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The 2020-21 NBA season is a few weeks away and training camp is underway. The Los Angeles Lakers are coming off their first championship since 2010 after knocking off the Miami Heat in six games in October. It’s a quick turnaround for the Lakers, who will bring back both LeBron James and Anthony Davis for another run at a title. Los Angeles will have a very different roster after a busy offseason. Here we’re going to take a look at the Lakers’ offseason, plus look ahead to the 2020-21 season.
2020 offseason
Key additions
Dennis Schroder, PG (trade)
Montrezl Harrell, PF (free agency)
Marc Gasol, C (free agency)
Wesley Matthews, SG (free agency)
Key losses
Dwight Howard, C (free agency)
Rajon Rondo, PG (free agency)
Avery Bradley, PG (free agency)
JaVale McGee, C (free agency)
2020-21 odds
Title odds: +300
Win percentage: O/U 66.5 percent
LeBron James MVP odds: +900
Anthony Davis MVP odds: +800
Anthony Davis DPOTY odds: +275
2020-21 roster
Depth Chart
PG: Dennis Schroder, Alex Caruso, LeBron James
SG: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Wesley Matthews
SF: LeBron James, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Kyle Kuzma, Alfonzo McKinnie
PF: Markieff Morris, Montrezl Harrell, LeBron James, Kyle Kuzma
C: Marc Gasol, Montrezl Harrell, Markieff Morris
Roster battles
Backup C: Montrezl Harrell vs. Markieff Morris
6th man: Montrezl Harrell vs. Dennis Schroder
Fantasy basketball
Best Sleeper
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope — Pope was huge for the Lakers during the playoff run as a 3-4 scoring option. His defense will keep him either in the starting lineup or playing a decent amount of minutes per game. He has some 3-point upside and the Lakers lost some depth, so KCP could play SG and SF in some looks.
Likely Bust
Kyle Kuzma — Kuzma is a diva and says he’s out to prove the haters wrong this season. I don’t buy it at all. Maybe he’ll shine during garbage time here and there or when LeBron/AD sits, but other than that, Kuzma likely won’t play much — especially with Harrell and Gasol in town.