The overarching theme this offseason for the Los Angeles Lakers has boiled down to age.
Los Angeles hasn’t had many young players or rookies on the roster in recent years since trading for Anthony Davis, and that trend persisted this summer when L.A. added Russell Westbrook to the financial books.
The Lakers were already dealing with limited finances before that move, so adding the 32-year-old guard, who is on a contract over $40 million, tightened the team’s spending ability further.
L.A. had no other choice but to persuade veterans to take the minimum and compete for a ring alongside Westbrook, Davis and LeBron James; it didn’t take much convincing.
Carmelo Anthony (37), Dwight Howard (36), Trevor Ariza (36), Rajon Rondo (35) and DeAndre Jordan (33) were among the prominent signings in free agency, which has produced questions about the roster’s age and if the group is good enough to win a title.
Wayne Ellington, who turns 34 in November, was also in the mix of the several experienced additions. However, he doesn’t believe age will be an issue for the squad.
“I don’t think it’ll be a problem at all,” Ellington said during his introductory conference. “I think age is just a number. I feel like we got guys that have been pretty healthy, still moving really well and even some guys that are playing some of their best basketball right now at this age.”
Ellington also recalled James’ words when the 36-year-old star responded to the age criticisms of the roster during the early stages of free agency.
“With the experience and the type of leadership that we have, I don’t think that will be any problem. Like Bron said, ‘Just make sure everybody keeps that same energy when we get on the court.'”
As Ellington pointed out, despite the presumed age limitations for some of these players, some are still exceeding expectations, including himself.
Last season with the Detroit Pistons, Ellington converted on 42.2% of his 3-pointers, which is the second-best rate of his career throughout a whole season. With the constant 3-point shooting struggles L.A. dealt with last year, Ellington’s prowess should ameliorate those issues.
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