The Los Angeles Lakers have been making waves recently with significant roster changes and renewed focus on building around their star players, LeBron James and Anthony Davis. With the 2023-24 NBA season underway, the Lakers have taken steps to shore up their depth, bring in young talent, and address areas that were problematic last season.
Key Roster Additions
One of the most notable moves by the Lakers this season was the signing of former Miami Heat guard Gabe Vincent. Vincent, who was instrumental in Miami’s surprise run to the 2023 NBA Finals, brings much-needed depth to the backcourt. Known for his defense, three-point shooting, and toughness, Vincent is expected to complement both D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves in the guard rotation. With his playoff experience, he could become an important contributor when the Lakers need a defensive spark on the perimeter.
Additionally, the Lakers signed forward Taurean Prince, who adds a combination of size, three-point shooting, and defensive versatility. Prince’s ability to play both forward spots gives the Lakers flexibility, especially when paired with other versatile players like Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt. His veteran presence is expected to help the team both in the locker room and on the court.
The Lakers also picked up promising rookie Jalen Hood-Schifino, drafted 17th overall out of Indiana. A talented guard known for his playmaking and scoring potential, Hood-Schifino has shown flashes of skill in preseason action, and the Lakers hope he can develop into a reliable rotation player. While he may not see major minutes early on, the Lakers view him as a potential long-term asset.
New Contracts for Key Players
This offseason, the Lakers extended the contracts of several players they see as part of their core. Austin Reaves, a standout in the 2022-23 season, was rewarded with a new contract after showcasing his scoring and playmaking abilities. Reaves, who also had a strong showing with Team USA in the FIBA World Cup, is expected to take on an even larger role this season as a primary ball-handler and scoring option.
D’Angelo Russell, who rejoined the Lakers during the 2022-23 season, was also re-signed. Though Russell faced some challenges in last year’s playoffs, his regular season production and ability to create offense for himself and others make him a valuable asset. With more time to acclimate to the team, Russell could become a more consistent contributor.
Health and Depth Concerns
One of the primary goals for the Lakers this season is to manage the health of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. LeBron, now in his 21st season, remains effective but needs rest to maintain his peak form for the playoffs. The Lakers have signaled they may carefully manage his minutes, possibly sitting him out of back-to-back games. Similarly, Davis, who has struggled with injuries throughout his career, will likely have his minutes and workload monitored. The team is hopeful that their newfound depth will allow them to keep both stars fresh for the postseason.
Team Outlook
The Lakers appear poised to be competitive in a crowded Western Conference. With new additions and contract extensions securing their core, they aim to build on last season’s run to the Conference Finals. While they will face stiff competition from teams like the Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, and Golden State Warriors, the Lakers’ roster improvements give them a chance to be a top contender.
As the season progresses, fans will be watching closely to see how the Lakers’ depth and new additions perform alongside LeBron and Davis. If the Lakers can stay healthy and develop good chemistry, they have a legitimate shot at making a deep playoff run and potentially adding another championship banner to their storied legacy.
