The Olympics are in the rearview mirror and NBA teams are beginning to prepare for training camps. In the next of the previews, we move onto a Lakers squad hoping that a revamped coaching staff can help wring as much success as possible out of LeBron James’ twilight years. In these previews, we will take a look at each team’s key acquisitions, fantasy stars, and predicted finish.
Key Acquisitions
The Lakers stood surprisingly pat over the offseason with their biggest move coming in the form of J.J. Redick who takes over from Darvin Ham as head coach.
Redick, who has not coached before at any level, will be flanked by the likes of Scott Brooks and Nate McMillan.
On-court, they replaced veterans Taurean Prince and Spencer Dinwiddie with rookies Dalton Knecht and Bronny James Jr.
As a senior at Tennessee, Knecht averaged 21.7 ppg shooting a tick under 40% from three on 6.5 nightly attempts offering Redick what projects to be an elite shooting arsenal off the bench.
James Jr. meanwhile will be at the centre of many an ESPN discussion but is unlikely to spend much genuine time with the top team as he looks to acclimatise himself at the next level.
Fantasy Stars
LeBron James (17th overall, 5th SF/8th PF) is still an All-NBA level talent heading into his 22nd season having put up 25.7, 7.3 rpg, and 8.3 apg on 63.0 TS% in 71 starts a year ago.
Anthony Davis (6th overall, 3rd PF/5th C) enjoyed his healthiest campaign in six seasons having averaged 24.7 ppg, 12.6 rpg, and 2.3 bpg on 62.1 TS% in 76 starts.
Projected Finish
The Lakers have clawed their way into the playoffs via the play-in the past two seasons and look likely to find themselves in the same scenario this time around.
With James and Davis another year older and the front office opting against making moves over the summer, it’s difficult to pinpoint avenues towards improvements.
Redick may be the man to unlock several of their key guys, but a lot went right for the Lakers a year ago – James and Davis got through the season with little injury concern, D’Angelo Russell put together an elite shooting season, and the team had an uncharacteristically strong year from behind the arc – and their season still ended abruptly at the hands of Denver.
