Jamal Murray's stunner in G5 sent the Los Angeles Lakers away, and it was Murray's second shutout over the Lakers in this series. With the Lakers losing back-to-back games to the Nuggets in the playoffs, analysts and former players are starting to give their opinions on their problems. According to former Lakers center Dwight Howard, the Lakers' current situation could have been avoided if Lakers management hadn't broken up the 2020 roster.
Howard, who played a major role in the 2020 championship lineup, took to Twitter to once again slam the Lakers to let them know how important he is to the team.
'They shouldn't have broken up that team at all, we're going to win three in a row. ”
There is some truth to Howard's words. Even if the Lakers don't make it three in a row, they can avoid some losses, especially against the defending champions, as Howard is touted as "Jokic's finisher." While decisions like dropping Rondo and Danny Green are good, dropping Javier McGee and Dwight Howard is not ideal. The Lakers have paid a heavy price for their decisions, as they are often beaten by bigger and stronger teams, and the Denver Nuggets are a clear example of this.
If the Lakers do make small adjustments, such as cutting Rui Hachimura and letting Davis play fourth, then someone like Howard could fit perfectly into the roster. While it's well known that Davis likes to play power forward, it will also allow James to play his talent. On the other hand, someone like McGee or Dwight can act as the primary rim protector and rebounder. James' future with the Purple and Gold is uncertain. For now, it looks like the Lakers will make some major changes in the offseason. In fact, Lakers management has already begun to make moves, as was the case with "The Athletic" reporter Sham Charania's recent revelation that Lakers head coach Davon Ham "may be fired." Although it was not confirmed, coalition sources noted that Ham's work was in "grave danger".
Lakers star LeBron James could leave the team, and the 39-year-old declined to comment on his future with the Lakers. James is about to enter his 22nd season in the NBA, and he has made it clear that at this stage of his career, his priority is to play with his son, Bronny James. So, where do the Lakers go from here?
They have a few options. The Los Angeles Lakers could trade players like Russell and Austin Reaves for an All-Star, a dominant rim protector, and someone who could take the pressure off Davis and LeBron. Also, Howard shouldn't be a real option for the Lakers to explore in the offseason. He is almost 39 years old and has endured a series of serious injuries during his career.
While the former three-time Defensive Player of the Year is a great veteran leader, the Lakers should be looking for top players this time around. Players like Jarred Allen or Nick Claxton can serve the team well and, more importantly, help the Lakers keep James until the end of his career.