- Basketball
- January 16, 2023
Lakers are planning for death lineup 2.0
Remember the famous “death lineup” of the Golden State Warriors? Well, if you were missing their trademark tactical defense and surprise attack moves, you just might be in luck. Rumors are that the Lakers have put into motion, an ambitious trading plan to create an advanced version of the “death line-up”. This is reportedly being done to give the Lakers and LeBron, better odds at winning the title back.
Lakers are planning for death lineup 2.0
What’s the “death lineup”?
For the basketball newbies who do not know about the “death lineup”, here is a quick recap. Warriors coach Steve Kerr created this lineup in 2014. It consisted of 5 great players – Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Andre Iguodala, Draymond Green, and Harrison Barnes. Harrison Barnes was later replaced by Kevin Durrant in 2017. Working as a unit, they could not only take on bigger defensive positions but also create sophisticated and subtle offensive moves. As they did not rely on traditional positionings, they were unpredictable and therefore lethal. They helped the Warriors bag 4 titles! This squad however came to an end in 2019 when Durrant left the Warriors to Join the Nets and Iguodala was traded to the Grizzlies.
A big change is needed for the Lakers
Now coming back from memory lane, let’s talk about the new version which is being planned by the Lakers. LeBron, who could not taste the win last year is eager for some big shuffling in the team, which currently lacks the required x-factor. Aside from himself and Anthony Davis, there have not been many noteworthy performances from the team. They are currently 11-16 and even that is a relatively better situation considering they started the season with 2-10! If the Lakers want to make it to playoffs this season, they need to act quickly as the trading Window is currently open.
Best Fit for the “death lineup 2.0”
As per the rumors, the Lakers have an ambitious list that they want to pursue. The top names which are floating are Bradley Beal, Kevin Durrant, and Damian Lillard. The Lakers are likely to trade for one of these. Although the addition of any of these players can give a huge push to the team, Kevin Durrant seems the best option for two reasons. Number one, he has experience being a member of the original “death lineup”, where he also secured one MVP award. Number two, he is already looking for a way out from the Nats.
The Lakers are undoubtedly one of the best destinations for any NBA player, but still, most of the players in the Laker’s pursuit list, might not be easily available to trade. Durrant on the other hand is already looking out. He had reportedly placed a trade request just in the previous off-season. Recent troubles in the Nats have irked Durrant. Although things seem to have started settling, nevertheless, Durrant can still be persuaded to join the Lakers.
What future looks like for the Lakers?
If that happens, then the likely trio of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Kevin Durrant, combined with the likes of Russell Westbrook and Lonnie Walker, will form a formidable force, which will be perhaps better than the original “death lineup”. The Lakers are not new to winning championships with the last one coming just a couple of years ago, infusion of such talent will make them even more formidable.
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[…] the NBA (National Basketball Association). He is widely known for his role as a shooter in the “death lineup” which helped the Warriors win multiple championships. Like most of the other athletes on the […]