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Funny thing is, the 2020 Lakers were clearly the best team all year long.

They started 24-3, then handled the Clippers and Bucks back to back before the stoppage (where they were at a 64-win pace), then ran everyone in the bubble.

They were literally like this year’s Celtics. https://t.co/QwL9yAycDR

— Jason Timpf (@_JasonLT) July 19, 2024

To take it a step further, I think the 2020 Lakers would have beaten the 2024 Celtics handily.

They would have had the two best players in the series, and the Lakers match up really well with them defensively. Caruso/KCP/Green/Bron/AD are a great look for that drive & kick. https://t.co/CAGOU2HCmJ

— Jason Timpf (@_JasonLT) July 19, 2024

The Lakers’ current projected rotation entering next season:

Starters = D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, Anthony Davis

Second Unit = Gabe Vincent, Max Christie, Dalton Knecht, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jaxson Hayes

JJ Redick is also their new head coach. pic.twitter.com/ItyBfOdaXo

— Evan Sidery (@esidery) July 19, 2024

LeBron James is expected to make a bid for projected $7B expansion team in Las Vegas, per @FortuneMagazine.

“The looming bidding war for the NBA expansion team expected to be granted to Las Vegas is shaping up to be the most competitive and expensive sports deal in US history.… pic.twitter.com/AMmczI3UTB

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 19, 2024

Bronny James was gifted this insane rug of himself at Summer League after the Lakers win 🔥

(cia @TomerAzarly) pic.twitter.com/T848EQnzfo

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) July 19, 2024

3 Most important Summer League Lakers offer glimpse into a JJ Redick future https://t.co/cvqniRJXCg

— LakerTom (@LakerTom) July 19, 2024

Colin Castleton

Castleton has been nothing short of sensational during the Lakers’ Summer League games. He’s been a double-double machine, producing five in seven outings, and has often emerged as the team’s primary facilitator.

Bronny James

More importantly, he played with confidence that wasn’t anywhere to be seen during his first five Summer League games and shot with fearlessness when space presented itself.

The next time out, James addressed the notion that it was a fluke performance head-on. He put up 13 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two blocks, shooting 5-of-10 from the field, in what may have been the most well-rounded performance he’s had since high school.

Dalton Knecht

At 6’5″ and 212 pounds with a 6’9″ wingspan, Knecht moves effortlessly around the floor. He has the leaping ability to play above the rim, the strength and toughness to fight through contact, and the quickness to play the angles as well as any incoming rookie when on the drive.

If Knecht can parlay his Summer League success into a strong rookie season, the Lakers will be an entirely different team than they were a year ago.