Former LA Lakers champion Danny Green has given his view on the franchise’s short-term hopes of success.
The partnership LeBron James and Luka Doncic displayed in the first few weeks following the blockbuster trade for the Slovenian had fans dreaming of title success.
The LA Lakers were then dealt a crushing dose of reality when their lopsided roster was outclassed in the NBA Playoffs. They were beaten in the first round by the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games.
General Manager Rob Pelinka pledged to strengthen the roster for next season, when he will attempt to reconstruct around the LeBron James and Luka Doncic axis.
Former NBA star Danny Green does not believe the LA Lakers will win the title with LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
Green was a former teammate of LeBron, and while he admits the superstar has defied his expectations in the past, he believes winning the title at his age is simply too much to ask.
“Nah I don’t think so,” he responded, when questioned on the All The Smoke podcast.
“I don’t know how many years he has left, LeBron, and I think it’s just really hard to have to win a championship when your best player is 40 years old.
“He’s really good, no matter what, but he’s 40 years old, you can’t ask him to do on both ends of the floor. And same with Luka.”
Danny Green believes that until the LA Lakers can fill the Anthony Davis-sized hole in their roster, they will not seriously compete for a championship.
Davis was traded away in the package for Luka Doncic, and the Lakers need to attempt to replace him this offseason.
Green said: “The guy that can help clean or cover up their messes is gone, and it’s hard to find another guy to replace that rim protection and that lob threat.
“I think ultimately Luka replaces ‘Bron for when he’s done, so now they can build around Luka.
“So, long term is good. I don’t think they can win now next year.
“I don’t know what they’re going to do. LeBron’s going to be 41, I just can’t see.
“He can average 30, 20 something, but I just don’t see them winning a championship with that formula right now.”
