Despite a lack of additions in free agency, the Lakers have remained aggressive and optimistic about their standing this season. Now, the team has reportedly doubled down on its belief in continuity, hoping that both rookies and returners can make a sizable impact in the rotation.
Lakers Key Goals for Next Season Revealed
Background
According to a report from The Athletic’s Jovan Buha, the Lakers have not stopped seeking out potential trades, but have also recognized that the best plan may be to run it back.
“As things stand, the Lakers are preaching patience that the right trade will eventually materialize while betting that healthier versions of Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent, the addition of Knecht and the promotion of Christie into the rotation will shore up the group’s perimeter defense, athleticism and shooting.”
Both Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent were expected to play major rotational roles last season. However, injuries prevented them from showing their true value to the team. Vanderbilt missed the first month of action with a heel injury sustained in preseason play. He went on to play 29 games before being shut down due to left heel bursitis, averaging 5.2 points and 4.8 rebounds per game. Vincent, a notable offseason signing last summer, was supposed to be the Lakers’ primary ball handler off the bench and, eventually, a key playoff performer. He ended up playing a mere 11 games—and struggling mightily—before undergoing knee surgery in December, On the season, he put up 3.1 points and 1.9 assists per game on meager .306/.107/.500 splits—a very far cry from the postseason hero he became for the Heat last year.
Meanwhile, guard Max Christie showed flashes of potential last season, and his development this summer has fans continuing to believe in him. And the Lakers’ two rookies—Dalton Knecht and Bronny James—project to play decent roles in the team’s rotation next season, bringing vital skills on both ends of the floor.
Lakers Betting on Themselves: Formula for Success?
The Lakers have heard all the talk about surrounding LeBron James and Anthony Davis with a bevy of talented role players—mainly through trades or free agency. But it seems to Jeanie Buss and Rob Pelinka that the answer is right in front of them.
The team clearly believes that head coach JJ Redick and his experienced staff could maximize not only the team’s two stars but the players around them as well. Redick has previously talked at length about Dalton and Bronny, and how they’ll be integral parts of the new player development culture. Christie already discussed how he has grown in terms of off-ball movement, defense, and close-outs, telling The Athletic:
“The point you want to get to is, you put so many repetitions in that your body’s just out there flowing. For me, and I think this happened my first two years too, I noticed on film every time I’m thinking, even if I look like I’m thinking, that’s when you get slow, clunky mistakes. But for me, whenever I’m free-flowing and the ball comes and I make my read natural … that’s when I’m at my best.”
Getting Vando and Vincent Healthy Again
For starters, the Lakers are right to wait and see how Vanderbilt and Vincent look before making changes that could impact their roles. Priority no. 1 is getting them to 100% after missing their skills for far too long. Vanderbilt previously made a key impact with his defensive versatility and scoring in the paint. Vincent—despite his flaws—emerged as a solid facilitator and, in an ideal world, would’ve served as their point-of-attack defender. With months of recovery under their belts—and barring any setbacks—the duo should be ready to go when training camp comes. Their performances there will be a good indicator of where they stand after significant time away from the floor.
The Young Guys
As for the younger players, it’s laudable that all three will get the chance to show off their growth immediately. Christie will finally get the moment he’s waited two years for, while Knecht and James Jr. may start their careers with the big club instead of in the G League. All of them live up to the team’s aforementioned hopes. They are each able to guard on the perimeter while ensuring opponents respect them with their shooting and athleticism.
Compared to the veteran-heavy Laker teams of the past few years, this year’s squad looks different with some more youngsters than vets. While some see that as a curse to their championship hopes, others may find that to be a blessing. The Lakers can’t just go out giving up on draft picks in exchange for older talent year after year. Giving Christie, Knecht and James Jr. well-deserved opportunities is a huge step towards their growth, especially considering they’ll likely bridge the gap between the Lakers’ present and future.
Does This Mean No More Trades?
While the Lakers’ goals of internal improvement are reasonable, there will always be the expectation of swinging for a third star (or a star role player). The rumor mills surrounding Portland’s Jerami Grant or Orlando’s Wendell Carter Jr. have stopped spinning, so fans can keep their jersey swaps of those players to themselves.
Adding to that doubt is the status of LA’s main trade chips. With Rui Hachimura playing remarkably well for Japan in the 2024 Olympics, many have been reluctant to trade the 26-year-old. Conversely, D’Angelo Russell—who most fans are willing to part with—has once again drawn little trade interest from across the league, despite the team’s numerous attempts to move on from him.
All in all, the Lakers are in a lose-lose situation trade-wise and have nothing to offer remaining free agents. That makes the prospect of running it back all but certain at this point, a reality fans will have to accept for now.
