KEY POINTS

  • The Lakers' new lineup brings in new challenges and questions next season
  • Frank Vogel will need to properly manage minutes to avoid major injuries
  • Drummond shocks the NBA by agreeing to a minimum deal with the Sixers

The Los Angeles Lakers roster for the 2021-22 NBA season is taking shape.

They are a mix of old and new faces, veterans who at one point had a stellar pro basketball career.

Carmelo Anthony, someone who has been long rumored of joining the Lakers, is finally on board. He joins a mix that includes returning players such as Dwight Howard, Trevor Ariza, Wayne Ellington and Kent Bazemore.

There is no denying that the haul is talented. But with most of them being over 30 years old, pundits question if they can keep themselves healthy for the coming season.

Carmelo Anthony #00 of the Portland Trail Blazers
Carmelo Anthony #00 of the Portland Trail Blazers Getty Images | Christian Petersen

Most know what injuries to LeBron James and Anthony Davis did to the Lakers in last season. The supporting cast failed to make up for their absences, some lacking the push or talent to keep the boat afloat.

On paper, the new cast seems better talent-wise. But the Lakers could find themselves in a worse predicament if head coach Frank Vogel is unable to properly manage their minutes.

This was stressed by retired NBA player Reggie Miller, pointing out how Vogel will have the most pressure next season for the Lakers.

Anthony will be the oldest in the mix at 37 followed by four other players who are already 36 years old. They are James, Marc Gasol, Ariza and Jared Dudley. Meanwhile, Howard is 35.

To win another title, the Lakers need to go through a grueling season and also hope that most of the players are healthy by the time the postseason starts.

Given that most of their money is invested in James and Davis, signing players agreeing to minimum deals is the best the Lakers can do.

Los Angeles opted to go with talented players over young and rising ones, at least for this year.

Frank Vogel
General manager Rob Pelinka of the Los Angeles Lakers (L) talks with head coach Frank Vogel of the Los Angeles Lakers (R) during the 2019 Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 10, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Michael Reaves/Getty Images

Curiously, former Lakers center Andre Drummond agreed to a veteran’s minimum to join the Philadelphia 76ers.

It was a surprising move, considering most expected the two-time All-Star to seek big money.

He takes over the void left by Howard and is expected to back up Joel Embiid. However, there was no mention of the Lakers offering the 6-foot-10 player a similar deal.

But considering he failed to hit it well with Davis and James, there could be details most are not aware of regarding the relationship of Drummond and the Lakers.

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