A few days before the start of the regular season, DNA of Sports is approaching the end of its traditional presentation, franchise by franchise, of the upcoming NBA season. Like every year, this takes the form of a countdown, from the teams expected at the bottom of the ranking to our favorite for the champion title.
Today’s time for the presentation of Lakersunhappy conference finalists against the Nuggets, more than ever in search of a 18th Larry O’Brien trophy (record).
And to try to write history, the “Purple & Gold” will again rely on their duo LeBron James – Anthony Davis, who has been the rain and shine of the Californian franchise for four years. 100%, this doublet has little equivalent in the NBA and, on the management side, we understood that it was better to support it with quality “role players”, rather than looking at all costs to surround him with a third (super)star.
Therefore, the D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura and others Jared Vanderbilt were all re-signed during the summer by Los Angeleswith a group essentially identical to that at the end of last season, and simply reinforced by “role players” with varied profiles (Gabe Vincent, Christian Wood, Taurean Prince, Cam Reddish, Jaxson Hayes, etc.).
Enough to create density, both in Darvin Ham’s rotation and in the physical impact, which should make it possible to relieve Anthony Davis and LeBron James as much as possible in the regular season. And allow the duo to be in full possession of their means for the end of season games.
SUMMER MOVEMENTS
Arrivals: Gabe Vincent, Christian Wood, Taurean Prince, Cam Reddish, Jaxson Hayes, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Maxwell Lewis
Departures: Dennis Schröder, Lonnie Walker IV, Malik Beasley, Troy Brown Jr, Wenyen Gabriel, Mo Bamba, Tristan Thompson, Scotty Pippen Jr, Cole Swider
PLAYER TO WATCH: ANTHONY DAVIS
At the end of a very successful playoff campaign (22.6 points, 14.1 rebounds, 3.1 blocks, 2.6 assists and 1.4 interceptions on average…), Anthony Davis will, as is often the case, be observed at the start of the regular season, because we simply expect to him that he puts on the boss’s costume for good of the Lakers.
It must be said that LeBron James will celebrate his 39th birthday in a few weeks and, at this stage of his career, the “King” can no longer assume leadership over an entire regular season, then the playoffs. At least, not on the floor. A few weeks ago, it was “LBJ” himself which also encouraged “AD” to establish itself as the new leader of Los Angeles in the game…
This is the whole point of Anthony Davis’ season: prove that at now 30 years old, he can carry his team while relieving LeBron James. If possible by remaining in good health for a long time, to allow him to aim for the individual trophies that are still missing from his record (MVP, DPOY).
Average age: 25.9 years
Payroll: $180 million (12th)
THE IDEAL SCENARIO
Continuing their excellent end to last season, the Lakers are playing in the regular season and are comfortably in the Top 3 in the West, in the wake of Anthony Davis who is (finally) getting to this status of franchise player which has been promised to him since his arrival in California. A contender for the MVP and Defender of the Year trophies, “AD” can obviously count on the support of a LeBron James who no longer needs to do as much on the floor, but who remains a real anomaly for his age .
It must be said that D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves, more invested in defense, are doing wonders on the Los Angeles back lines, while Rui Hachimura does not weaken in terms of productivity and performance, despite the signing of his new contract.
Ditto for Jarred Vanderbilt, whose contribution in defense remains invaluable for Darvin Ham’s men. Add to this the successful integration of Gabe Vincent, Christian Wood, Taurean Prince, Cam Reddish and even Jaxson Hayes off the bench, and you get a team that is as solid as it is dangerous as the playoffs approach.
As the Los Angeles players manage, as a bonus, to remain generally in good health, they are in an ideal position to reach the Finals, and bring an 18th NBA title to Los Angeles…
THE WORST SCENARIO
The summer stability of the Lakers ultimately does not allow them to continue their momentum from the end of last season and the reigning conference finalists quickly fell out of the race for the Top 4 in the West, “simply” fighting for qualification. direct to the playoffs. In question, the physical problems of LeBron James and Anthony Davis who multiply the trips to the infirmary as soon as they start to find rhythm…
In this context, it is difficult for D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura and other Gabe Vincent to find their role and their place within Darvin Ham’s rotation, which is constantly subject to modification.
Forced to recompose his hierarchy according to the problems of his two leaders, the coach struggles to find overall coherence, and Los Angeles must hang on to stay in the right place within a Western conference where the runners-up in the playoffs are played out in a pinch.
After this particularly frustrating and trying campaign, the Lakers are a long way from the 18th title in their history, and it is above all the last window of the James/Davis duo which seems to have closed for Los Angeles.
