While there are now not many people left on the free agent market and the workforce, except for upheaval via the expected trades of Damian Lillard and James Harden, is almost complete, it’s time to take stock of the first summer for all 30 NBA franchises. After Detroit, Houston, San Antonio, Charlotte, PortlandThen Orlando, Washingtonand finally Indiana , UtahDallas, Chicago, Oklahoma City, Toronto, Minnesota and Atlanta, it’s time to decipher the mythical Lakers.
The 2022/2023 season of the Lakers is in the image of the franchise, as fantastic as it is irregular. With a start to the season very far from the claims of the workforce (2 wins for 10 losses), Rob Pelinka managed to reverse the trend with a major upheaval at the “trade deadline” in February. This reshuffle will lead the new Lakers to the conference finals, before losing to future champions Denver.
A cannonball end to the season that gave everyone hope and ambition. As a result, the management has put its hands in the wallet and seems to welcome its summer recruitment.
SEASON 2022/23
43 wins – 39 losses (14th)
19th attack: 113.9 points scored on 100 possessions
12th defense: 113.2 points conceded on 100 possessions
ARRIVALS/DEPARTURES
Arrivals : Jaxson Hayes, Taurean Prince, Cam Reddish, Gabe Vincent, Jalen Hood-Schifino (17th pick), Maxwell Lewis (40th pick)
Departures : Mo Bamba, Malik Beasley, Troy Brown Jr., Shaquille Harrison, Dennis Schroder, Lonnie Walker, Wenyen Gabriel, Scotty Pippen Jr., Tristan Thompson
WORKFORCE 2023/24
Leaders D’Angelo Russell, Gabe Vincent, Jalen Hood-Schifino, D’Moi Hodge
Full-backs/wingers : Austin Reeves, Max Christie, LeBron James, Taurean Prince, Cam Reddish, Maxwell Lewis, Jarred Vanderbilt
Interiors : Anthony Davis, Rui Hachimura, Wenyen Gabriel, Alex Fudge, Jaxson Hayes, Collin Castleton
THE LIKELY MAJOR FIVE
D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Jarred Vanderbilt, Anthony Davis
THE OBJECTIVE
Believe in the title. Between the extension of Anthony Davis, which will guarantee him the biggest salary in NBA history, and those of Rui Hachimura, D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reeves, the Lakers have set the tone. If the lack of depth of bench was flagrant on the last playoffs, in particular on the defensive sector, the frankness recruited intelligently in this direction. Gabe Vincent, will bring his dynamism off the bench, Taurean Prince, his “3-and-D” profile and Cam Reddish, enthusiasm. As for Jaxson Hayes, if we do not yet know his role, holder or substitute, it is his verticality which is interesting. In the mold of a JaVale McGee in 2020.
On paper, the workforce is square, rich and deep. The Major 5 is built perfectly around LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and the bench finally has a role to play, all with a group rejuvenated by recruiting. Because it is there, the sword of Damocles above the Lakers: time. The window to dethrone the Nuggets is not wide for this group and the presence, and especially the good health, of the two superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis are essential to have a small chance of getting there.
QUESTIONS
LeBron’s age, Anthony Davis’ health. LeBron James will be 39 years old in December, and if he remains an example of longevity according to Stephen Curry, the fact remains that his physique shows some signs of weakness. The slightest injury to the quadruple NBA champion leaves a gaping hole within the team, statistically already (28.9 points, 8.3 rebounds and 6.8 assists / m in 2023) but also and above all by his leadership and his influence on the opponents.
Especially since the other pillar of the Lakers, Anthony Davis, is unfortunately a regular in the infirmary. With an average annual salary of $62 million from 2025 to 2028, the risk is enormous. Even if Jarred Vanderbilt or Rui Hachimura can lend a hand on the inside for short periods, it’s difficult to bring Anthony Davis’ 25.9 points and 12.5 rebounds every night. Even two.
The interior sector. This is the question mark of the workforce. Who to win in the racket when Davis is resting? Certainly, Jaxson Hayes was recruited in this sense and Wenyen Gabriel should be offered more playing time by coach Darvin Ham, but it remains of an average level. Especially for the Western Conference where you have to deal with Nikola Jokic, Jaren Jackson Jr., Rudy Gobert, Deandre Ayton, Domantas Sabonis or Walker Kessler, to name a few. As the track of Christian Wood was topical, we imagine that the leaders are considering recruiting one more interior. An attacker would not be too much if Davis still misses several dozen matches…
