NBA insider Brian Windhorst believes the LA Lakers are still not deep enough to compete for the NBA title.
The Luka Doncic-inspired LA Lakers are one of the most entertaining teams to watch right now – but questions remain about their defensive depth.
The team has been revamped over the offseason following LeBron James’ departure, and the trade for Walker Kessler.
Speaking to ESPN LA, Brian Windhorst believes the Lakers’ formula for success should echo the team’s 2020 title roster – and they are still short.
He pointed to the talented defensive depth the team had, which were later traded away or allowed to leave – arguing they need players with the same
“Go back and look at when they won the championship. They had terrific scoring balance inside and out with LeBron and AD.
“And they had terrific wing defense: Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Alex Caruso, [and] Danny Green. Those are the types of players that they need to acquire.”
The Lakers are currently second in the Western Conference with a 7-2 record.
Bill Simmons has accused Lakers star Luka Doncic of being insufferable 👀 What do you make of those comment?
What happened to the Lakers quartet?
Kyle Kuzma: Traded away as part of the Lakers’ move for Russell Westbrook. Now playing for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: Also included in the Westbrook trade, Caldwell-Pope has rejoined LeBron James on the Philadelphia 76ers.
Danny Green: Green was traded away as part of a deal for Dennis Schroder. He retired in 2023.
Alex Caruso: The Lakers’ decision not to re-sign Caruso was the most costly. He is a key player for the Oklahoma City Thunder, winning the title in 2024-25.
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