The Los Angeles Lakers’ 2023-24 NBA season was a story of two superstars shining bright, but ultimately, not enough to carry the team to postseason success.
LeBron James and Anthony Davis were phenomenal, with Davis reaffirming his status as a dominant force on both ends (24.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game). James, entering his 21st season, led the Lakers in scoring (25.7 ppg), assists (8.3 apg), and steals (1.3 spg). Both earned All-NBA honors.
However, the rest of the team struggled with inconsistency and underperformance. Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell had moments, but when the playoffs arrived, the Lakers relied too heavily on their two stars. This strategy ultimately led to their downfall, as the Denver Nuggets eliminated them for the second consecutive postseason.
New Season, New Lakers head coach
In a surprising move, the Lakers replaced Darvin Ham with JJ Redick, a coaching newbie. While Redick’s playing experience and brief TV career demonstrate his basketball knowledge, his lack of coaching experience raises concerns. With LeBron turning 40 in December, the pressure is on Redick to overcome his inexperience and lead the team to success.
The Bronny Factor: Distraction or History in the Making?
The Lakers drafted Bronny James, LeBron’s oldest son, who will likely spend most of his rookie season in the NBA G League, focusing on development. As a second-round pick, expectations are tempered, but the historic potential of Bronny and LeBron sharing the court together adds an exciting layer to the season.
How far will the Lakers go this NBA season?
This season, the Lakers will rely on capable role players and hope for healthy contributions from Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent. Improving 3-point shooting and defense will be crucial to avoiding the Play-In Tournament. With Redick at the helm and Bronny on board, the Lakers are poised for an intriguing season.
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