The Los Angeles Lakers have managed to escape an image-shattering experience. When the current season started, the LA side was not ready to make the postseason. They could have missed it twice in a row, just like last year. But things changed after some essential trades back in February brought balance to the roster.
The Lakers’ front office has been trying to take all the measures to be ready for another injury concern. It is crucial to have replacements ready. Hence, strengthening the reserve bench is very important as well. And once again, the management has done the same.
Tristan Thompson Rejoins LeBron James
According to the latest information from ESPN Network, the last but not the least entry to the Lakers roster is Tristan Thompson. Thompson is an old teammate of LeBron James back in the Cleveland Cavaliers days. They won the 2016 championship for the Cleveland franchise. Later, they reached the NBA finals a number of times, where they lost to the Warriors on a couple of occasions. Tristan was with the Caveliars from 2015 to 2018. He stayed with the franchise even when LeBron James moved to the Lakers. Later, the 32-year-old decided to put a pause on his basketball career and join the NBA analyst panel at ESPN. He has been an NBA analyst since last January.
But as it turns out, the Canadian-American basketball player is ready to resume his career by joining the Lakers. Tristan Thompson is not yet done with his playing career. LeBron James must be happy to reunite with his Cavaliers teammate. The Lakers are looking to increase depth as they have also signed with Shaquille Harrison. The 29-year-old shooting guard played for the Bulls for two years but never really stuck with any team for more than two years. However, the Lakers will take as much help as possible from every player on their roster in the postseason.
Lakers Will Need To Get Tougher In The Play-In Tournament
There was a point when it looked like the Lakers will finish in the top six. But the Clippers and the Warriors narrowly beat the Purple and Gold. Coach Darvin Ham‘s side finishes as the 7th seed of the Western Conference. As things stand, the Lakers shall face the eighth-seed Minnesota Timberwolves in the play-in tournament on Tuesday, April 11, 2023. After losing to the city rivals, the Lakers won their last two games in the regular season. They defeated the Suns and the Jazz in a dominating style.
However, the Clippers and the Warriors managed to secure a better record on the basis of an extra win. Since the Lakers managed a place in the play-in, the journey from here onwards is not going to be an easy one. The purple and gold brigade will have to maintain a longer streak than what they did in the regular season. Otherwise, it is going to get tougher. The fitness of LeBron James and Anthony Davis will be crucial. Then the reserve bench will also need to be ready to contribute whenever they get the chance. But the Lakers indeed look good with their newly balanced roster.