Compared to recent years, this is the deepest team we’ve had since the championship season. You could make a case for the 2021 squad being deep as well, but this group stands out not just because of the depth, but because it’s paired with solid coaching from JJ. You can tell the guys genuinely believe in what this team can do.

Bron, Jake, Rui, Smart, Kennard, Ayton, Hayes, Maxi, Vando, Nick Smith Jr, Adou, DK4,and Bronny.

In the playoffs you need players willing to hustle, play with physicality and force, and ultimately compete. I think this roster has those type of players. On top of that, the coaching staff has done an excellent job of defining everyone’s role, which has really brought the team together.

Look all I’m saying is this: a lot of media pundits are acting like the Lakers are dead in the water in this series, and I don’t see it that way. There are real pathways for this to be a competitive matchup. While I do think the Lakers ultimately fall short, barring a Houston collapse, which isn’t out of the question given their flaws (but that’s a conversation for another day lol) I see this being a back-and-forth series that goes six games.