"The guys that they got this offseason are the antithesis of what they got last year" - NBA analyst fears the LA Lakers might miss the playoffs in upcoming season

The LA Lakers' roster construction could prove their biggest flaw again next season.

Heading into the 2021-22 NBA season, the LA Lakers were one of the heavy favorites to capture the title. With LeBron James, Anthony Davis and several former All-Stars, there was even talk that they could eclipse the 73-9 record of the Golden State Warriors. However, the Lakers missed the play-in tournament. Consequently, expectations have been considerably lowered for next season.

NBA analyst Jason McIntyre found it painful to admit that LA may not make it into the postseason once again:

“I think the Lakers missing the playoffs is probably more likely as much as it pains me to say. Obviously, the Russell Westbrook, AD, LeBron pairing does not work. And the way that the roster sits currently, they are in desperate need of shooting.

“The guys that they got this offseason are the antithesis of what they got last year. ... The guys they got now, younger, more athletic, much better defensively, but I don’t think any of them has a reputation as being a shooter. If this roster rolls into opening night as is, I think the Lakers might miss the playoffs.”

The Lakers have officially been eliminated from playoff contention. https://t.co/TMv5m8en6G

It has been well-chronicled how the Lakers have been trying to trade Russell Westbrook. He has been a poor fit around James and AD. If the team runs it back with the same Big 3, there could be a repeat of last season’s failure.

REPORT: “Lakers’ Big 3 of LeBron, Anthony Davis and Westbrook huddled up on a phone conversation the first weekend of NBA Summer League in Las Vegas with each expressing their commitment to one another and vowing to make it work.”

(via @ChrisBHaynes, sports.yahoo.com/sources-lebron…) https://t.co/9FQczDU80a

The free agent signings could solve the team’s seeming lack of effort and hustle, particularly on defense. However, outside shooting, a weakness last season, remains a question mark. The team shot 34.7 percent from beyond the arc, ranking 22nd in the league.

Lonnie Walker IV, Juan Toscano-Anderson and Troy Brown Jr. aren’t exactly going to put pressure on opponents' perimeter defense. With holdovers Austin Reaves, Talen Horton-Tucker, Stanley Johnson and Russell Westbrook, the Lakers’ offense could continue to struggle.

Lakers free agent signings

Lonnie Walker IV- 23 years old
Thomas Bryant- 24 years old
Troy Brown Jr- 22 years old
Damian Jones- 27 years old
Juan Toscano-Anderson- 29 years old

To return to the postseason, the Lakers will rely on the oft-injured AD and James, who will be playing his 20th season.

Next year’s February trade deadline could be crucial for the LA Lakers

The LA Lakers' supporting cast could look different by next year's trade deadline. [Photo: USA Today]

The infusion of youth will be vital for the LA Lakers next season. They were the oldest team in the NBA last year, and it showed, especially in back-to-back games.

With these free agent signings, the @Lakers have become younger and more athletic! I’m excited about the signing of Thomas Bryant. With his ability to shoot the 3, he will create more space for LeBron and AD.

Shooting is the biggest target for the Lakers. Russell Westbrook will be in the final year of his contract, so moving him could be easier. Some players who aren’t available this offseason could be in February.

Some inside the Lakers organization reportedly assert they have more trade targets besides Kyrie Irving, Myles Turner and Buddy Hield. lebronwire.usatoday.com/2022/08/12/do-…

If the LA Lakers are in contention for the play-in, expect them to make significant deadline moves to reinforce their playoff hopes. Shooters like Buddy Hield, who the Lakers have coveted for a long time, could give them a new dimension on offense.