The 2021-22 NBA season hasn't even started, but the Los Angeles Lakers have already taken a beating on social media. Los Angeles' offseason saw the arrival of a handful of veterans that captured the attention of the masses due to its blatant pattern of acquiring former All-Stars on cheap deals.
Former NBA coach George Karl was among those who mocked the Lakers' age on Twitter, but it didn't go unnoticed as Metta World Peace came to the defense of his former team.
So I just had a 70 year old man tell me the @Lakers are old .
Ok.— Metta (@MettaWorld37) September 13, 2021
Metta World Peace used to be one of the Lakers' top defenders. Years after his retirement, the 2004 Defensive Player of the Year continues to shut down Los Angeles' critics.
Outside of Russell Westbrook, who's still among the league's top players, other stars who took their talents to Tinseltown are Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, Rajon Rondo, and DeAndre Jordan. The team has five of the 11 oldest active NBA players on its roster, but Los Angeles still has three top 10 or 15 talents in Westbrook, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis.
Frank Vogel has a deep bench at his disposal. Los Angeles' lineup is loaded at every position. This will allow him to efficiently manage his players' minutes throughout the season, ensuring they're not worn out come playoff time.
Fresh legs will drive the Lakers to the postseason and deep. Experience will finish the job. It's probably what the team is banking on this season.
For what it's worth, the Chicago Bulls paraded an old rotation when they won their last championship in 1997-98.
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