All-NBA seasons from LeBron James and Anthony Davis weren’t enough to lift the Lakers past the 1st round.
Offseason
Re-signing: Max Christie, LeBron James
Additions: Coach JJ Redick, Christian Koloko
Draft: Dalton Knecht (No. 17 pick), Bronny James (No. 55)
Departures: Coach Darvin Ham, Spencer Dinwiddie (to Mavs), Taurean Prince (to Bucks)
Unsigned Free Agents: Harry Giles III, Skylar Mays
Last season
Let’s get to the positives: LeBron James and Anthony Davis were great. Davis reestablished himself as one of the most impactful players in the league on both sides of the floor, posting 24.7 points, 12.6 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per contest. James, meanwhile, had spring in his step during his 21st season, pacing the Lakers in scoring (25.7 ppg), assists (8.3 apg) and steals (1.3 apg). Both were All-NBA performers.
Everything else was riddled with inconsistency and underperformance. Austin Reaves had his moments, as did D’Angelo Russell. But when the playoffs rolled around, the Lakers relied too heavily on their two stars, which is never the formula for postseason endurance, at least not in the loaded West. So the Denver Nuggets sent the Lakers home for the second straight postseason.
Summer summary
The Lakers took the road lightly travelled in their search to replace Ham, who quickly fell out of favour both in the locker room and front office. At least he previously served as an assistant coach before getting the job. His replacement is a complete neophyte in every way.
JJ Redick played the game, and judging from his brief TV career, knows it, too. He just never coached it, and while that’s not unprecedented, it is for a guy who’s going to be tasked with leading a team that’s win-now, given James turns 40 in December. Redick will have to overcome his inexperience to succeed.
Spotlight on
Bronny James will spend a lot of his rookie season in the NBA G League and player development when he gets called up to the A-team. Second-round picks usually aren’t factors right away. But this is James’ oldest son and he’s here for a reason – to make history when he and his father first show up the court together.
How far can the Lakers go?
This team has capable role players and is champing at the bit to, for a change, see what a healthy Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent can do. Improvements in 3-point shooting and defense will be paramount for the Lakers, who would like to avoid the Play-In Tournament.
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