LOS ANGELES LAKERS
Where the Stars Come to Play
Posted October 21, 2023 | 2:25 PM PT
EL SEGUNDO -- 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.
Offseason Activity
- Austin Reaves had an amazing summer, headlined by 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.
Key Upcoming Free Agents
The Lakers have seven key rotational players that will be free agents in 2024:
- Max Christie (restricted)
- Taurean Prince
- Jaxson Hayes (player)
- Cam Reddish (player)
- D’Angelo Russell
- Christian Wood (player)
Roster Preview
The starting unit is still up in the air and could change on a nightly basis, according to head coach Darvin Ham. However, the mainstays of the lineup should include
D'Angelo Russell, James, and Davis – barring injuries – with a rotation of Reaves,
Rui Hachimura,
Jarred Vanderbilt, Prince, and Wood as other possible candidates (at least to start the season).
Depth is something that this version of the Lakers hope to see as a strength. On the wings,
Cam Reddish, Taurean Prince, and
Max Christie are all capable of providing meaningful minutes, while Gabe Vincent is a guard who can step in and make plays for himself and others at a really high clip off the bench.
Projected Starting Lineup Breakdown
LeBron James needs no introduction. Arguably the greatest player in the history of the game and somehow remains to keep slaying 'Father Time'. He's looking to be in great physical health after a rough year last season. If he stays healthy, he'll be a top-10 player in the league again and the face of the franchise.
Jarred Vanderbilt is expected to slide in at the forward spot opposite of James. Vanderbilt is a versatile hybrid-forward who can play defense at a really high level, as well as pull down rebounds. He's also a threat to hit the open three, though he won't be expected to score more than 10 points on a consistent basis, which is why he's expected to mesh better with the starters, while guys like Rui Hachimura and Christian Wood can lead the scoring of the second unit.
We may see Taurean Prince slide into the starting spot from time to time as well, as he fits the role of a three-and-d archetype, too.
With Anthony Davis, the concern is always is health. When he's healthy, much like LeBron, he can be a top- five-to-10 player in the league. His only weakness is injury frequency. James has noted that AD should actually be the face of the franchise moving forward, so that will be an interesting story line to keep an eye on.
Austin Reaves really broke out last season and then put on a show in summer play. He was rewarded with a hefty contract extension -- impressive for an undrafted player. Last season, Reaves averaged 13 points and just under 40% from three. He will be a perfect off-ball fit next to D'Angelo Russell and LeBron James.
Point guard duties will be handled by D'Angelo Russell, a fan favorite. He's a crafty play maker and slides in as the third option of the three-headed monster, alongside LeBron and AD. Don't sleep on D'Lo, though -- he can pour in the buckets in a hurry and may be the most dependable of the three to stay on the court for the duration of the season.
Next Up: Regular Season Tip-Off
Tuesday, Oct 24 at Denver Nuggets
