Although Los Angeles is known as the “City of Angels,” the Los Angeles Lakers have had a season that might have come directly out of Dante’s “Inferno.” The squad, who had been accustomed to success, had a difficult season in 2021/22, failing to make the playoffs after an eight-game losing streak at the close of the season put them out of contention. Despite having superstars like LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook on its roster, the Lakers fell short of expectations, and head coach Frank Vogel paid the price. There have been a slew of reasons for the team’s poor season, ranging from dubious summer signings to injuries and faltering players. And with so many unknowns surrounding the future of the company a new head coach must be found, and the roster must always be rebuilt with limited resources the potential of the Lakers appears to be bleak. Taking Initiative
The Lakers won the NBA championship two years ago.
The squad won the 2020 NBA championship title in the Covid-19 safe bubble in Florida, thanks to a suffocating defense and its two superstars, James and Davis.
However, this year’s team is a pale imitation of the previous one.
The roster was overhauled following last season’s playoff loss to the Phoenix Suns, a series in which Davis sustained an injury that altered the tide.
Westbrook was acquired from the Washington Wizards in exchange for a first-round selection, two future second-round picks, and a group of previously prominent players, including Montrezl Harrell, Kyle Kuzma, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.They also lost key players Alex Caruso and Dennis Schröder to free agency, with Carmelo Anthony and other older veterans or bench players filling in. The Lakers believed they were in perfect position for a championship run after adding Westbrook, and the oddsmakers agreed. When the Golden State Warriors signed Kevin Durant to join Steph Curry and Klay Thompson on a team that went on to win two championships, Lakers supporters rejoiced.They were rumored to have their own ‘Big Three.’
LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook: doesn’t it seem like a dream team? However, it was clear from the start that things weren’t going to be perfect.
