While the Los Angeles Lakers didn’t make noteworthy moves in the offseason, the team seems to be solidified heading into the 2024-25 season. With not much movement on the current roster, players that have re-signed with the purple and gold could be heading into potential breakout years. For these players to take the next step and become better players, there will need to be solid work and internal improvement put in. There are a few Lakers that really can improve on their game and perform better than last season. While there are several players on this current roster that can improve, these are the most likely breakout candidates heading into next season.
Breakout Candidates for Lakers Heading into Season
Christian Wood
Christian Wood finished the season averaging 6.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.0 assists on 46.6% field goal shooting. His 2023-24 season was cut short after undergoing an arthroscopic procedure on his left knee in February. Wood is with the team for one more year after exercising his player option this season for $3 million. Under a new Lakers coaching staff, they hope to emphasize more outside shooting and instill more structure on the defensive end.
Expect the Lakers to use Wood more this coming year, and his minutes are expected to go up. Under former coach Darvin Ham, Wood fell out of the rotation, and in some games, he didn’t play. With Wood’s minutes expected to be on the rise, head coach JJ Redick will implement him more in the lineups. His effective defense and shooting capability as a big man will be huge if he is expected to perform better for the Lakers this season.
Christian Wood sends a message 👀 pic.twitter.com/MAviPRAeXi
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 25, 2024
Max Christie
The Lakers have a clear belief in guard Max Christie. He was their first signing in free agency this offseason, agreeing to a four-year, $32 million contract with a player option in the fourth season. Last season, Christie averaged 4.2 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 0.9 assists on 42.7% shooting from the field. Christie has made more than 40% of his three-point tries in his career. The Lakers want him taking even more threes next season. He’s also statistically the team’s best rebounder under six-foot-eight, which is notable considering the Lakers struggled with allowing opposing guards to grab offensive rebounds last season. Christie is a vital part of the building process as one of the few players on the roster with untapped potential. The Lakers faithful expect a rise in minutes and more offensive production out of Christie, as he is another candidate to have a breakout year.
Gabe Vincent
Gabe Vincent was the team’s key free agent signing last summer. Vincent signed a three-year, $33 million deal after helping the Miami Heat reach the 2023 NBA Finals. His first year in Los Angeles was cut short by a knee injury that cost him most of the season. Vincent played in just 11 games throughout the season averaging 3.1 ppg, 0.8 rebounds, and 1.9 assists on 30.6% shooting from the field. His numbers drastically declined from his previous season with the Heat. With offseason work and Vincent feeling healthy and ready to go, Lakers expect more out of him this season.
In an interview with Vincent on FOX40 News, he discussed last year and his health,
“It was very unfortunate, it was a frustrating year trying to battle through that and obviously having to give in eventually and have surgery and then return at the tail end of the year. But definitely had some time this offseason to get healthy and looking forward to the year.”
Gabe Vincent spoke on how he is feeling from a health standpoint going into the 2024-25 season.https://t.co/Ni31Do9DBi
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) August 8, 2024
Vincent should be expected to play a lot more barring any injuries this year. With more team chemistry, the Lakers hope to see more of the Vincent from Miami. His impactful defense, getting through and around screens, and vital offensive shooting and playmaking will be a big reason to having a breakout year back with the Lakers.
Last Word
With these three being back with the purple and gold, there are always high expectations playing in Los Angeles. With Wood and Vincent healthy and grinding in the offseason, expect their minutes to rise. Additionally Christie, being in his third year, will experience some growth under Redick and the new coaching staff. All three of these guys are expected to have breakout years and to be more implemented in the roster.
