Western Conference preview: Chase of the Lakers in begins
Blazers projected to finish fourth in conference By BRIAN MAHONEY, Associated Press
Published: December 22, 2020, 8:44pm
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4 Photos Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, left, and forward Anthony Davis wear masks watch their teammates play during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game against the Los Angeles Clippers in Los Angeles, Friday, Dec. 11, 2020. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong) (Kevin C. Cox/Associated Press) Photo Gallery
LeBron James barely had time to put down his latest trophy before having to start defending it.
It was an extremely short offseason for the Los Angeles Lakers, who won their 17th NBA championship on Oct. 11. That didn’t leave much time for rest and relaxation before getting back to work in advance of their Dec. 22 season opener.
2020-21 NBA season preview
With the season on the horizon, the quick turnaround will test the league’s best
The NBA proved this past summer that, even with an ongoing pandemic, it was possible to hold a successful season while also making the health of their players and staff a priority. The famous NBA bubble in Orlando, Fla. was a memorable couple of months consisting of fan-less NBA basketball where the league’s best went at it in high-level competition. It culminated with the Los Angeles Lakers capturing their 17th NBA title in franchise history after a six-game series against the Miami Heat. With zero positive tests in the entirety of the NBA’s stay in Orlando, the league was the first to boast a successful finish to a season. However, they still had a lot of decisions to make regarding their 2020-21 season, and those came quicker than anyone thought.
LeBron James barely had time to put down his latest trophy before having to start defending it.
It was an extremely short offseason for the Los Angeles Lakers, who won their 17th NBA championship on Oct. 11. That didn’t leave much time for rest and relaxation before getting back to work in advance of their Dec. 22 season opener.
But it was long enough to load up for a run at a repeat.
Besides signing James and fellow superstar Anthony Davis to contract extensions, the Lakers added Montrezl Harrell and Dennis Schroder, who finished 1-2 last season in voting for the Sixth Man Award. Former Defensive Player of the Year Marc Gasol now mans the middle and Wesley Matthews will be counted on to knock down the open shots created by James, who led the league last season in assists.
LeBron James barely had time to put down his latest trophy before having to start defending it.
It was an extremely short offseason for the Los Angeles Lakers, who won their 17th NBA championship on Oct. 11. That didnât leave much time for rest and relaxation before getting back to work in advance of their Dec. 22 season opener.
But it was long enough to load up for a run at a repeat.
Besides signing James and fellow superstar Anthony Davis to contract extensions, the Lakers added Montrezl Harrell and Dennis Schroder, who finished 1-2 last season in voting for the Sixth Man Award. Former Defensive Player of the Year Marc Gasol now mans the middle and Wesley Matthews will be counted on to knock down the open shots created by James, who led the league last season in assists.
LeBron James barely had time to put down his latest trophy before having to start defending it.
It was an extremely short offseason for the Los Angeles Lakers, who won their 17th NBA championship on Oct. 11. That didn’t leave much time for rest and relaxation before getting back to work in advance of their Dec. 22 season opener.
But it was long enough to load up for a run at a repeat.
Besides signing James and fellow superstar Anthony Davis to contract extensions, the Lakers added Montrezl Harrell and Dennis Schroder, who finished 1-2 last season in voting for the Sixth Man Award. Former Defensive Player of the Year Marc Gasol now mans the middle and Wesley Matthews will be counted on to knock down the open shots created by James, who led the league last season in assists.