After a disappointing playoff exit last season, the Los Angeles Lakers haven’t signed any big names and opted for stability so far ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season. With legendary LeBron James entering a record 22nd season in the NBA and the Lakers getting their new head coach, JJ Redick, the franchise might face a challenging season ahead.
The Lakers have re-signed Max Christie to a four-year, $32 million deal and 6-foot-10 center Collin Castleton to a two-way contract. Apart from that, the Lakers didn’t make any deal with less than 50 days remaining in the 2024-25 regular-season. This has sparked speculations on the Lakers’ title contention in the upcoming season.
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LeBron James’ Final Stage Of Career
Lakers veteran LeBron James is in the final stage of his career, while Anthony Davis has been exposed to injuries except for the last season. LeBron joined the Lakers in 2018 and helped the franchise become the then-joint-most successful NBA team, with 17 titles in his next season.
However, the Lakers star forward will be playing his 22nd season. Despite not showing any signs of stopping in his last few seasons, LeBron might not be able to meet the standards he has set in the league. Without King James, the Lakers could struggle for the NBA championship with a lack of player depth and reliability in the squad.
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Injury Concerns In The Lakers Roster
Injuries are the primary issue faced by the teams during their championship run. Before Anthony Davis’ 2023-24 season, where he played 76 games, the 6’11” center missed 114 games in three seasons. LeBron James has also suffered injuries in the last few seasons, and the Lakers would hope for a healthy LeBron and AD throughout the season.
Regarding last season, Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent missed most of the games due to injuries. Since his mid-season trade in 2023, Vanderbilt has played 55 games for the Lakers (29 last season). On the other hand, Gabe joined the Lakers in July last year and appeared in just 11 games.
Lakers’ Roster Depth And Bench Quality
Apart from LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Austin Reaves, no other Lakers player has been consistent with their performances in the last two seasons. The lack of depth causes the Lakers veterans to fatigue throughout the season and face struggles in playoffs.
The Lakers’ shooting efficiency, particularly from beyond the arc, has been a major concern. The Purple and Gold must overcome these irregularities to face strong Western Conference teams like the Denver Nuggets, Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns, and Golden State Warriors.
Coaching Adjustments And Defensive Irregularities
After two seasons as the Lakers’ head coach, Darwin Ham was replaced by JJ Redick in June. While many consider the coaching change to boost the Lakers in the upcoming season, a frequent change in the coaching could create multiple challenges for the team.
The Lakers have lost many matches from a winning position in the last few years due to their defensive struggles. With injuries to players like Jarred Vanderbilt and Cam Reddish, LeBron James’ side often suffered defensive lapses.
The Lakers need to address these factors to become a championship contender in the 2024-25 NBA season. Decent support in shooting and defensive sectors can help LeBron James and Anthony Davis remain healthy throughout the season and dominate the league in the upcoming season.
