Los Angeles Lakers are doing pretty well in the offseason trades. They have made their fans very happy after re-signing with quality young players. For instance, Austin Reaves, who became a fan favorite, was on the verge of moving to another team with bigger cap space. But the front office managed to retain him after he became a restricted free agent. Reaves was also happy to get a contract of four years worth $56 million, as he shared an Instagram story saying, “Lakers For Life.”
The Lakers also re-signed the Gonzaga product, Rui Hachimura, for three years worth a $51 million contract. But the surprising addition to the roster was D’Angelo Russell, who was an unrestricted free agent. His demand really decreased after a poor outing in the Western Conference Finals. The Lakers Faithful and experts even blamed D’Lo Russell for their loss against Denver Nuggets. People thought the team would trade him. However, the 17-time champions surprised everybody as they retained Russell with a two-year contract worth $37 million. Citing all these additions to LA’s roster, First Take’s Stephen A. Smith feels the Lakers can reach the WCF again next season.
Stephen A. Smith Believes Lakers Will Reach Conference Finals Again In 2024
The Lakers are now looking good as they have the same old five stars from the previous teams – LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell, and Rui Hachimura. Other than these five players, the team also have Cam Reddish, Gabe Vincent, Taurean Prince, and so on. Hence, the Purple and Gold Army are looking good if they are pushing for the championship in 2024. Steven A Smith also thinks that the Lakers can reach the conference finals again. The First Take’s NBA Analyst feels the squad can prove to be a challenging opponent for the Golden State Warriors, the Phoneix Suns, and the Denver Nuggets next season.
Smith believes that the Lakers still need a big man to play alongside Anthony Davis. But who’ll it be? Will the team retain Mo Bamba to be that big man? But Smith feels with the offseason trades, the LA side has ensured their place in the WCF. However, the Lakers may not have the star power, but they can sure provide supporting roles around the two veteran stars of the LA side. The lineup sure worked last season when they reached the Western Conference Finals.
Smith Points Out LA Side Has A Good Balance
Smith even pointed out that the Lakers turned things around after the February trades. The new team could play hardly for 25 games. But that was it, as they changed everything. Nobody could bet on them reaching the conference finals. But they did. However, retaining the same team will give them a chance to be part of the training camp.
The Lakers have elevated their backcourt as they added Gabe Vincent. On top of that, they have the trio of Reaves, Russell, and Hachimura. Hence, a very good chance for the Lakers to get to the top of the Western Conference table. Moreover, LeBron James seems to be happy with the team as it stands at present in the offseason. And King James is excited to come back to the court.