“Healthy, they can win a championship” Mark Jackson urges how LA Lakers improving their defensive voids could increase their championship ambitions
Follow Us
Mark Jackson On 2023 Los Angeles Lakers Roster
Los Angeles Lakers have not made any big names yet this summer, especially after failing to reach the playoffs in 2021-22. Rather they made changes in their coaching staff, keeping faith in their Big-3 of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook. While Russ might still be in trade discussions, the team as of now still looks solid for the championship. At least to former Clippers guard Mark Jackson. On the “First Take” show, Jackson gives his verdict on the current Lakers roster.
“Healthy they can win the Championship. If they are healthy and compete on the defensive ends night in and night out. You can’t roll the ball out because we have 3 Future Hall of Famers, we will outscore everybody and win.” Jackson explained his views. Mark Jackson keeps high hopes on the Lakers core.
Health, Defensive lapses were major issues with the Los Angeles Lakers last season as per Mark Jackson
It’s a famous saying – Offense wins you matches, while defense wins you a championship. Mark Jackson pointed out the same thing for the 2022 Los Angeles Lakers. Championship favorites LA Lakers finished 11th last season, with no shot at the postseason. The results were disappointing and fans expected major changes in the roster in order to compete for the title in 2023.
But 17-time NBA Champions have taken a separate path till now, investing more in young talent and support cast, than focusing on mega signing for the “Win Now” situation. Don’t get them wrong, they still want to win the Title but have identified different issues and worked on them. They also trust their core at the franchise, leading them to the title.
1988 Rookie of the year winner, Mark Jackson also shares similar views. On the show, he said, “We talk about Anthony Davis being healthy but LeBron James has to be healthy. He has to be leader on the defensive end too.”
While talking about the 2023 Los Angeles Lakers, Jackson pointed out the major factors affecting the Lakers last season, health and defensive lapses. LeBron James and Anthony Davis missed nearly half of the Lakers games. James played in 56 games, while Davis was on the floor for 40 games only, hampering the Lakers’ chances of making the playoffs. Also, some of the supporting cast had older players, who couldn’t make strong runs deep into the games.
Also defensively, the Lakers ranked 28th in the point allowed. They shipped an average of 116 points, nearly 10 more than the 2021 season. The difference is a huge and clear reason for their losses. Moreover, the tired legs looked less effective on the defensive end, as LeBron sometimes had to fill in for the number 5 role to stop the bleeding.
Mark also commented on Darvin Ham’s role in the upcoming season, but it’s mostly the players delivering better on the defensive end that would help the Lakers to challenge for the title in 2023.
If the analysis is considered issues to address moving forward in the season, the Lakers have made accurate additions to their roster. They invested in efficient and younger role players helping them in better rotation; which in return will allow more productivity from their core in the dying minutes of the game, also keeping them healthy in long run.
Stay Updated!
Kunal Chawda
(600 Articles Published)