NBA legend Magic Johnson reveals what positional changes should Anthony Davis and LeBron James make, in order for the Los Angeles Lakers to be successful next season.
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Of all the teams, no doubt, the Los Angeles Lakers had the most unexpected year this 2020-2021 season. Before the season started, the defending champions, led by the All-Star pairing of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, were the strong favourites to win their second consecutive title.
The team which was one of the favourites to defend their title, and looked to be one of the deadliest teams on paper, barely made the playoffs. LBJ and co. were forced to participate in the newly-added play-in tournament before clinching a playoffs berth.
Of course, injuries were one of the major reasons for their debacle. While AD missed half of the 72-game season, Bron too was forced to sit out 27 games.
Come playoffs time, with their stars just coming off horrific injuries, everyone just expected them to play on their highest level. Much to everyone’s surprise, King James was eliminated for the first time in his 18-year career, from the first round of the playoffs.
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“Anthony Davis should play center and move LeBron James back down”: Magic Johnson
Several analysts and fans have given their personal opinions on how King James and his team could perform better. In a recent interview, former Los Angeles legend Magic Johnson revealed what it would take for LAL to perform better in the 2021-2022 season. On an ESPN appearance, Earvin suggested:
“Give LeBron and AD a shooter. And also, tell AD he’s going to have to play more center now. You can’t allow him to say, ‘Hey man I don’t want to play center’. No no no no no, first of all, you’re with the Lakers and we’re trying to win.”
“And for me, I would move LeBron back down, we’re asking him to do too much. You can’t ask LeBron to be the point guard. That means you’re working hard, you’re bringing the ball up, getting everybody into the offense, so when can LeBron rest? You have to understand we want LeBron fresh for the playoffs. So let somebody else bring it to him.”
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With the 2021 free agency around the corner, we can only wait and see what decisions and acquisitions does the organisation make. After deciding to not represent Team USA at the Olympics this summer, AD and LBJ will have ample time to work on their rehab.
Even though the Lakers had a subpar performance, knowing LeBron James and the fierce competitor he is, there is no doubt that he’ll come back with a vengeance next season.
