Lakers: What’s new, season prediction & 2024 free agents
Anthony Davis and LeBron James make the Lakers one of the elite teams in the Western Conference.
Order has been restored with this glamour franchise. With LeBron James somehow denying Father Time and Anthony Davis somehow staying healthy, the Lakers are back in the business of being a contender.
Those two core players plus a decent supporting cast will make the TV networks happy and the league healthy.
What’s new?
- Austin Reaves had an amazing summer, getting a fat contract extension and making Team USA for the FIBA World Cup, which can only build his confidence even more.
- The Lakers added Gabe Vincent, Christian Wood, Jaxson Hayes and Taurean Prince and all should be solid rotational players.
- Jalen Hood-Schifino was taken in the first round, but with depth suddenly a strength with the Lakers, he might be stashed in player development.
How far can the Lakers go?
If James can remain a top-10 player and Davis stays healthy, there’s no reason the Lakers shouldn’t go deep into the postseason. The surrounding talent is arguably better than last season, when the team reached the Western Conference Finals. This is likely LeBron’s last great chance at a fifth title.
1 player that must take a leap
Rui Hachimura. After toiling in mediocrity with the Washington Wizards, Hachimura showed a higher gear in his half-season with L.A. and was awarded an extension. He has the tools and now the security, so there’s no more excuses.
In-Season Tournament
The Lakers are in West Group A. Here’s a refresher on how the In-Season Tournament works.
Upcoming free agents
The Lakers have 12 players that will be free agents in 2024:
- Damion Baugh (restricted)
- Max Christie (restricted)
- Scotty Pippen Jr. (restricted)
- Taurean Prince
- Colin Castleton (two-way player)
- D’Moi Hodge (two-way player)
- Vincent Valerio-Bodon (restricted)
- Mo Bamba
- Jaxson Hayes (player)
- Cam Reddish (player)
- D’Angelo Russell
- Christian Wood (player)
The elephant in the room is LeBron. He has a player option next season that he’ll likely decline regardless if he feels his future is in L.A. or elsewhere. D’Angelo Russell also has an option.
The Lakers’ full roster can be found here.
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Shaun Powell has covered the NBA for more than 25 years. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on Twitter.
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