Former LA Lakers star Michael Cooper claims the team’s roster isn’t as bad as it was made.
The LA Lakers postseason was flattened with a 4-1 series loss in the opening round of the NBA playoffs to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
General Manager Rob Perinka came out after the Lakers’ elimination to confirm that the team was about to add a size this offseason.
Many players are linked as trade targets, with Nicholas Claxton being one of the options on the net, and there was even wild speculation about Joel Embiid.
Lakers legend Michael Cooper argues that none of these may be necessary.
Michael Cooper has retired Jersey to the La Lakers this past season, and he has been very careful about their situation.
He believes in the ability of JJ Redick and his staff to improve players, and he believes that after the first year of his job, the head coach will be better.
Cooper told CLNS that players must step up and show better defensive efforts.
He states: “It doesn’t mean that everyone has to be a good defensive player in order for the Lakers to become a better defensive team next year, but everyone has to work hard on the defensive side.
“LeBron had his own. I think it was everyone lacking. Luke wasn’t in the best shape, so he moved a little slower.
“It seemed like they were just trying to stay in front of people. Now, the NBA forces certain people in a certain way.
“I think the Lakers will solve that problem and they’ll come out with a better mindset.”
Michael Cooper highlighted three LA Lakers players whom he believes will be able to play a bigger role if he is held in the offseason and shows greater trust.
He believes Jaxson Hayes, Jarred Vanderbilt and Maxi Kleber can help the team succeed.
He states: “Now, the NBA trends, the two teams playing, Indiana’s Kid Miles and Miles Turner are not shot blocking centers. He’s a more versatile center. We’re looking at what OKC plays with Hartenstein.
“So the Lakers can get away with Hayes if they have him. Vanderbilt is big and plays Maxi Clever.
“I think these players are the new type of NBA center. So, if the Lakers defeat philosophy in defense, they have something they want to do with a particular team and they can’t play it all the same. The Lakers will become good guys and win the championship.”
Hall of Fame Michael Cooper is right to point out the impact coaching has on team performance, but the trio he mentioned lacks confidence either.
Jackson Hayes was rarely used in the Lakers playoff series and fell from a Game 5 loss to the Timberwolves. This allowed his values to head to a free agency, but Redick was very happy to be able to play without him. He averaged 7.8 minutes per game on four appearances.
Vanderbilt averaged 12.0 minutes per game and was snubled throughout the second half in Game 4.
Maxi Clever injured most of the series before his surprise appearance in Game 5, but it is unclear where his future lies. But that’s not the case as a regular center.
The Lakers simply have to recruit in the offseason and improve their roster.