Lakers could bring back LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Russell Westbrook core

It’s been a tough season thus far for the Los Angeles Lakers. A lot has been made of the functionality of LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook playing together. Westbrook has been the subject of many issues with the team this year, and many expected the Lakers to make a move at the deadline. Not only did Los Angeles stand pat, according to ESPN’s Ramona Shelbourne, it’s possible this team runs it back next season.

Shelbourne appeared on the “Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective” podcast. She says “I’ve even, Brian, heard this phrasing… this is probably going to be the roster next year too.” She went on to say there will obviously be some changes with minimum contract players. But she was referencing James, Davis and Westbrook being back together.

James and Davis won the 2020 NBA Championship together during the shortened COVID-19 season. But this year has been far different. During the offseason, the Lakers traded for Westbrook. It was supposed to be a dominant big three. Both James and Davis have been plagued with injuries throughout the year.

Meanwhile, Westbrook has fallen out of the good graces of fans and pundits alike. His propensity to turn the ball over has forced Lakers coach Frank Vogel to bench him multiple times down the stretch.

Los Angeles has lost three straight and seven of their last nine games. They are 26-31 for the season, which puts them in ninth place in the Western Conference. They would just qualify for the Play-In Tournament.

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