The Lakers went all in for Anthony Davis, and in doing so, completely mortgaged their future for the present. A mockery was made of their lack of depth. We saw graphics on ESPN that included Mo Wagner or Isaac Bonga. There were accounts pointing out that they may become James, Davis, and the best of the “Big 3” League. However, the Lakers depth is just better than that.
Of the 16 players listed on their ESPN roster, only eight are returning from last year. They’ve turned the team into a caricature of the “LeBron as GM” philosophy of molding the team completely in his image. For those of you who thought that LeBron just wanted to be a role model as he eased his way into a sunny West Coast retirement: think again. The average age of the 2018-19 Lakers was 25.5. This current prototype for the 2019-20 Lakers? 27.9. LeBron, with the help (or hindrance?) of the Lakers front office, has rebuilt his stereotypical squad.
And, this isn’t the Big 3 All-Stars either. This offseason, excluding the Anthony Davis trade, the Lakers have brought in DeMarcus Cousins, Avery Bradley, Troy Daniels, Danny Green, Jared Dudley, and Quinn Cook. They’ve re-signed JaVale McGee, Rajon Rondo, Alex Caruso, and of course (Klutch client and Laker for life) Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Also returning are Kyle Kuzma, Lance Stephenson, and Tyson Chandler.
There are gambles, headcases, and possibly washed up vets all through that roster. However, that’s the bread and butter of the supporting cast of a LeBron James team. The 2010-11 Heat featured the three-headed monster of Mike Bibby, Udonis Haslem, and Eddie House as their fourth, fifth, and sixth-leading scorers. Then, it was Mario Chalmers, Norris Cole, and Mike Miller. Even as recently as the 2015-16 Cavaliers, it was J.R. Smith, Tristan Thompson, and Mo Williams/Matthew Dellavedova. LeBron doesn’t need a ton of depth to succeed, and he has his co-star in Davis to play the roles of Irving/Love and Wade/Bosh.
Unlike last year, they have the shooting to back up LeBron’s drive-and-kick or a Davis-James pick-and-roll. The Lakers made five acquisitions who shoot greater than or equal to 35% from 3PT: Avery Bradley (35% on 4.0 3PA), Danny Green (45.5% on 5.4 3PA), Troy Daniels (38% on 3.8 3PA), Jared Dudley (35% on 2.6 3PA), and Quinn Cook (40.5% on 2.7 3PA).
In my opinion, the Lakers have a seven-man rotation that’s played competently in an NBA Finals or is Kyle Kuzma – LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Rajon Rondo, Danny Green, Quinn Cook, and JaVale McGee.
For those doubting McGee, he was sixth on the Warriors in minutes during the 2018 Finals. He also started nine of 13 Warriors’ playoff games that season.
In addition, they also have two gambles in DeMarcus Cousins and Avery Bradley. Bradley showed flashes of his old self in Memphis, averaging 16 PPG for 14 games, and is an excellent defender when healthy. If given time to get back to 100% in LA, he could be a formidable piece of the Lakers’ depth.
Cousins’ past achievements are extensive, and while it hurt to watch him play in the Finals, there’s no doubt he wasn’t at 100%. If Cousins can recapture even a bit of his old self, and he should be afforded the time with the Lakers, he could turn the tide in the West in the Lakers’ favor.
The Lakers may still be behind the Clippers when it comes to star power. That’s especially true if you think LeBron has declined and Kawhi is the new best player in the league. However, the Lakers’ depth is no longer the Achilles heel of this team. They have a quality rotation of proven playoff players and two gambles that, if they pay off, put the Lakers at the head of the pack. Their depth is no longer a weakness. It may actually be their strength.