Everything the Lakers did. I get it, there are a lot of people that will crucify me for this stance -- mostly Lakers fans. But, I think the Lakers have completely ruined the franchise for the next 10-12 years. At least. They will regret trading away everything for Anthony Davis and regret not trading Lebron instead.
Everything has to go perfect for the Lakers this upcoming season for them to even make the playoffs, let alone win a championship. Magic Johnson's proclamation that the Lakers are nigh unbeatable with the addition of Avery Bradley is pure asinine buffoonery.
The Lakers are depending on a bunch of injury-prone players.
Over the past 3 seasons, Avery Bradley has appeared in 55, 46, and 63 games. Excluding the 32 games he played as a rookie, Bradley has averaged 61 games per season for his career.
Rondo's averaged 64 games over his past 5 seasons.
The 270-280 lb Boogie Cousins is still trying to make a successful comeback from an Achilles tear and from the torn right quad suffered in this year's playoffs.
Anthony Davis has averaged 66 games per year for his entire career.
Lebron, now somehow 35 years old, missed over a month last year for the first time in his career with a groin injury. His defense -- on average -- was much better than a lot of people gave him credit, but it was most certainly a far cry from his prime. His effort waxed and waned throughout each game across the entire season.
If either Lebron or AD or both miss any time, the rest of the roster is filled with spot up shooters. Theoretically, a Rondo + Boogie + 3&D guys could sustain -- but that's pie-in-the-sky hope without any base in reality.
Even if all of them stay healthy, and Lebron and AD play like co-MVPs, how much will they have left in the tank (especially Lebron) come playoff time?
I honestly think the Pelicans have a better shot of making the playoffs than the Lakers.
I think, especially for the regular season, elite depth trumps an elite starting five. The Pels can now load manage Holiday and Ball. I mean, they can literally load manage every single player on their roster.
I think Ingram and Ball were stifled by Lebron. Both of them will play a lot better this upcoming season (health permitting) and the AD trade will look a lot worse, especially considering all of the future picks the Lakers gave up.
I can also see AD bolting next year if the team misses the playoffs. The Clips could sign him!
