Lakers' Stacked Team: Winning the 2021-2022 NBA Finals in Question

While the Los Angeles Lakers have a stacked team, their recent ninth-place performance in the standings and the current lack of viable playoff contenders suggest they may not be among the strongest in the upcoming NBA Finals. Their focus on Russell Westbrook, a player with a questionable fit, has drawn scrutiny from various analyst critiques.

Current Challenges and Opportunities

The Lakers face significant challenges as they navigate the remainder of the season. Their record sitting at ninth place deprives them of valuable playoff spots, and their remaining games offer little room for maneuver. This makes winning every match crucial for any playoff aspirations.

The Russell Westbrook Experiment

The signing of Russell Westbrook was touted as a significant upgrade, but it raises questions about the direction and success of the team. While Westbrook is known for his triple-doubles and star power, his 3-point shooting—described as one of the league's worst—poses a notable challenge. His outside shooting capability is crucial, as it influences floor spacing and the opportunities for other players.

Shooting and Efficiency

The Lakers' poor shooting efficiency, as highlighted in points like free throws, assists, and 3-point shooting, raises concerns about their ability to compete. Despite leading the NBA in pace (possessions per 48 minutes), these stats indicate that the team faces significant hurdles when it comes to scoring. This inefficiency is not just an isolated issue; it extends across various aspects of their game.

Aging Roster and Future Directions

The Lakers' roster is aging, with key players like LeBron James and Anthony Davis entering the later stages of their careers. This presents both challenges and opportunities. The aging process can lead to a decline in performance, which is a risk the team must address. Nonetheless, they still have younger players like Malik Monk who could potentially step up in the absence of significant improvements through trades or internal development.

Trade Possibilities

Future trade opportunities represent a strategic move for the Lakers. While the current roster may be suboptimal for the playoffs, trades could provide much-needed shooters and facilitators. However, the team must also weigh the potential impact of such moves on their existing chemistry and playing time.

Conclusion

The 2021-2022 NBA Finals appearance for the Lakers is uncertain given their current performance and challenges. The balance between star power and efficiency is crucial, and the team must address its shooting and shooting efficiency issues to have a chance. The experiment with Russell Westbrook will be pivotal, with the Lakers needing significant improvements to their outside shooting to complement their strengths.

Keywords: Lakers, NBA Finals, Russell Westbrook