Then and Now: The star-studded Lakers are the oldest team in the NBA - here's what they looked like as rookies

Scott DavisSep 2, 2021, 18:55 IST

Year 18 LeBron James vs. Year 1 LeBron James.Ross D. Franklin/AP Images; Mike Blake/Reuters

The Lakers have assembled the oldest team in the NBA, with an average age of nearly 31 years old, according to RealGM.
The Lakers already had 36-year-old LeBron James on the roster, then added veterans like Carmelo Anthony (37), Trevor Ariza (36), Dwight Howard (35), Rajon Rondo (35), and Russell Westbrook (32).
The photos below compare what the Lakers veterans look like now now to images from their rookie years.

LeBron James will turn 37 this season, his 19th in the NBA, and he's still an MVP candidate.

LeBron James in 2021. Ross D. Franklin/AP Images

James entered the NBA as an 18-year-old in 2003.

LeBron James in 2003. Mike Blake/Reuters

Anthony Davis is 28, but he's already entering his 10th season in the NBA.

Anthony Davis in 2021. Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP Images

Davis was the consensus No. 1 pick when he entered the league in 2012.

Anthony Davis in 2012. Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Russell Westbrook, 32, was traded to the Lakers this summer to form a new Big 3.

Russell Westbrook in 2021. Nick Wass/AP Images

Westbrook was drafted in 2008 out of UCLA.

Russell Westbrook in 2008. David Zalubowski/AP Images

Carmelo Anthony is the oldest player on the roster at 37.

Carmelo Anthony in 2021. Jack Dempsey/AP Images

Anthony and James are the last two remaining active players from the 2003 draft.

Carmelo Anthony in 2003. Brian Bahr/Getty Images

Dwight Howard, 35, is returning to the Lakers for a third stint.

Dwight Howard in 2021. Matt Slocum/AP Images

Howard entered the NBA in 2004 and is on his sixth team in six years.

Dwight Howard in 2004. Chris Livingston/Icon SMI/Icon Sport Media/Getty Images

Marc Gasol, 36, is only one four returning players from last year's roster.

Marc Gasol in 2021. Ashley Landis/AP Images

Gasol was drafted by the Lakers in 2007, but he was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies for his brother, Pau, who won two titles with the Lakers.

Marc Gasol in 2008. David Zalubowski/AP Images

Rajon Rondo, 35, is also re-joining the Lakers for a second stint with the team.

Rajon Rondo in 2021. Jacob Kupferman/AP Images

Rondo was drafted by the Celtics in 2006.

Rajon Rondo in 2006. Elsa/Getty Images

Trevor Ariza, 36, is returning to the Lakers for a second stint as a wing defender.

Trevor Ariza in 2021. Steven Senne/AP Images

Drafted in 2004, Ariza has played for 10 different teams in his career.

Trevor Ariza in 2004. Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

The Lakers added Wayne Ellington, a 33-year-old sharpshooter, in free agency.

Wayne Ellington in 2021. Carlos Osorio/AP Images

Ellington has played for nine different franchises since entering the league in 2009.

Wayne Ellington in 2009. David Zalubowski/AP Images

Kent Bazemore, 32, signed with the Lakers in free agency.

Kent Bazemore in 2021. Rick Scuteri/AP Images

Bazemore's first year in the NBA was in 2012 with the Warriors.

Kent Bazemore in 2012. Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

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