Los Angeles Lakers: 3 big questions heading into 2019-20
By Alec Liebsch
Now that LeBron James’ running mate has joined the Los Angeles Lakers, it’s time to see what other questions lie dormant.
Following the ultimate coup of acquiring LeBron James in the summer of 2018, the Los Angeles Lakers did little else to build a championship core. Who’s at fault for these errors has been well documented, but since then, the front office has rebounded quite well.
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They conceded a king’s ransom for Anthony Davis, but he’s still Anthony freaking Davis. The chances of any of those picks or players coming close to as valuable as The Brow are slim to none.
Danny Green was a good signing, even at that price tag. Retaining Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was the Rich Paul special, but he’s a solid two-way player nonetheless. JaVale McGee and Rajon Rondo coming back is … JaVale McGee and Rajon Rondo coming back.
Adding Troy Williams and Quinn Cook to the bench is nice for spacing the floor and Avery Bradley may finally break his reputation of “only good with the Celtics.” Jared Dudley is a 3-and-D big who will provide a phenomenal locker room presence.
DeMarcus Cousins is a risk worth taking for only $3.5 million; we’ll see if he can avoid getting roasted defensively.
Overall, the Lakers went out and acquired precisely who you should get to surround their two superstars: shooters and defenders. The groundwork is there; now come the deeper questions.