After a disappointing first year of the LeBron James era in Los Angeles, the Lakers set out to surround him with the right pieces in his second summer with the purple and gold. Last season’s “experiment” to pair James with playmaking veterans with some edge turned out to be a miscalculation; couple that unruly fit with major injuries to LeBron and other key players like Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, and Javale McGee over the course of most of the season led the Lakers back to the drawing board once again rather than the postseason. It appears Rob Pelinka and company have learned from their mistakes and taken a more proven method to maximizing a LeBron-led team to success by adding an ensemble of perimeter defenders and three-point shooters, and a second major star to be the Robin to the King’s Batman. Here’s an overview of the new faces we’ll be seeing in the fall.

But first, let’s talk about the guys you already know.

LeBron James

For the first time in 13 NBA seasons, LeBron James was a spectator for the entirety of the NBA playoffs. Although his offensive numbers displayed the same incredible, complete game we’ve come accustomed to seeing from the 3-time champ, his season did provide some causes for concern.

LeBron’s first major injury displayed some signs that father time may finally be catching up to his superhuman stature, and at times his defense left a few things to be desired. However, the acquisition of a certain browed forward and a complete offseason of rest may be enough to reinvigorate the King to show that he isn’t ready to let his age deter him just yet.

Kyle Kuzma

Acquiring Anthony Davis from the Pelicans cost the Lakers, quite frankly, a shit ton. The casualties of Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, and Josh Hart left a gaping hole in the team’s youth and overall structure moving forward. However, the one name Rob Pelinka and the Lakers were adamant about keeping was Kyle Kuzma. Of all the aforementioned youngsters, Kuzma proved last season that his game best suited to coexist with LeBron’s, making him the most valuable of the group. His versatile offensive skill set will truly be put to task, as in staying behind, Kuz has become the #3 option on the attack next to James and Davis. Although this will be a significant transition from his identity as more of a role player the previous two seasons, Kyle undoubtedly has the tools, the surrounding teammates, and work ethic to step up and be the guy the Lakers will depend on him to be.

Rajon Rondo

Javale McGee

Javale was a cornerstone of the Laker offense, especially at the season’s beginning. Not only can we expect the same efficient shot-blocking and rim-running we saw last season, but McGee will also allow Davis to play his preferred four spot. This makes the Lakers’ front-court much longer on offensive and defense, and Davis won’t have to bang inside with the league’s biggest centers. Long live Pierre.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

KCP’s two year, $16 million dollar contract left some fans displeased, as his occasional late game shot selection and overall inconsistencies garnered feelings of an overpayment. However, when KCP is at his best, he’s a reliable shooter and solid perimeter defender. He will also provide newcomers Danny Green and Avery Bradley relief. Sorry grumbling KCP haters.

Alex Caruso

As previously stated, the point guard position has been left fairly thin without Lonzo Ball around. So the Lakers put lots of faith in Alex Caruso, whose sneaky athleticism and versatile skill set will all be needed greatly if Rajon Rondo ever misses time due to injury. Caruso definitely has the tools to succeed as the primary backup point guard, however nothing is certain whenever a player must transition into a larger role in the NBA. But with his new contract spanning the next two seasons, the front office has displayed their faith in the young guard. Expect their trust to pay off.

So just a refresher on the returnees. And now for the new guys.

Anthony Davis

He’s finally here. One of the league’s best bigs, Davis can knock down perimeter jumpers and finesse bigs in the post. He’s also an excellent passer and an elite defender. AD plans to unleash his bag on both ends of the floor, and he and LeBron can match up with any of the now numerous dynamic duos scattered across the NBA. Davis’s biggest concern, as with a majority of the Lakers’ slightly older roster, is longevity. Davis has a history of injury, and although LA’s reserves aren’t incompetent, life with a healthy Davis for a large part of the season would certainly make life easier. Losing six members of the young core to get him is a blow to the team’s youth, but AD is one of the top five players in the world. And now the Lakers have two of them on their roster. Buckle up.

Demarcus Cousins

The Boogie experiment in Golden State last season wasn’t a complete failure. Demarcus did need some time to adjust to the Warrior offense, and his addition ultimately did not lead to another ring for the Bay Area. But, to say his time there was a waste would be false. Actually, when he at its best, Cousins made the already lethal Dubs look even more unstoppable. It was tough to see Cousins bounce all the way back from his Achilles tear to only be met with a quad injury in the first round against the Clippers, but battled back to be a key contributor to the two wins the Dubs got in the Finals. Boogie has shown he can coexist with Davis down low, and he looks to be in great shape to impose his strength and skill set in whatever unit he plays in. However, the two aforementioned injuries may have put Boogie’s best days behind him. But the Lakers’ do have depth at the center with Javale McGee and Davis’s ability to move to center for short stints should help manage his load a bit.

Danny Green

The Lakers finished 29th in the league in threes in 2018-2019. Danny Green addresses that issue in stride; averaging 45% from distance in a championship year with Toronto last year, Green provides solid defense and shooting at the two guard to complement the big duo up front. Anyone unsure of his contract value needs to remember just how badly this team needed a proven winner and shooter.

Quinn Cook

Another winner (and shooter), Cook is coming from Golden State’s high pedigree system and hopes to bring the same contributions from three he brought to their dynasty. Quinn’s father was a die-hard Laker fan, and should provide his son plenty of motivation this season to keep growing into one of the league most steady reserve guards.

Avery Bradley

Another three-and-D candidate to bode well in complementing LeBron and AD, Bradley can help contain the baddest the Western Conference has to offer. Bradley has bounced around the league in recent years, mostly due to injuries piling up on him. These injuries may be a result of the tenacious and explosive style of play he has been known for. However, the 28-year old two-way guard seems ready for the title run.

Jared Dudley

Another high-IQ type for the bench, the veteran Dudley can help keep a roster full of characters together. He has shown quality leadership skills, particularly last season during Brooklyn’s march to the playoffs. Dudley is also a formidable defender who can switch onto multiple positions and knock down an open three.

Troy Daniels

Daniels aims to fill the role that Reggie Bullock fit into last season as a knockdown three-point shooter. A career 40% from downtown, Daniels says he’s ready to compete with his fellow newcomer guards for playing time, and is eager to fill any role that new head coach Frank Vogel and/or his teammates need him to.

Talen Horton-Tucker

A draft day steal by the Lakers, who after the Davis transaction had no picks coming into the draft, Talen Horton-Tucker makes an interesting case for the Lakers this upcoming season. His 7’1″ wingspan and weighing in at 235 lbs draws his physical makeup to players such as PJ Tucker, Boris Diaw, and Draymond Green. His shooting needs lots of work, but Horton-Tucker is a pain around the basket, particularly in transition. Whether in the G-league or somewhere in the rotation, the Iowa-State alum has a bright future in the NBA.

Zach Norvell Jr.

Signed to a two-way contract, the 6’5″ guard averaged 15 ppg and shot 37% from three. Norvell has played well in so far in the NBA summer league, notching a 20 point performance in a 117-96 loss to the Knicks. Like Talen Horton-Tucker, Norvell Jr. will be a work in progress that appears to have a promising future with the purple and gold.




As with any Laker season, the 2019-2020 campaign is sure to be filled with some incredible highs, some discerning lows, and plenty of LA drama. With two stars once again leading the purple and gold in battle, the hopes of another banner hanging in the rafters of the Staples Center has never looked clearer. Laker fans have suffered through the worst of it these past seasons, and it’s finally time for them to stand tall.