The case for the Los Angeles Lakers to keep roster intact at deadline
Lakers’ youth showing strides
I understand the benefits of bringing in Paul George and how much he improves the Los Angeles Lakers. I also am completely on board with the Lakers pursuing him in free agency. I just would prefer to see management allow the current group of players to continue growing together.
Despite the subpar record and “need” to bring in more players, the Lakers probably have one of the most promising trios in the NBA consisting of players 22 years old or younger in Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram and Kyle Kuzma. These are the building blocks the franchise has to lead them for the next decade, so it’s obvious why they are untouchable.
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The rest of their young pieces may not be as talented, but Clarkson, Randle and Larry Nance Jr. all have roles on the team and are starting to relish them. Throw Josh Hart into the mix, and the Lakers go seven deep with players under 25 that are learning how to play together and are solid fits for the modern NBA. It doesn’t hurt they all complement each other’s games, too.
There’s something to be said about building chemistry on the court under a single coach, and I would love to see Luke Walton continue to groom these Lakers. The improving aesthetics of their offense are most notable, with the Lakers moving much more off the ball and understanding where each other will be on the court, which has subsequently led to more success.
I know it’s not in the Los Angeles Lakers’ makeup as a franchise to rebuild in this way, but I would love to see how this group develops. Lonzo-Hart-Ingram-Kuzma-Randle is a strong starting unit. Clarkson and Nance are solid bench foundations with their two-man game. Continue drafting well, develop the talent and see where it takes you.