Rebuilding the Los Angeles Lakers post-Kobe Bryant is a difficult task, especially when most NBA superstars want to sign with teams that have a higher chance of dethroning the Golden State Warriors. And yet, in just one year, the Lakers' front office was able to put together a competitive roster.
Entering the 2017-18 NBA season, the Lakers got additional firepower from all possible sources: the NBA Draft, free agency market, via trade, and even from the D-League. magic johnson, who assumed as the team’s president of basketball operations last February, helped make all of these things happen.
But will it be enough to bring the glory back in Los Angeles?
Lakers new blood
Many may not have noticed but the Los Angeles Lakers drafted four of the most promising rookies in the NBA Draft: Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, Josh Hart, and Thomas Bryant. Ball and Kuzma’s unforgettable performances in the Summer League were enough to earn for themselves the Summer League MVP and Summer League Championship Game MVP awards, respectively.
As a 22-year-old, Josh Hart was the recipient of multiple accolades while playing for the Villanova Wildcats. This includes the Julius Erving Award (2017) and the Big East Player of the Year (2017) among other awards.
Like Kuzma, the 6-10 Thomas Bryant has shown imposing presence down the baseline.
Picked at No. 42 during the NBA Draft, Lakers Nation beat writer Ryan Ward thinks Bryant has a bright future, especially with Lonzo Ball’s precision passes down the baseline.
Keep your eye on Thomas Bryant, Lakers fans. Energy, ability to stretch the floor & chemistry w/ Lonzo Ball may lead to bright future in LA
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) July 31, 2017
Additional firepower
One of Magic's biggest moves during the offseason was trading for Brook Lopez of the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for D’Angelo Russell and Timofey Mozgov.
Many basketball experts look at this as preparation to bid for LeBron James and Paul George next season.
The Lakers got a big break in the free agency when the Detroit Pistons renounced their rights on Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. A week later, the Lakers signed him to just one-year, $18 million deal, keeping their options next year open.
Also, just a couple of hours ago, the Lakers officially signed the 2016-17 NBA Development League MVP, Vander Blue.
OFFICIAL: Lakers Sign @veezy_SQ https://t.co/VBGmDAI9d2
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) August 4, 2017
Rebuilding the Lakers
Now, we take a look at the Los Angeles Lakers' possible starting lineup: Lonzo Ball (PG), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (SG), Brandon Ingram (SF), Julius Randle (PF) and Brook Lopez (C). Jordan Clarkson slides back and will come off the bench once again (Magic challenged him to win the Sixth Man of the Year award) along with Larry Nance, Jr. and Ivica Zubac.
Luol Deng’s future as part of the Lakers is still in the air following team president Jeanie Buss’ "didn't understand why" remarks.
Still, keeping the 13-year NBA journeyman gives depth on the Lakers’ bench. At the same time, he can provide veteran advises to rookie big men like Thomas and Kuzma.
With mostly young and energetic players comprising its roster, many basketball experts consider them as the dark horse in the West. But is it enough to consider the Los Angeles Lakers an NBA Playoffs-bound team this early?
