The Los Angeles Lakers clinched an NBA championship in 2020, defying all odds in the NBA bubble.
Roster Changes and Struggles:
After that victory, GM Rob Pelinka revamped the team, which led to years of difficulty for LeBron James and his squad. On “DH12 Above The Rim,” Dwight Howard, who was part of the 2020 championship team, shared his thoughts on these changes. He believes Pelinka’s decisions cost them another title shot.
“Rob Pelinka, man! Why did you do that to us?” Howard said. “We still had the squad and could have run it back.”
https://youtube.com/watch?v=UHmXZkwtTVE%3Fshowinfo%3D0
Howard’s Perspective:
While Howard’s comments were partly humorous, there’s a valid point that Pelinka’s quick roster overhaul might have ended their chances for another championship. The Lakers didn’t reach the conference finals the next season and were knocked out in the first round this summer.
Fans feel this change was too hasty.
New Direction with JJ Redick:
Now, Los Angeles has taken a different path by hiring JJ Redick. He’s tasked with developing younger talent and modernizing their game strategy. Whether Redick is the right choice remains to be seen, but it’s a significant shift from Pelinka’s previous approach.
The Lakers have what they need to compete for future championships. However, there’s always a lingering question: Could the 2020 team have achieved more success if left intact?
