The Los Angeles Lakers have opted to make some moves this offseason. The Lakers, who are giants of the National Basketball Association (NBA), are aiming to maximise the time LeBron James has left before he considers retirement. Luka Dončić will also be entering his second season in Los Angeles and fans will be expecting more of this team than what they saw transpire this season.
WHAT’S NEW FOR THE LAKERS?
The Lakers have been struggling without a dominant presence in the paint. Their weaknesses at the centre position has seen them fall short of glory ever since their championship win in the Covid-19 bubble season in 2020.
The King, LeBron James, will return for his 23rd season, and one of the best offensive weapons in the NBA, Dončić, should display maturation. The Slovenian sniper has also been increasing his conditioning, which should see him become more of a threat.
The Lakers have added a former number one draft pick in the form of Deandre Ayton. Ayton has been signed to a two-year deal, giving the franchise the edge they have lacked in the interior.
HOW THE REST OF THE LAKERS ROSTER LOOKS
Ayton joins a frontcourt that includes Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Maxi Kleber. Austin Reaves and Bronny James add depth and shooting to the backcourt.
Dalton Knecht who surpassed all expectations last season as a dynamic wing player along with Christian Koloko, a versatile seven-footer, provide the team with more two way weaponry. The Lakers have also ensured to keep a few veterans like Shake Milton, Markieff Morris, and Gabe Vincent as rotation players.
MAXIMISING THIS UPDATED ROSTER
Head coach and former three-point savant for an array of teams, JJ Redick, will look to lead his team through a deep Playoff run as the Lakers have not been able to get by the first round in two years. The Lakers’ front office is focused on size, shooting and defensive fortitude.
PROJECTED STARTING FIVE
- Point Guard: Luka Dončić
- Shooting Guard: Austin Reaves
- Small Forward: LeBron James
- Power Forward: Rui Hachimura
- Centre: Deandre Ayton
James is still keeping Father Time at bay as the oldest player in the NBA, and with Dončić pulling the strings offensively and Ayton filling the much-needed centre role, the Lakers could pose a threat in their hopes to secure their 18th championship banner.
