The Lakers' Prospects in the 2020 West: Competing Against the Rockets and potentially Facing the Warriors Without Durant and Klay
With the addition of Anthony Davis, the Los Angeles Lakers are undoubtedly a much-improved team. However, determining their competitiveness in the NBA's Western Conference next season remains uncertain. This article explores the various factors that could influence the Lakers' prospects, with a focus on their potential to face off against the Houston Rockets and possibly the Golden State Warriors in the absence of Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant.
The Lakers vs. The Rockets in the West
The Los Angeles Lakers currently hold their own in the Western Conference, but they will face some tough competition from teams like the Houston Rockets. The Rockets have a solid team with Houston native Clint Capela, the veteran P.J. Tucker, and the former MVP James Harden. With ISO (Isolation) scoring and strong defense, the Rockets are a formidable group.
While the Lakers should be much better in 2020, it's too early to say how competitive they will be against the Rockets. If all goes well, the Lakers are expected to make the playoffs and possibly reach the second round. However, achieving anything beyond that will require a perfect alignment of various factors and unexpected favorable outcomes for the Lakers.
LeBron’s Role and Effectiveness in the 2019–2020 Season
LeBron James is once again one of the key factors to watch in the 2019–2020 NBA season. His effectiveness will be crucial to the Lakers' success, as he often starts off the season with a strong performance and ends it with a drop in form. LeBron's ability to maintain peak performance while dealing with much younger players like Giannis Antetokounmpo (The Claw) and the Golden State Warriors' trio (Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, and Klay Thompson) will be fascinating to observe.
LeBron has had a long and illustrious career, and his continued excellence indicates that he can still compete at the highest level. However, his effectiveness is not guaranteed, as evidenced by his ups and downs during previous seasons. His ability to stay healthy and contribute consistently to the team remains a significant variable.
The Role of Other Free Agents
The success of the Lakers in the 2020 season will also heavily depend on the other free agents who decide to sign with them or potentially join other teams. For example, if two top-tier free agents sign with the Clippers, it could shift the dynamics of the Western Conference. In this scenario, the Lakers might not remain among the top two teams in the conference anymore.
It is crucial to identify the core players who will be playing with LeBron and Anthony Davis. The roster composition is essential to the Lakers' future success. The Lakers have added Jason Kidd, a high-performing assistant coach, but this addition alone does not guarantee team harmony. Rob Pelinka's past actions have raised concerns about his care and treatment of coaches, making the working relationship with Coach Frank Vogel an important variable.
Championship Team Dynamics and Coaching Quality
Championship teams often have well-functioning front offices and coaching staff. The Lakers, like any other team, have a complex ecosystem that affects their performance. While the coaching staff, particularly Frank Vogel with Jason Kidd as an assistant, brings significant expertise, the relationship between the front office and coaching staff is critical. The Lakers' success will depend on whether they can maintain a cohesive and effective team environment, free from dysfunction and discord.
In conclusion, while the Lakers are a force to be reckoned with, their ability to compete in the Western Conference, particularly against the Rockets and possibly the Warriors, remains uncertain. Success will depend on multiple variables, including LeBron James' performance, the success or failure of other free agents, and the team's overall cohesion and organizational harmony. Only time will tell if the Lakers can make a serious run at the playoffs and ultimately the championship in the 2020 season.