The Los Angeles Lakers will head into the 2020-21 NBA season boasting something they haven’t had in a very long time: a Big 3.
Between LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook LA now possesses enough superstar talent to legitimately contend with the Brooklyn Nets’ trio of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden.
The Lakers’ Big 3 was on full display at this week’s team media day.
Among the highlights at the event was James unveiling the trio’s new nickname.
That nickname? 360°.
#LakeShow 360° pic.twitter.com/BD7mOr9Ovg
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) September 29, 2021
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) September 29, 2021
For clarity, 360° references the fact that Davis wears the No. 3, James now sports the No. 6, and Westbrook is No. 3. Creative, right?
Fun nicknames aside, LA underwent a fairly significant facelift over the offseason. Out are players like Montrezl Harrell, Dennis Schroder and Kyle Kuzma, who caused a lot of drama prior to their departures. In are Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony and Rajon Rondo.
There’s good and bad that comes with that. The good is that the Lakers have gained some very experienced veterans. The bad is that the average age of the squad has gone up significantly.
Westbrook is 32 years old. He is linking up with James, 36, as two-thirds of the Lakers’ Big 3. From there, the team went out and added Anthony, 37, Trevor Ariza, 36, Dwight Howard, 35, Rondo, 35, Wayne Ellington, 33, and Kent Bazemore, 32.
If this group can stay healthy, they’ll do some serious damage in 2021-22. But that’s a very big if.
Russell Wilson stays winning. https://t.co/30J5QQ1yvQ
— Game 7 (@game7__) September 30, 2021
Recent leaked footage from a secret Lakers event speaks to how serious this group is about accomplishing something historic next year. Similarly, the fact that James has undergone a body transformation that is only rivaled by the one Davis went through is a good sign of what’s to come.
But the path to another title won’t be easy.
Will 360° ultimately be able to shock the world next year? Time will tell.
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Charles Kruger has been credentialed to cover two Super Bowls, four NBA Finals, and one World Series. A 20-year veteran in the sports world, he has sources spanning the NBA, MLB, NFL, UFC and NASCAR. Currently residing in Los Angeles, Calif., he is Game 7’s go-to source for rumors surrounding the Lakers, Clippers and Dodgers.
