In light of Jared Dudley re-signing, I thought I’d inform all of you guys of the importance of team chemistry. The Lakers roster wasn’t the greatest, but they had each other’s backs through everything and stuck together. Here’s a thread of some highlights of that last season:

The Lakers host a block party on the Jazz late in the game in a blowout and the bench is lit to the point where LeBron has the Jazz announcers deep in their feelings.

Lakers pick up Markieff Morris which turned out to be a bargain, and he gets initiated before his first game as a Laker. Look at the joy in his face. He’s essentially saying, “Oh, y’all a FAMILY family like that.” Javale McGee is the best hype man out there.

“THE M’FN LAKESHOW”

Dillon Brooks fouls Howard hard and Keef lets him know that’s not gonna fly.

Pat Bev resorts to his old antics again and Rondo essentially asks LeBron if he wants him to take care of him.

LeBron is too big in the paint and Crowder slaps the ball out of LeBron’s hands and Anthony Davis gets in between them without a second thought and just stands there daring Crowder to make a move. Jae thinks better of it and Bron lets AD knows he good.

LeBron puts the finishing touches on the LA Others with an and-1 and every Laker flexes in unison.

Remember that lit comeback the Lakers made against the Bulls? They went on a 26-4 run, and it was capitalized with Dwight’s energy. He gets a putback dunk, puts Colby White in solitary on the perimeter and sends it, and gets an and-1 on 3 straight plays. Laker bench loses it.

Howard is getting pushed and shoved around in the paint, and Jared Dudley and LeBron comes to defend their big man.

Danny Green was a head case, but this was one of the highlights of the year. LeBron misses a 3, but Green flies out of the rafters for a one handed putback and the Lakers can’t believe it.

KCP was struggling heavily early in the season and many (myself included) suggested trading him. Howard comes to his defense on IG and reminds them that they’re a family and they have to stick together through the bad times. KCP ends up arguably being the Lakers’ 3rd best player.

Need I say more? Everyone flies with the Carushow.

The Lakers had to endure the brunt of Kobe’s death, and Quinn Cook stood amongst all of Laker nation at the memorial to remind them, that he is one of us at his core. A fan of the game, and just like us, Kobe was our hero growing up. One of the most iconic images of this season.

Probably the most difficult game any of them ever had to play. They lost, but it hardly mattered. They went through it together, and they stayed together through everything.

Of all the accomplishments in LeBron’s career, this speech has to rank at the top. Much of this decade was spent debating who was better between the two, but LeBron, wearing Kobe’s jersey, as a Laker, is essentially made a part of Laker Nation forever with his tribute speech.

AD statistically is one of the greatest playoff performers in NBA history, but had nothing to show for it. Only made the playoffs twice before joining LA and got blitzed by the Warriors. He goes through every emotion as he slowly realizes he’s a champ in the purple and gold.

Dwight had been on 5 different teams in the past 5 years. He was called a locker room cancer, a coach killer and had problems with his maturity. He signed a non-guaranteed contract, humbled himself, accepted his role, and was rewarded. Never give up on your dreams. Screw Shaq.

LeBron and Rondo shared many playoff battles in the past, but they came full circle and two figures of the Lakers’ rivals in the past, now both as Lakers, helped get the job done.

It all started with a fist bump.

West and Chamberlain.
Magic and Kareem.
Kobe and Shaq.
Kobe and Pau.
And now..
LeBron and AD.

They gave headaches throughout the season. Sometimes it was frustrating watching them. But just know that they are immortalized as Lakers who helped bring banner 17 home. You’re remembered as a Laker for the titles you helped bring, and they all chipped in one way or another.

This year’s team is different, and probably better, but remember this crew won. Through Kobe’s passing, COVID and other hardships, the 2020 Lakers will always hold a special place. I got emotional making this. Chemistry matters. Hopefully the new crew guys don’t forget this.