For the first time in several years, the Los Angeles Lakers have a rich and talented cast, and they look to be one of the few legitimate championship contenders in the NBA this season.
Training camp begins for them early next week, and instead of dealing with an unbalanced and incomplete roster, multiple starters or endless trade rumors, they will Just focus on achieving high goals.
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The Lakers legend Magic Johnson, who is also a former executive and part-owner of the team, has never been shy about sharing his opinions regarding the Purple and Gold. He seems pretty excited about this year’s squad, even calling it “the best team in the West” (h/t The Cold Wire).
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Johnson had several other complimentary things to say about the 2023-24 Lakers, especially their composition and the work general manager Rob Pelinka has done this offseason.
Via the Los Angeles Times:
“This is a championship team and they don’t have to run from that. They have to accept that and then do it. I think LeBron (James) sees it as well. One thing I’m really happy about is that he can see that there he’s a championship team. And when he and Anthony Davis feel like, ‘Oh, man. OK, we’re going to win it all,’ watch out for them.
“It’s going to be one of the most exciting seasons, because this is an exciting team. Look, everybody we got can run. They can jump. … I like the variety, because we have so many different lineups there. That’s how you win. That’s how you win championships. You have to have versatility in your lineup and we have it. Now, even without LeBron, we can win. Without Anthony Davis, we can win. If someone gets hurt, we win.
“And then Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell and (Rui) Hachimura went on, keeping all three of the young guys that I think made a big contribution and impact on the Lakers. So we didn’t let even who can escape. I think he (Pelinka) set the tone by re-signing first and then making all these unbelievable claims. So, I’m very proud of Rob. The thought process that went to every player, look at that’s what I’m talking about. So, each one of them brings something to the table that will make a big contribution in different ways. So, watch out.”
The Lakers may not be the favorites to win the world title, but they have at least a realistic chance to claim the Larry O’Brien Trophy next summer.
