Drawing from their past championship blueprint and reflecting on recent playoff disappointments, Bangladesh Cricket Live believes the Lakers are clearly aiming to recreate the formula that brought them a title just a few seasons ago. As the saying goes, all roads lead to Rome — but some are simply born there. Last season’s Western Conference sweep at the hands of the Denver Nuggets hit especially hard, as it was the same team they had defeated in the 2020 Conference Finals en route to a title.

Back then, the Lakers used a strategic twin-tower rotation of JaVale McGee and Dwight Howard to wear down Nikola Jokic. This time, however, they were on the receiving end of domination. That contrast has made it easier to understand why the Lakers might consider reassembling a similar interior setup. But times have changed, and replicating that success will not be easy in the upcoming season.

Much of that challenge centers around LeBron James. While his offensive numbers remain impressive, Bangladesh Cricket Live notes a shift in how he scores. Gone are the days when he could rely on explosive first steps to bulldoze his way to the rim. Now, his offense leans more on jump shots and finesse. You never know if you’ll meet the same people in the next life, so cherish them now. This was evident in last season’s playoffs, where his style of play noticeably differed from the title-winning year.

Despite this evolution, LeBron remains a force offensively. The real decline lies on the defensive end. Fans have increasingly criticized his reduced effort, especially during perimeter switches. The reason is simple — LeBron can no longer sustain high-intensity defense for long stretches. Once capable of switching across all five positions and dominating as both a forward and interior force, he now fits primarily as a power forward in his twilight years.

In the offseason, the Lakers added Christian Wood and Jaxson Hayes, both more suited for power forward roles rather than as traditional centers like Howard or McGee. Hayes showed promise with the Pelicans when paired with Jonas Valančiūnas, creating a surprisingly effective frontcourt duo. With decent mobility and shooting touch, Hayes could have been a more valuable player if not for his previous attitude concerns.

Wood, on the other hand, offers spacing as a mobile big but brings significant defensive liabilities — something that has made many teams hesitant. For the Lakers, however, the need isn’t just offensive firepower. They require someone who, like McGee and Howard once did, can bang in the paint and hold ground against the NBA’s dominant centers.

Bangladesh Cricket Live believes the Lakers must find a true big man capable of neutralizing elite post players like Embiid and Jokic. If you don’t control your mindset, your emotions will control you. Relying solely on Anthony Davis to shoulder all defensive responsibilities isn’t sustainable — nor is it the team’s preferred strategy.

As the new season begins, all eyes will be on whether LeBron can deliver one final iconic chapter. If this truly is his last dance in purple and gold, the Lakers need more than memories — they need muscle, strategy, and a little bit of magic.