The Lakers front office has put together a roster full of potential this off-season. While they missed out on the big-name free agents, they were able to bring compile an excellent mix of young players who can grown and veterans with a lot to prove.
The signing of second-round pick Jordan Clarkson put the Lakers roster at 13 players. With the team well over the salary cap, the team is only able to sign players for the minimum, meaning this Lakers roster is pretty much what it will be this season.
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Looking at the Lakers roster, there have been improvements in a number of areas, but there are still some holes on this roster that could come back to bite the Lakers during the season.
The small forward position is extremely thin and with Wesley Johnson looking to be the starter, the team is definitely below average at that position. Defensively, the team may struggle at the point guard spot, as well as on the back end with no rim protector.
The team also seems to be missing that knockdown shooter who can keep defenses honest. Needless to say, there are some issues on this team. But which is the biggest?
We went to Twitter to ask our loyal followers what they believe is the Lakers biggest weakness heading into this season. These are some of the responses:
@TheeCoreyH @LakersNation we need a spot up shooter. Shot blocker. An upgrade at the sf..beasley and True center would help a whole lot
— Aaron Grigsby (@theaarongrigsby) August 31, 2014
@TheeCoreyH @LakersNation we could really use a C that could own the paint on both sides of the court.
— Michael Gartrell (@TeamMike206) August 31, 2014
@TheeCoreyH Uh, the entire Western Conference.
— Will Van Tress (@wvan10) August 31, 2014
@TheeCoreyH @LakersNation Depth at the point…..don't trust Nash getting in even 65 games
— C L Owens (@CSmoove9) August 31, 2014
@TheeCoreyH Young legs, we have some but we need at least 2 more.
— Kira Hooper (@k2hoop) August 31, 2014
@TheeCoreyH @LakersNation DEFENSE!! DEFENSE DEFENSE DEFENSE!! We have players that can score and pass the ball. Defense is key!!
— christian (@samrwon) August 31, 2014
The fans seem to be in agreement for the most part as the vast majority said something about the Lakers defense being an issue. It’s hard to argue that point considering the team’s performance a year ago, and the roster they have assembled.
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The two most important parts of the defense is a lockdown defender on the wing, and a big man who can patrol the paint. The Lakers do not have either of those things. Maybe Byron Scott can help with some things, but there is only so much he can do.
Wesley Johnson has the physical capabilities to be a positive on that end, but he didn’t show much last season. Jordan Hill is a hard worker but is far from a rim protector. Until the Lakers shore up those things, the fans are right, defense will be an issue for the Lakers this season.
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