The Lakers’ offseason has been very quiet. Rather disappointing, to say the least, as the Lakers faithful expect a lot of trades to be made year after year. With expectations high for the Lakers at the start of each season, the lack of desperation and the moves made by management have led analysts and fans to believe that the Lakers will not be good this season. However, the Lakers have not had the worst years in recent years. After a successful trade deadline in 2023, they were able to go all the way to the Western Conference Finals against the Denver Nuggets. The following year, they won the first-ever NBA Cup, followed by another first-round loss to the Nuggets. The ultimate goal for the purple and gold is to secure their 18th title.
Lakers are undervalued heading into 2024-25 season
The Lakers finished the 2023-24 season with a 47-35 record. Despite failing to make it to the first round of the playoffs, the Lakers dealt with several injuries throughout the season that impacted their success in the 2024 playoffs. Players like Reddish Came, Jarred VanderbiltAnd Christian Wood They haven’t played a single minute. They are key players on both ends of the court that the Lakers are eager to get back in top form.
Movements this offseason
- Hiring new coaching staff
The Lakers started by firing coach Darvin Ham on May 3. A month later, the news broke JJ Redick was hired for the new Lakers Head Coach Position. A shocking move that made headlines because Redick never had any NBA coaching experience. In the following weeks, the Lakers hiring Nate McMillan, Scott Brooks, Bob Beyer, Greg St. Jean, Lindsey Harding and Beau Levesque have been named assistant coaches. Additionally, the Lakers have hired Michael Wexler as their lead video coordinator.
- Draft Picks and Free Agency
During the NBA draft, they acquired Dalton Knecht in the first round with the 17th pick. The next day, he followed with LeBron James‘ son, Bronny James drafted in the second round with the 55th pick. Since then, there have been minor changes to his roster ahead of the season. Free agents like Prince Taurus And Spencer Dinwiddie have decided to go elsewhere. Prince signed a one-year deal with the Milwaukee Bucks. Dinwiddie signed a one-year deal to rejoice with the Dallas Mavericks. Besides the acquisition of new head coach Redick, the lack of urgency from management is what has people skeptical about the Lakers heading into this season.
