Los Angeles Lakers Preview 2021

PreviewsNBAWESTERN CONFERENCEPacific DivisionLos Angeles Lakers

Oct 19

Our Los Angeles Lakers preview 2021 notes that after a playoff drought of six years and going without an NBA championship for nine, in 2019-2020, this team scored their 18th league title. That was with MVP LeBron James taking charge. However, last season, the 42-30 Lakers were third in the division and seventh in the conference. They got to the First Round of the playoffs via the Play-In Round. Unfortunately, the Lakers were defeated by the Phoenix Suns in the initial round four games to two. This season, we anticipate Los Angeles being much more competitive than they were in 2020-2021. Although, we don’t think they’ll be in form as they were during their most recent championship year.

Lakers Frontcourt

Power forward LeBron James and center Anthony Davis are two of the best in the NBA. Last season for the Lakers, James and Davis were one and two in scoring, averaging 25.0 and 21.8 PPG respectively. James can hit from anywhere on the court. Plus, he’s a fine assist-man and top-notch defender and team leader. Davis, who was good for 7.9 RPG, 1.3 SPG, and 1.6 BPG, is a premium two-way player. They are a dynamic duo. Their backups, Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard, are no slouches.

Our Los Angeles Lakers preview 2021 notes that nine-year Kent Bazemore has been tapped to play small forward. Bazemore, who last season played for the Warriors, can shoot from the corner and is a sound defender. Talented and creative Talen Horton-Tucker, who’s dealing with injuries, could share duties with Bazemore once healthy.

Los Angeles Lakers Preview – Backcourt

Point guard Russell Westbrook, who played for the Wizards last season, is always a triple-double threat. Last season, his 13th in the league, Westbrook averaged 22.2 PPG, 11.7 APG, and 11.5 RPG. Young combo guard Kendrick Nunn and veteran Rajon Rondo back up.

Although the point looks solid, the shooting guard spot is a concern. Wayne Ellington, most recently with the Pistons, and Malik Monk, who comes to the Lakers from the Hornets, are both 40-plus shooters from inside and outside the arc. However, as the new season nears, both have health concerns.