Well, that's correct just like how Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant is no longer the best player in the NBA.
Eras. They have their own timeline where they are good at. Their prime. But it's different now because aging will hit you soon.

As with the Lakers, I think they are strong with known names playing for their franchise but there is also a chance this could become their weakness.
The last Lakers team with Steve Nash, Malone, and Payton is the proof of it.
You cannot put too many veterans in one team for it may cause a collapse in agility.

LOL! Now you know your friends are naughty guys. Keep them, they are fun to be with.  Unless they are really serious about what they said.

Speaking of getting confused with the roster,  here is a good link to help out on which teams the players ended up and their status before being traded. Enjoy.
https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/nba-offseason-grades-player-movement-lakers-knicks-warriors-revamp-rosters-blazers-pelicans-underwhelm/
Peek: Most of the players of the Lakers are acquired thru free agency. The only trade they made was with Westbrook but it cost them 3 good players.

You might not be following Westbrook as you are pointing out his OKC season on which he last played in 2019. In his last season at the Wizards, everyone is expecting that he might not be fit on the Wizards system where Bradley Beal is the main scorer. Westbrook changed his game style and just allow Beal to be the main scorer while he focuses as a 2nd and doing some scoring at the same time. In Oklahoma, there's no other main scorer but Westbrook so that's the reason why we are seeing him always holding the ball.

Here in Lakers, Westbrook is totally aware of his position. He will adjust his game style here to support Lebron. And for Lebron that you are saying he is doing solo moves, it was effective since then, and no need to change that.

Yeah with the amount of basketball they play they will certainly be looking to limit in season minutes.  They want them for the playoffs knowing they will definitely make it.  If games are a blowout either way expect them to sit as well as multiple games a month either sitting full or at least half games.  Minute managent is getting more and more prevalent and I bet the Lakers lead in starter days off.

I think Dwight Howard is the 5th star.  His presence was sorely missed in the postseason last year for the Lakers.  I think had they kept him and signed another veteran free agent last year instead of signing Harrell they would have probably gotten past the Suns and made a run for the title.  I'm glad to see they went out and corrected this issue.  Dwight has flashes of his former hall of fame self and he no doubt alters the game on the defensive end.  Sure, it would be great to see them grab another good player perhaps after a buyout.  As much as I'd hate to see it, Patrick Beverly is one name being floated around at the moment.

What do you think about this, does he deserved to get this big contract?

If it will be realized, Beal would get the biggest contract in the NBA history.

source : https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2947544-bold-predictions-for-nbas-top-5-trade-targets-right-now

The chance for Thomas is much bigger than Pat being acquired by Lakers, LeBron is more interested with how Isaiah will help them
giving some additional offensive threats.

Though still an open deal for Lakers if they see some value for Pat which can be use as a good defensive stoppers.

Still not included with the Timberwolves roster but with his past tweets after the trade he's looking forward to play with the wolves
just don't have any updates if wolves have other plans for him.

They are still chasing Isiah Thomas as far I know, and there are rumors about the Rajon Rondo going back to Lakers as well to complete the cast.


Melo will be the first option as second unit coming from the bench. But Lakers are so deep right now that they can combine players in the floor and be effective as the first five.

^ I'm confused with LBJ's tweet on Dudley's hiring. Hurts? Did Jared turned down an offer from Lebron to join Dallas because that's the only reason I could think of right now.

It doesn't matter what I or anyone else thinks now, he should just sign the contract