Luka Doncic Believes Lakers Have ‘Very Deep’ Roster

The Los Angeles Lakers have seen some encouraging things through their first three preseason games after overhauling the roster this offseason. Notably, Luka Doncic looks to be in great shape once again and ready to lead a new era of Lakers basketball.

Although there are nine new players, Los Angeles has yet to play at full strength in their exhibition schedule. Despite not taking the floor together, Doncic is a believer in the Lakers’ depth, which will be needed come playoff time, via Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated:

“I think we’re very deep, which is very important, especially going to the playoffs,” says Doncic. “And we have guys that are not afraid. Some of the new guys, I’ve played against. They are not afraid.”

Lakers head coach JJ Redick wants to have a more physical defense with his wings and guards picking up full court. In order to do that though, you need depth so players can stay fresh during a long season.

With that being said though, star power still makes or breaks a season because players like Doncic need to be healthy for roster depth to even matter. If Doncic holds up his end of the bargain though, the Lakers unquestionably have a much deeper roster this season to make some noise in the Western Conference.

While expectations for the Lakers are always to compete for a title, there are typically growing pains when a new team comes together. As long as Doncic remains invested and happy about where the direction of the franchise is going though, they should have a long runway to cash in on that championship.

Luka Doncic admits to having fingerprints on Lakers’ roster building this summer

Championship windows are extremely fragile in today’s NBA given the current CBA, as currently demonstrated with the New York Knicks. Building a sustainable roster that can contend on a year-to-year basis remains unsolved.

In the Lakers situation, they are essentially starting from scratch trying to build an entirely new supporting cast. Thankfully, L.A. has a pair of star guards to build around in Doncic and Austin Reaves.

After the departure of LeBron James in free agency, the Lakers are clearly Doncic’s team now. He is embracing that role, even admitting he was heavily involved in the roster construction this offseason.

That is something Rob Pelinka did with James and Anthony Davis as well, wanting his star’s input when putting the Lakers’ roster together.