The Los Angeles Lakers will not be able to bask in the glory of their NBA title with a championship parade due to COVID-19.

But L.A. is already marking its territory by hanging the 2019-20 championship banner at the team's practice facility in El Segundo.

This last championship was the franchise's 17th, tying the Boston Celtics for the most in NBA history. It was also the Lakers' first title since 2010, when the late Kobe Bryant and Co. captured the second end of back-to-back championships.

The Lakers are hoping to add yet another banner to the rafters this year.

General manager Rob Pelinka showed some early aggressiveness by acquiring point guard Dennis Schroder from the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Danny Green and the 28th overall pick in Wednesday's NBA draft. Schroder gives the Lakers a secondary shot-creator alongside LeBron James.

There are still some internal questions, starting with Anthony Davis. ā€œThe Browā€ opted out of his deal for the 2020-21 season. Davis' return to L.A. is essentially a formality, but Pelinka still needs to sort out the terms of the deal, notably the length of the contract.

The Lakers also have a slew of free agents. Schroder's arrival makes it unlikely the team will re-sign Rajon Rondo, but important decisions loom with regard to Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Avery Bradley, should Bradley decline his player option.

Other Western Conference teams are also showing signs of being active, with the Phoenix Suns acquiring Chris Paul from the Thunder.

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Nevertheless, the Lakers will enter the season as the defending champions, with the banner serving as a constant reminder that hard work pays off.

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