The Los Angeles Lakers, a franchise with a storied history and high expectations every season, have made significant moves that could shape the upcoming NBA season. The signing of rookies Dalton Knecht and Bronny James marks a new chapter for the team as it infuses youthful talent into its roster. These acquisitions come as the Lakers strive to build off an encouraging 2022-23 season where they reached the Western Conference finals.
Leadership Changes and New Beginnings
In a surprising move, the Lakers also brought in JJ Redick as the new head coach. Known for his sharpshooting during his playing days, Redick steps into his first major coaching role. Under his guidance, the Lakers will be looking to address several ranking issues that plagued them last season, particularly in their three-point game. The team ranked 25th in three-point attempts and 19th in shooting percentage from beyond the arc, metrics that are often critical in today's NBA. Redick’s experience and philosophy could be pivotal in pivoting the Lakers to become a more effective perimeter team.
Key Players and Performance Metrics
LeBron James, still the anchor of the Lakers, had a productive last season despite certain setbacks. James averaged 22 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds—figures that remain impressive for the veteran superstar. However, he struggled with his shooting efficiency, recording his lowest shooting percentage since 2007. Of particular concern, LeBron went cold from deep, missing all 19 of his three-point attempts in the final four games of the season. With LeBron and Anthony Davis missing only 17 games combined, their health and availability were crucial to the team's relative success.
On the defensive end, the Lakers found themselves ranked 24th, a position far from the standards the franchise traditionally holds. Complementing this was a concerning 25th place in rebounding rate. These gaps highlight the need for both strategic and roster adjustments to enhance their competitiveness against more robust teams.
Rosters, Rotations, and Future Transactions
As the team looks forward, Max Christie will be aiming to bounce back after a challenging start last season that saw him fall out of the rotation. With the coaching change and potential for more opportunities, Christie, alongside the rookie signings, will have a chance to redefine his role. Amidst these internal changes, the Lakers continue to hold two first-round picks available for future transactions, providing them with flexibility to make significant moves.
Contract Extensions and Stability
Anthony Davis secured a contract extension during the summer of 2023, affirming his commitment to the team. This extension ensures that the Lakers have a solid building block for their long-term aspirations. With Davis’ dynamic play—both as a defensive stalwart and a versatile scorer—the organization can seek to build around this powerful duo with LeBron.
As the Lakers prepare for the new season, their combination of young talent, a new coaching philosophy, and the experience of their veteran stars offers a mix that could lead to exciting basketball and potentially more success. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the Lakers can address the shortcomings of the past season and convert this fresh momentum into a memorable run.