The Los Angeles Lakers are gearing up for a new era with Luka Doncic as the face of their franchise. Following LeBron James’ departure to the Philadelphia 76ers, general manager Rob Pelinka completely turned around the roster to better fit Doncic’s play style and timeline.
However, it is hard to turn a team into a championship contender in one transaction window. There is a vision in place, but more work will seemingly need to be done to continue improving. As things currently stand though, Lakers legend Michael Cooper likes the roster the Lakers put together and isn’t as concerned as others about their last of perimeter defense.
“Basketball in general now is not necessarily geared towards defense, although you still have to have a little bit of that,” Cooper told Lakers Nation at the 26th annual Harold & Carole Pump Foundation celebrity dinner. “But on paper, the Lakers have a great chance of winning. You got two players who can go out and get 50 on any given night in Reaves and Luka. And I think the players they’re assembling will have to be players that will fit around them because they’re gonna be the nucleus of what the new Lakers are about as far as winning a championship. And I don’t see anything less.
“Again, it’s gonna be up to the coaching staff to get their heads in the right direction and I think they’ve got players that are willing to buy in to what the coaches feel is best to help the team win.”
Cooper makes a valid point as the Lakers should have a top offense this season given how much talent they brought in. Head coach JJ Redick will need to find a way to make the team compete defensively, although the additions of Walker Kessler, Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams should help in that regard.
Redick is coming off back-to-back 50-win seasons since taking over as head coach and has been able to make due with clunky rosters. The hope is that this team is built around his vision, and it will be interesting to see if things play out that way.
Robert Horry doesn’t think players care about Lakers ownership drama
Unfortunately, the Lakers find themselves in a bit of drama as news recently broke regarding the Buss family wanting to sell their remaining 17.8% stake in the team. Governor Jeanie Buss is trying to prevent this sale from happening, resulting in potential court proceedings.
Optically, things do not look good as L.A. navigates another ownership change in little over a year. But former three-time Lakers champion Robert Horry does not think players care about what is happening at the top of the food chain as their focus is on the court.
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