Overreactions from the Los Angeles Lakers’ first week
By Amaar Burton
5. The Lakers need to upgrade the bench
As usual, so much of the focus during the NBA offseason was on the superstars that the importance of roster depth was overlooked.
The Los Angeles Lakers put together a pair of future Hall of Famers who can compete with any tandem in the league, but the difference between an early playoff exit and a real shot at a championship will be L.A.’s depth and role players.
The Clippers have nailed it in that area. They were able to sign Kawhi Leonard and trade for Paul George while keeping most of the role players from a team that went to the playoffs last season.
On opening night, the Clippers’ bench dominated the Lakers’ reserves, outscoring them 60-19 led by three-time Sixth Man of the Year winner Lou Williams and early Most Improved Player candidate Montrezl Harrell.
Because this is a LeBron James team, sub-par performances by teammates will lead to trade rumors, both serious and in jest. Everyone remembers how the Cleveland Cavaliers flipped half of their rotation midway through the 2017-18 season when LeBron and Co. were struggling to defend their Eastern Conference crown, even shipping off LeBron’s best friend Dwyane Wade.
Just a few months ago, LeBron’s Lakers traded three good young players to get Anthony Davis.
Deserved or not, LeBron is viewed by many as an impatient control freak who won’t hesitate to orchestrate roster upgrades.
The Lakers’ bench didn’t look ready for prime time against the Clippers, but have since put those concerns at ease — at least temporarily.
Quinn Cook is a backup point guard who carries himself like he believes he’s just as good as any starter in the league. Troy Daniels has shown why he stays employed as a shooting specialist. Dwight Howard has won over L.A. fans with his defense and dunks. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope hasn’t shot the ball well, but he’s bringing energy on both ends.
Remember also that when Kuzma returns from his foot injury, that will strengthen the Lakers’ bench. Either Kuzma will become the sixth man who leads the second unit or he’ll join the starting lineup and move either Danny Green or Avery Bradley to the bench. Rajon Rondo is also slated to return soon from injury.