Lakers rumors: LA has real shot of being dominant divisional team next season
By Keith Rivas
The latest Lakers rumors address how the team can make a run for the division.
For the last few seasons, the dominant team in the Pacific division has been Golden State. Now making their third consecutive NBA Finals, questions linger after this championship shot.
Key pieces like Andre Iguoadola, Steph Curry, and Zaza Pachulia are all free agents before next season.
While it’s likely that some, if not all, of the pending free agents stay put, the Lakers will still be reloading. Given that Brandon Ingram is who they see as untouchable, it’s up to the draft for Los Angeles to make a serious move.
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Getting D’Angelo Russell out of point guard and into the two spot will also help. He’s an off the ball scorer anyway, so there’s only improvement there. Ingram will no doubt be getting better, while who plays power forward and center remain the pressing issues for them.
As for point guard, it’s realistically between Lonzo Ball or De’Aaron Fox. Markelle Fultz could be an option, but the chances of the Celtics passing on him first overall are slim.
Once the Lakers decide on their next premier point guard, it’ll be theirs for the taking.
For Golden State to continue the ridiculous run that they’ve been having, they’ll have to give it everything they’ve got and more. Even with Kevin Durant, the Warriors won’t be nearly perfect forever.
Aging will be the best weapon the Lakers will have. Most of their stars are going to be young compared to the older veterans on Golden State.
Other teams in their division aren’t in a contending time, with the potential special exception to Phoenix.
Both the Clippers and Kings are in dire situations and won’t be the same after this off-season.
It’s a summer to celebrate in Los Angeles, because special things lie ahead for them.