The NBA offseason is a chance for contending teams to add some more pieces to the puzzle and for rebuilding teams to let veterans walk or look for the young players on the market. Every offseason their will be teams that will improve and teams that will lose some players. The teams that were middle of the pack will look to make a splash to get them over the hump the next season. I will be breaking down a couple teams who have improved through the NBA draft and also through free agency this offseason.
Los Angeles Lakers:
The Los Angeles Lakers have been towards the bottom of the Western Conference the past couple of years. That has allowed them to stack on draft picks and young talent to develop for the future. The Lakers have a nice young core to build upon in Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma, and Josh Hart. The Los Angeles Lakers made a huge splash this summer which should have them competing for a championship in the near future. The Lakers are one of the most storied franchises in the league and will look to get back to the top soon.
LeBron James:
The Los Angeles Lakers have landed the best player in the league right now and the most coveted free agent this summer. LeBron James will be heading to the Lakers for the next 4 years. He will bring a whole lot to Los Angeles including becoming a contender for the next couple of years. LeBron will bring out the best in the young guys who he has high hopes for.
Rajon Rondo:
The Lakers signed veteran point guard Rajon Rondo to a one year deal. Los Angeles seems to be bringing in playmakers instead of shooters in efforts to not put so much on LeBron’s shoulders. Rondo will be competing with Lonzo for the starting point guard position which will be a great thing for Lonzo. He is one of the best ever at reading defenses and offensive schemes. Rondo will provide a high basketball IQ and will be a great mentor for Lonzo in the way he approches the game on and off the floor.
Lance Stephenson:
Lance Stephenson is one of the most unique players in the league. He has his on court issues sometimes but he can be a game changer also. Stephenson can do everything on a basketball court and will provide a much needed toughness to the Lakers. He will likely come off the bench but should be a huge contributor to the success in Los Angeles next season.
Javale McGee:
Javale McGee had 2 good seasons with the Golden State Warriors which resulted in winning 2 championships. McGee isn’t a center that is going to jump off the charts with his numbers. However, he does all of the little things on the court. McGee is known more for his blunders in the league and being made fun off. Javale will most likely start at the center position for the Lakers and play about 20 – 25 minutes per game.
Moritz Wagner:
Moritz Wagner was a first round draft pick by the Los Angeles Lakers. Wagner played at the University of Michigan. Wagner is an offensive weapon where he can score in the post, the mid range, the free throw line, and can score from distance. Wagner’s quickness and toughness makes him an above averaged defender and rebounder. Wagner should see increased minutes off the bench behind McGee and be a key role player for the Lakers.
Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk:
Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk went to Kansas at an early age from being overseas. It took him a couple seasons to develop into the player he is today. Mykhailiuk had his best college season last year where he stared on both ends of the floor. He was one of the top shooters in college and could also attack the rim. Mykhailiuk is an average defender but plays great team defense and helpside defense. Sviatoslav should get some playing time on the Lakers due to his ability to strectch the floor which is going to be key for all of the playmakers in Los Angeles.
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