NBA legend Reggie Miller loves what the Los Angeles Lakers have done so far in free agency; however, he knows it's just the beginning of more challenges for LeBron James and the Purple and Gold.
The Lakers recently added Carmelo Anthony, which means the team will have at least 10 players who are aged 32 or older. Out of those players, six are 35 or older–with Wesley Matthews set to join that category as he turns 35 before the start of the 2021-22 season.
Lakers age:
37 — Carmelo Anthony
36 — LeBron James
36 — Marc Gasol
36 — Trevor Ariza
36 — Jared Dudley*
35 — Dwight Howard
34 — Wes Matthews*
33 — Wayne Ellington
32 — Russell Westbrook
32 — Kent Bazemore(Submitted by @iKnowYuwanto) pic.twitter.com/HAQ7k6OlRK
— StatMuse (@statmuse) August 3, 2021
With the current age of the Lakers roster, Reggie Miller thinks it will be a challenge for Frank Vogel to manage their minutes. Additionally, Anthony Davis remains injury prone, so the coaching staff needs to take that into consideration as well.
Not to mention that the league is returning to an 82-game schedule after cutting it 10 games less in 2020-21.
Frank Vogel and staff will have the most pressure next season for the @Lakers . Managing minutes of players in their mid 30’s Bron Brodie Melo and an injury prone AD, and don’t forget back to 82 games.. But I love the Trevor Ariza, Wayne Ellington and Malik Monk additions..
— Reggie Miller (@ReggieMillerTNT) August 3, 2021
While the Lakers have undoubtedly loaded up for what is brewing to be an epic championship run, Miller's concerns are spot on. After all, exhaustion and injury are often blamed for the team's failed title defense in the past campaign. While adding veteran talent is definitely great, there will certainly be fears about the roster's health moving forward.
Of course, the issue could also be overexaggerated since a 36-year-old LeBron James is as dangerous as he has ever been. Moreover, Carmelo Anthony has proven in the past two seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers that he not yet washed as people made him to be. However, LA should definitely be cautious with how they manage the team.
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