(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers are not what they used to be.
Not often did you see players and coaches turning down an opportunity to join the Purple & Gold, but they’re no longer the prime destination they were in the Jerry Buss era.
Jeannie Buss has drawn plenty of criticism for the way she’s dealt with the team throughout the course of the years, and Rob Pelinka’s decision-making has also been a reason for concern.
Add a rookie coach, a ‘good, not-great’ roster, and an aging superstar to the mix, and it seems like the Lakers aren’t a legitimate championship contender.
However, that might not be the truth, at least according to Austin Rivers.
The former NBA player took to Twitter with a rather interesting take about Team USA and the Lakers, pointing out that Anthony Davis and LeBron James have clearly been their best players.
When you watch USA basketball and realize the two most dynamic players thus far are two Lakers players…you realize they’re not far behind in competing for a chip. That window can’t be closed considering I’m watching them be the best on the BEST team in the world… thoughts? pic.twitter.com/PMWb3rDowm
— Austin Rivers (@AustinRivers25) July 22, 2024
So, if the two best players on the Lakers are beating the best of the best, they shouldn’t be that far behind in terms of championship contention.
Of course, that makes sense on paper.
Nonetheless, it’s not the same to play a full 82-game season plus the playoffs.
Other teams have counters, more time to prepare, and more resources, and the NBA season is a marathon, not a sprint.
LeBron James is entering his 22nd season, Anthony Davis is injury-prone, and other teams in the league are better and deeper.
The Lakers might not be as far behind as some think they are, but they’re not good enough to win, either.
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