Lakers Rumors: Would a LeBron-Westbrook team lead to a ring? (Simulation)
By Jason Reed
The Results:
Adding these two superstars to an already full roster is difficult, so we had to make some assumptions. First, we assumed that the Lakers will package Julius Randle and Luol Deng for some expiring contract, so they are gone. In that same note, so is Jordan Clarkson. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was removed, but we assumed LA would sign Brook Lopez with Bird Rights.
We did something unorthodox from there. The starting five, in order, is Ball, Westbrook, Brandon Ingram, James and Lopez. Quite frankly, a move to power forward may even be better for James at this point in his career. Despite the unorthodox positions, this team killed it.
The Los Angeles Lakers finished one game ahead of the Golden State Warriors for first place with a 65-17 record. Summing out the top four was the Houston Rockets and Minnesota Timberwolves. Los Angeles made quick work in the playoffs, reaching the Western Conference Finals with one loss.
There, the Lakers squared off against the Rockets, who upset the Warriors the round prior. Houston gave the Lakers a good test, but Los Angeles ultimately won in six games.
Next was reinvented Boston Celtics in the NBA finals. James and company were able to beat his former teammate again in six games, bringing home the 17th championship to Los Angeles.
James averaged 22.1 points, 9.3 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game while Westbrook led the team in scoring with 28.9 points, 7.7 assists and 7.3 rebounds.