It seemed like there's no improvement for the Lakers, despite of the addition and the changes, they still look like the old team that struggled last season. Lebron James alone cannot carry this team anymore, especially against a good team like the Warriors, if they want to win at least in the West, they should be competitive enough to give the warriors a real game, not playing like there's no urgency of winning.
I think they're currently on process to create a strong roster, I think Beverley is should be replaced since he's not a good shooter and he's already older, so there's will be no improvement. Lakers is also lack of guard position which is currently Walker IV play in this position, his performance isn't good since he mostly can't block, but since he's still young so Lakers might take consideration to let him play.
Lebron James still good even though he's old, it will be a nightmare when Lebron James leave Lakers in the next few years.
I don't know mate, they have enough time to form that team and that chemistry that is needed but it looks like they didn't match the Warriors intensity in their first game. I have a feeling that Lakers might struggle again this season and worse is if they won't make it to the playoffs.
With a healthy they should be a strong team, but without good chemistry it's still useless.
Let's see. It's just the first game and they are up against the Warriors who are the defending champions. I always want to assess one newly created roster after 10-20 games playing against different teams.
Honestly I don't believe the Lakers want to part with Westbrook. Who are they going to replace him with? It's not addition by subtraction with him. Like they said last night if I told you your point guard will give you 18/7/7 would you take that? Not many pgs that can drop those types of numbers.
That is where the conflict is.
They are looking for a better offer. They may really want to trade him but no teams can offer too much in exchange for him. The risk is too high and the trend created by the fans against Westbrook has effects on managements who are seeking star players.
What you said is also what Reggie Miller said. His skills and performance are still intact, especially at the time when the Lakers have no one to run to, there's just so much happening around that made him look bad.
And to add, he played 78 freaking games last season.