The Los Angeles Lakers became a brand new team over the offseason. It is clear that the front office wants to win and is willing to do anything possible.
A lot of speculation came with the addition of point guard Russell Westbrook.
Both him and LeBron James are ball dominant and are used to the offense running through them.
There is no denying that Russell Westbrook is not the best decision maker. His erratic threes and questionable turnovers have developed a lot of criticism.
Regardless of the sometimes questionable judgement, Westbrook is still a once in a general player and a top five point guard in the league.
He is a triple double machine that brings a different type of intensity to the Lakers, something they lacked last year.
This addition also relieves some pressure off of an aging Lebron James. The 36-year old will not be relied on to finish with 30 points every night.
What makes this trade more likely to be successful is the additions made this offseason to surround the trio of Westbrook, James and Anthony Davis.
What this team needed was shooters and the Lakers’ front office accomplished that.
Wayne Ellington returns to the Lakers after shooting 42.2% from the three last season. Whether he starts or comes off the bench Ellington looks to help improve the Lakers’ shooting woes.
A signing that had gone under the radar this offseason is sharpshooter Malik Monk.
Monk is only 23 years old and has improved every year in the league. Surrounded by lots of veterans and all stars, Monk is poised to have a big year.
Veterans Kent Bazemore and Trevor Ariza will also be good fits for the Lakers. Their unselfish solid 3-and-D style of play will gel smoothly around James and Westbrook.
Future Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony made a big splash by signing with the Lakers this offseason.
Although he is 37, Melo is still an exceptional scorer and will look to have a big role coming off the bench.
Former Miami Heat point guard Kendrick Nunn was another underrated signing for the Lakers. Nunn took a small deal to join the Lakers when he could have made a lot more money elsewhere.
Nunn looks to come off the bench but could possibly start at shooting guard. Regardless, the 26 year old will have a huge impact on the offensive side for Los Angeles.
The Lakers had one of their best offseasons in years.
Most people just see the superstar trio, but if you look past the star power the Lakers’ roster is one of the deepest in basketball.
There are little to no roles with a good mixture of scorers, shooters and defenders.
It is obvious the Lakers front office was not satisfied with last year and a second championship in three years is well within reach.
