The Los Angeles Lakers had a great offseason where they managed to execute their plans brilliantly. Moreover, it is essential that both LeBron James and Anthony Davis stay healthy and play more than 70 games in the new season. Only then can the Lakers hope to win the title in the 2023-24 season. Currently, the LA side is concentrating on the training camp and the preseason games.
They lost to the Golden State Warriors in the preseason opener. But later came back strong against the Brooklyn Nets in their second preseason game. However, after these two games, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times brings up a few questions that the Lakers will have to face in the new season. The questions, as per Dan Woike, are as follows:-
A. What Does The Lakers Expect From LeBron James This Season?
Everybody knows that King James had been through a tough time since the Laker’s defeat in the conference finals. He almost officially called it “Quits.” But sources told the Los Angeles Times that his retirement thoughts came out of exhaustion physically and emotionally. And that it would soon pass, which it did. Now, the King is in complete focus on his training and getting ready for the 2023-24 season. There are a lot of positive vibe in the Lakers camp that must excite LeBron James. However, what will happen if the Lakers begin to struggle again? Where will all the enthusiasm of the King go? Moreover, LeBron James was struggling with his three-point shooting last season. Can he get better at it again?
B. What Will Austin Reaves Do Next?
Darvin Ham told Dan Woike that Austin Reaves is a potential All-Star material. After James and AD, AR can be the next All-Star member for the current Lakers roster. But Reaves must get more time to handle the ball. His offensive average must get better next season. AR had a couple of injuries in his first two seasons. But now the opponent players will attack him more. Can Reaves handle all that?
C. Can The Lakers Expect To Get The Best From Christian Wood?
After a long wait, the Lakers managed to sign Christian Wood. Now, the most important thing for Wood to do is to find a way to adapt in the Lakers locker room. The Lakers will look for his sensible play in the center, providing good support to AD and LeBron James. It won’t be an easy process for Wood to play alongside James and Davis.
D. Is Darvin Ham Really A Good Coach?
Darvin Ham has a big fan following in Milwaukee. Moreover, Ham told Woike that he never doubted his abilities. But the Lakers head coach believes in the saying that a smart guy knows that he might not be the smartest man in the room. That’s why Darvin Ham believes to surround himself with talented coaching talents. Now, the Lakers Faithful will be eager to see what Ham can achieve with a more balanced roster.
E. Will Any Wild Card Be Successful?
The Lakers will look to Jaxson Hayes and Max Christie to deliver on the big stage. Especially Hayes impressed fans with his energy during the preseason opener. Hayes is a pretty good rim-runner and screener. The Lakers Faithful feels Hayes can get better with the great passers in the LA side.
The LA Side Did A Great Job In The Offseason
The 17-time champions wanted to keep the core together, and that’s what they were able to do. Moreover, key players like Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and D’Angelo Russell were all heading toward free agency. But the Lakers managed to extend their contracts for multi-year deals. Moreover, the LA side extended the contract of Anthony Davis as soon as he became eligible on August 4.
Later, Rob Pelinka and his front office extended the contracts of players like Jarred Vanderbilt and Max Christie. Vanderbilt and Davis will stay with the Lakers for a long time. On top of that, the 17-time champions added reinforcements like Gabe Vincent, Taurean Prince, and Cam Reddish. They acquired more youth power, like Jaxson Hayes and Jalen Hood-Schifino. And last but not least, the Lakers signed Christian Wood, who can play in the center and take some load off AD.
