The Los Angeles Lakers have had one of the busiest offseasons in the NBA.
Making moves to reposition themselves as title favorite in the Western Conference, the Hollywood franchise pulled off a blockbuster trade for All-Star point guard Russell Westbrook, and signing a cornucopia of quality veterans like Wayne Ellington, Malik Monk, Rajon Rondo, Carmelo Anthony, Trevor Ariza, Dwight Howard and DeAndre Jordan.
Yet, although the Lakers are considered by many to be a title contender, there are still some doubters throughout the league that have questioned if a team with one of the oldest rosters in the league can win a championship.
Frank Vogel, head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, addressed these doubters in a interview with Nick Hamilton of Mitecast Media.
“I’m excited that teams are counting us out or betting against us.” Vogel tells Hamilton. “Our team is highly motivated and we suffered by not having an offseason or the proper build up to training camp. Obviously it resulted in a lot of injuries and I’m excited to see what this group do with a full training camp.”
The Lakers were bounced in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs after suffering a defeat at the hands of the Phoenix Suns.
However, both of the Lakers’ All-Stars (LeBron James and Anthony Davis) battled through injuries throughout the 2020-21 season. Davis would even sustain a groin injury in Game 6, while LeBron never fully recovered from a high ankle sprain he suffered in the regular season.
Now healthy, and joined by a high-profile surrounding cast, the superstar duo will look to lead these new-look Lakers to another NBA championship.
