time again?
When available, James was incredible in his 19th season, averaging 30.3 points, 8.2 rebounds and 6.2 assists in 50 games. Good enough numbers to make the All-NBA Third Team. As great as his stats were, his health was a major concern as James missed 24 games due to various ailments and another 8 due to rest.
Injuries aside, LeBron has defied all logic about the level expected of someone his age. Entering his 20th NBA season, James is months away from his 38th birthday and, given the structure of the Lakers, will need to remain at an All-NBA level to give the team a chance to return to the playoffs.
How will Darwin Hamm impact the locker room?
After being an assistant coach for a long time, Hamm comes in to provide a respected voice for a team like the Lakers that has an interesting mix of veterans and young players.
When the Los Angeles team’s coaching search began, GM Rob Pelinka said “We want a strong voice that can inspire players to play at their highest level every night”. While this is true for most searches for a new technician, it’s especially important to have someone empowered here.
During his coaching career, Hamm has worked with a number of stars including Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and most recently Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Hamm, 49, is now tasked with commanding a locker room that has three of the 75 greatest players in NBA history (James, Davis and Westbrook). Additionally, he is expected to have the same approach with every member of the roster from top to bottom, a level of responsibility required in Los Angeles.
The big question is how each team member will respond to the rookie technician’s approach.
Will the Lakers signings work?
Among the Lakers’ 13 new players are several who are expected to make an immediate impact on the team.
Troy Brown Jr., Thomas Bryant, Damian Jones, Juan Toscano-Anderson and Lonnie Walker IV they can fit right into the Los Angeles team. These are much younger than last year’s signings, unsurprisingly, indicating a shift in focus to building around James, Davis and Westbrook.
In the time since adding those five, the Lakers snagged Beverley and added Schroder on a veteran-minimum deal. If you add to that the rookies Max Christie, Scotty Pippen Jr. and Cole Swider, The Californians look a lot different (and younger) than last season.
The question is, can they make it work?
The views expressed here do not necessarily represent the NBA or its organizations.
The views expressed here do not necessarily represent the NBA or its organizations.
