The Los Angeles Lakers have embraced the NBA's version of senior living: they currently have 10 players on their roster who are 32 or older. While it's natural to doubt whether this roster can get the Purple and Gold back to the NBA Finals, the concerns surrounding head coach Frank Vogel's team from an age standpoint are overblown.

Let's begin with what the Lakers do have going for them, as it pertains to their offseason acquisitions, shall we?

Russell Westbrook remains a walking triple-double, as he's as electric as anyone in the NBA off the dribble and an exceptional rebounder. Carmelo Anthony is an efficient shooter who can still score in the post. DeAndre Jordan is a sturdy rim protector.

Dwight Howard moves people in the paint on the offensive end. Wayne Ellington is a proven outside sniper. Trevor Ariza and Kent Bazemore are reputable defenders who can shoot. Rajon Rondo is a composed floor general.

Some of these players are on the back nine of their NBA careers and without a championship ring to show for it. Westbrook and Anthony, in particular, have a chip on their shoulders, as they've each had Hall of Fame-caliber careers but are among the most notable players of their generation to be ring-less. Playing alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis is an optimum chance for them to fill the glaring vacancy in their respective careers.

Now, with age and experience comes health questions. Can this team hold up enough to go on a deep playoff run and be healthy enough to have a competitive rotation in the Western Conference? The answer is YES.

Why Are The Lakers' Age Concerns Way Overblown?

lakers lebron james carmelo russell westbrook anthony davis

For argument's sake, let's say that James and Davis miss two months apiece at varying points of the regular season (both stars have been recently hamstrung by injuries). A trio of offseason signings we haven't yet addressed are Talen Horton-Tucker, Kendrick Nunn and Malik Monk; they provide the Lakers with compelling youthful depth.

Horton-Tucker showcased a willingness and ability to take matters into his own hands, scoring at a plausible rate last season. He did as such coming off the bench, especially when injuries to James and Davis tested the Lakers' depth down the stretch.

In his two seasons with the Miami Heat, Nunn was an efficient and effective combo guard. He averaged a combined 15.0 points per game while shooting 36.4 percent from beyond the arc. He's a respectable ball-handler who assumed a vital role in Miami's rotation.

Monk, a lottery selection in the 2017 NBA Draft, is coming off the best season of his career. Shooting a career-best 40.1 percent from beyond the arc, Monk made an impact for a budding Charlotte Hornets team while flashing his scoring potential.

The return/arrival of these players, who are no older than 26, complement a bench made up of veteran role players. Speaking of such, many of the Lakers' offseason pickups won't be playing 25-30 minutes a night. There's an abundance of starting-caliber players who will be holding down 10-15-minute roles.

What's The Problem For The Lakers?

Lakers, Hornets, Hawks, Bulls, Nets, Trae young, LeBron James, LaMrelo Ball, Kevin Durant, Zach LaVine

The Western Conference is still the Wild Wild West. With that said, the 15-team grouping may not be as fierce as years past near the top. Moreover, the reigning conference champions Phoenix Suns running it back with the same core, as well as the Golden State Warriors and Dallas Mavericks getting healthy and deeper are situations that the Lakers will have to overcome.

Simultaneously, the Los Angeles Clippers (Kawhi Leonard) and Denver Nuggets (Jamal Murray) are down a star to begin the season. Meanwhile, the Utah Jazz continually hit a wall in the playoffs, and the Portland Trail Blazers are in a holding pattern. These circumstances remove some of the ruthless nature that the West has possessed in years past.

Sure, injuries are a burning question for the Lakers, perhaps a little more than any other contender in the NBA. At the end of the day, though, it's not the pivotal question for them coming out on top. That factor is how Westbrook and James coexist alongside each other.

It's easy to envision Westbrook and Davis flourishing together in both the fastbreak and halfcourt, as the latter can finish off alley-oops and benefit from Westbrook attracting a double-team off the dribble.

The closest comparison for James and Westbrook being on the court together is James' time with Kyrie Irving on the Cleveland Cavaliers. The difference is Westbrook tends to force shots and is an inefficient shooter. Surely, LeBron and Russ will get accustomed to each other's presence on the floor. A pair of primary ball-handlers who attack the track can simply be a rough fit.

The Lakers are a win-now team that's trying to squeeze at least one more championship out of a roster that includes the best player of his generation and a fellow top-10 player. Any team in that situation wants proven players with pedigree.

Age is a factor for the 2021-22 Lakers, but it won't be what makes or breaks their championship hopes.