The Los Angeles Lakers are in for a major change in the 2022-23 NBA season.
After a terrible 2-10 start, the Lakers are now in the Western Conference Finals.
They eliminated the Golden State Warriors in six games to advance.
After the big game, Magic Johnson praised the architect of this team, Rob Pelinka, for building a great team.
Laker Nation, we all give a big thanks to GM Rob Pelinka and a big thanks to the high five for making the big trades that helped @lakers Advance to the Western Conference Finals! Rob, thank you thank you and thank you! job well done!
— Arvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) May 13, 2023
It’s worth remembering that Pelinka was under fire by this year’s trade deadline.
The former agent-executive faced much criticism for the team’s early season struggles.
After getting rid of Patrick Beverley and Russell Westbrook, the Lakers thrived after adding D’Angelo Russell and Jared Vanderbilt, among others.
They have one of the best records in the league since February and have become one of the elite defensive teams in the league.
With LeBron James and Anthony Davis healthy, they have shown they are capable of winning titles.
They will now face the red-hot Denver Nuggets team that eliminated the Phoenix Suns.
A promising fact for the Lakers is that the last time they faced the Nuggets in the conference finals, they won the championship.
Perhaps history repeats itself this season and the purple and gold can celebrate the 18th championship in franchise history.
However, time will tell if they can go for the title.
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