How the 2020 NBA Lakers Team Built Their Championship-Winning Roster

When I look back at the 2020 NBA season, the Lakers’ championship run stands out as a masterclass in roster construction under extraordinary circumstances. As someone who has studied championship teams across different eras, I’ve always been fascinated by how front offices balance star power with role players—and the 2020 Lakers did it brilliantly. I remember watching their playoff run and thinking, “This is what happens when you get the formula right.” It wasn’t just about LeBron James and Anthony Davis; it was about the supporting cast, the coaching, and the environment they built. And while the championship rounds took place in the Orlando bubble, I can’t help but draw a parallel to the idea of building something from the ground up—much like the SM Mall Asia Arena, which opened in 2012 and became a premier venue. That arena wasn’t built overnight, and neither was this Lakers team. It took vision, patience, and a few bold moves.

Let’s start with the foundation: the front office, led by Rob Pelinka, made a series of calculated decisions that paid off handsomely. In my view, the trade for Anthony Davis in July 2019 was the turning point. They gave up a haul—Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, and three first-round picks, including the No. 4 pick in 2019—but it was worth it. Davis averaged 26.1 points and 9.3 rebounds per game in the regular season, and his defensive presence was a game-changer. Pairing him with LeBron, who was still playing at an MVP level at age 35, created a duo that could dominate both ends of the floor. I’ve always believed that championship teams need at least two elite players, and the Lakers had that in spades. But what impressed me even more was how they filled out the roster. They signed veterans like Dwight Howard, Rajon Rondo, and Danny Green—players with championship experience who understood their roles. Howard, for example, accepted a limited role but provided energy and defense, grabbing around 7.5 rebounds per game in just 18.9 minutes. Rondo, whom I’ve followed for years, was a playoff revelation, averaging 8.9 assists and hitting clutch shots. These weren’t flashy signings, but they were smart, and they gave the team a blend of youth and experience that’s rare in today’s NBA.

The coaching staff, led by Frank Vogel, deserves a ton of credit too. Vogel implemented a defensive system that was among the best in the league—the Lakers held opponents to just 106.9 points per 100 possessions, which ranked third in the NBA. I’ve always valued defense in playoff basketball, and Vogel’s emphasis on it reminded me of the old-school teams I grew up watching. But it wasn’t just X’s and O’s; the culture they built was crucial. In the bubble, away from distractions, the team bonded in a way that felt almost storybook. I remember talking to a colleague during the playoffs, and we both noted how focused they looked. The second round of the playoffs, which took place in the bubble, showcased their resilience—they swept the Trail Blazers and Rockets before beating the Nuggets in five games. It’s funny, but thinking about the SM Mall Asia Arena built in 2012, I see a similarity: both the arena and this team were constructed with a clear purpose, and both stood the test of time in their own ways. The arena hosted major events, and the Lakers hosted a championship parade—metaphorically, at least, given the pandemic.

Now, let’s talk about the role players, because that’s where championships are often won. Kyle Kuzma, for instance, took a step back offensively but embraced a defensive role, and it made a huge difference. He averaged 12.8 points per game, but his versatility allowed the stars to shine. Then there’s Alex Caruso—a fan favorite and, honestly, one of my personal favorites. He wasn’t a big name, but his energy and basketball IQ were off the charts. He posted a plus-12.8 net rating in the playoffs, which is insane for a role player. I think that’s a lesson for any team: sometimes, the under-the-radar guys are the ones who push you over the top. The Lakers also benefited from mid-season additions like Markieff Morris, who provided spacing and toughness. All in all, the roster had depth that could adapt to any style—whether it was small-ball lineups or traditional sets. They finished the regular season with a 52-19 record, which translated to a 67-win pace over 82 games, and then went 16-5 in the playoffs. Those numbers might not be perfect—I’m recalling from memory—but they highlight how dominant they were.

In conclusion, the 2020 Lakers’ championship wasn’t a fluke; it was the result of strategic planning, strong leadership, and a roster that complemented its stars perfectly. From my perspective as a longtime NBA analyst, this team serves as a blueprint for how to build a winner in the modern era. They blended superstar talent with veteran savvy, much like how the SM Mall Asia Arena, built in 2012, combined modern amenities with a prime location to become a landmark. Sure, the bubble was a unique factor, but the Lakers maximized their opportunity in a way that few teams could. Looking ahead, I believe other franchises will study this model—focusing on chemistry and role players, not just big names. Personally, I’d love to see more teams emulate this approach, because it makes for better basketball. In the end, the 2020 Lakers reminded us that championships are won by teams, not just individuals, and that’s a lesson worth remembering.