The Los Angeles Lakers had high expectations since the offseason to have a great season this time. But it is hard to say why, since the last year the LA team has failed to start well. First of all, the condition of the roster was a little bit different last season. Albeit, it does not look as bad as the last season. But still, the Lakers have a below .500 record after the first eight games. They have not yet won one single game on the road. Currently, they are going through a horrible four-game road trip.
On this trip, they’ve already lost the first three, and on Friday, they’ll meet the Phoenix Suns. Anyway, the Suns are doing better than the Lakers at present, as they have a .500 record. However, all is not lost yet for the 17-time champions, as it is just the beginning of the season. But they expected to have a better start to the season with a lot of depth in the roster. Hence, the slow start to the season is not letting the front office keep calm and have patience.
Are The Lakers Already Looking For A Third Star?
As per NBA Insider Ramona Shelburne, Rob Pelinka is already on the lookout for a third star. Clearly, there is no such thing as patience in Los Angeles. But regarding a third star, the Lakers Nation does have PTSD. Anyhow, the front office killed it at the last trade deadline. Can Rob Pelinka and his front office do the same again this time? It is essential to find the right player to make no mistake like Russell Westbrook. Then who can be the third star on the LA side?
“ There are already calls in Los Angeles for a third star” 👀
— BASKETBALL ON 𝕏 (@BasketballOnX) November 8, 2023
– @ramonashelburne
[via Hoops Collective Podcast ] pic.twitter.com/q4XLfqyBIO
There is a possibility of the reunion of Kyrie Irving and LeBron James. But for that to finally happen, the Lakers might have to give D’Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura up. However, the way D’Lo has been playing since the preseason, it sure raises the Lakers’ hope. Other than Irving, the Lakers can also try to acquire Tray Young from the Atlanta Hawks. But it might cost the Lakers a fortune. Anyway, there is really no reason to hurry at present.
Fans Wouldn’t Like To Repeat Another Westbrook Kind Of Situation In LA
In the 2022-23 season, the LA side initially did not have depth and balance in the roster. There was a lot of confusion with the three-superstar combination of Russell Westbrook, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis. But something was not working out well with the superstar trio. They could not maintain a winning streak, and the team was lingering at the bottom of the Western Conference. That’s the reason why they decided to let Westbrook go.
Moreover, it seemed like a great idea at that time. On top of that, the Lakers even made the WCF. But then, things did not go as per their plans. Anyway, after Westbrook was out of the roster, the Lakers managed to bring balance and stability to the roster. It seemed to be working. But the way the current season started may lead to another state of confusion for the Lakers.
