The Lakers' struggles last season were exacerbated by Kendrick Nunn, whom they signed with their mid-level exception, who missed every game with a bone bruise in his right knee.
Nunn chose to exercise his $5.25 million option and will play for the Lakers again in the upcoming campaign. Nunn assured Chris McGee of Spectrum SportsNet, the Lakers' local cable network, that he is in excellent shape and is prepared to play.
Nunn, a skilled scorer who excels on defense at both guard positions, would be an excellent addition to the Lakers' rotation. Nunn and Lonnie Walker IV, this year's mid-level acquisition, will likely share time at the two guard positions/wing.
However, because of the ongoing Russell Westbrook trade controversy, it is too soon to make assumptions about the Lakers' backcourt rotation. There is no resolution.
Rob Pelinka deserves credit for learning from his past errors and developing a stronger supporting cast for LeBron James and Anthony Davis this season.
The Lakers are more versatile and athletic. They will defend better than they did a season ago, thanks to Walker, Nunn, Damian Jones, Thomas Bryant, Juan Toscano-Anderson, and perhaps more Talen Horton-Tucker and Austin Reaves.
All of that is beneficial, but the Lakers' ultimate success will be determined by LeBron's health (he will play at his legendary best when healthy) and Anthony Davis' ability to return to his pre-bubble self promptly.
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