Will The Lakers Be Any Good Next Season?
The Lakers have quickly assembled what is already one of the most cinematic offseasons an NBA franchise has seen.
How often do you hear rumors about a former NBA player turned podcaster (who just happened to have your star player as his co-host) becoming the team’s next head coach, and then it happens? How often do you hear news of fantastical scenarios like a top player being joined by his son in the league, and it happens? Well, rarely, if not never.
After all of the surreal changes they’ve already made this offseason, it’s fair to ask — will the Lakers make any noise in 2024?
Let’s Look a Little Closer
The Lakers have made the playoffs in four out of Lebron James’s six seasons with the franchise, winning one title in 2020 (with the bubble asterisk), getting swept in the Conference Finals once, and losing in the first round twice.
The team’s biggest downfall has primarily been the inability to assemble a complete, consistently complimentary roster around an aging superstar and an injury-prone secondary star. Well, that and the Denver Nuggets.
Thanks to his meticulous maintenance and longevity, LeBron can still reasonably average 24, 7, and 7, even at his prehistoric age. But let’s be honest — him being the number one option at age 39 is very far from ideal. With his multifaceted skillset, though, he’d be an excellent second—or third-best player.
What About That Has Changed This Offseason? Not Much, If Anything
Hiring J.J. Reddick is a moonshot-type play. It’s risky because he doesn’t have experience as a head coach, but he’s also extremely knowledgeable and seems to get along great with players. It’s a high-risk, high-reward scenario, but it’s ultimately somewhat inconsequential to the team’s success without significant roster changes.
The same could be said about drafting Bronny, LeBron James’s son. Scouts are split wildly on him, with some saying he’s not even an NBA talent, but it doesn't matter much at the end of the day. Even if Bronny’s career pans out excellently and he becomes the next Jrue Holiday, that won’t happen anytime soon—he’s pigeon-holed into a deep bench role, at best, for now.
Otherwise, the Lakers also added Dalton Knecht in the draft. Hopefully, he will work out to be a nice, complimentary shooter or even a versatile starter one day. Again, let’s be real; this doesn’t change much for the overall roster.
Bringing In Outside Help
Regarding free agency and potential trades, the Lakers seemed to be eyeing a few primary options, such as — Trae Young, Klay Thompson, and maybe someone like Bruce Brown or Jerami Grant. One week into free agency, they have whiffed on all of them; even outside prospects like DeRozan, Harden, and others have opted to go elsewhere.
In an interview for team USA, LeBron said recently that he still thinks the Lakers can win a title amidst what "very well may be" his last NBA contract — but, come on, what else is he supposed to say?
Ultimately, you’re still looking at a starting five of Russell, Reaves, LeBron, Hachimura, and AD. Off the bench — Dinwiddie (pending), Vanderbilt, Knecht, Prince, and maybe Christian Wood. Unfortunately, for now, this roster isn’t scaring anyone.
Big Changes Needed
As of right now, the odds are long for LeBron James or the Lakers to secure another title or deep playoff run for the foreseeable future. Barring a significant pay cut for LBJ and some big splashes made on the open market, the Lakers look set for a similar season in 2024-2025, one that could very well be LeBron’s last or next-to-last go-around.
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