The Lakers are already better than last season’s championship team.
They added a mix of young players (Dennis Schroder, Montrezl Harrell) and veterans (Wesley Matthews, Marc Gasol) that all combine to offer more consistent secondary scoring and better health. Each move also offsets each roster change. No need to worry about Rajon Rondo’s absence. Schroder offers point-guard reinforcements. No need to fret about Danny Green’s departure. Matthews offers more consistent shooting and defense. No need to become concerned about losing rim protection from Dwight Howard and JaVale McGee. Gasol offers plenty of that. No need to stress about the Lakers giving up the No. 28 pick to Oklahoma City to land Schroder. They make such little impact that 27 of those past No. 28 picks have played fewer than five years, and five never played in an NBA game.