Now that the LeBron James trade rumors have dissipated, and with Luka Dončić re-signed to a long-term extension, the attention of Laker fans has shifted back to the role players on the team.
This summer, the Lakers’ offseason featured a significant number of moves that have given their roster a new look; the hope is that those moves can bring Los Angeles another title.
Tough Losses
The Lakers’ offseason started with them losing a significant piece. On June 30, Dorian Finney-Smith agreed to a four-year deal with the Houston Rockets. The 6-foot-8 forward averaged 8.7 points and 3.9 rebounds per game while shooting 41% from three-point range. He was also the Lakers’ best perimeter defender in the absence of an injured Jarred Vanderbilt.
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The Lakers lost an additional effective three-and-D player in Jordan Goodwin. On July 23, the Phoenix Suns claimed Goodwin off waivers and signed him to a new contract. The 6-foot-3 guard shot 38% from three-point range.
The Lakers also waived Shake Milton, who played limited minutes in his short stint in L.A. and did not resign Alex Len, Markieff Morris or Trey Jemison.
Retooling via Free Agency
Being that Finney-Smith and Goodwin were the Lakers’ best 3-and-D options, their exits left the Lakers with a clear need to fill the role. Alex Len and Tre Jemison’s exits made big-man depth even more of a concern.
Thankfully, the Lakers made significant moves to address these issues. On July 6, Jake LaRavia and Deandre Ayton officially signed two-year contracts with the Lakers. And on July 22, Marcus Smart followed suit.
As a 6-foot-8, 23-year-old wing who shot 42% from three-point range, LaRavia brings youth, shooting and size to a Lakers team that lacked those attributes.
At 27 years old and 7-feet tall, Deandre Ayton joins the Lakers as an established starting center in this league. He averaged 14.4 points and 10.1 rebounds per game on a developing Portland Trail Blazers team. There is potential for his production to increase as a result of playing next to superstar point guard Luka Dončić.
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Marcus Smart is one of two point guards to win the Defensive Player of the Year award in NBA history. If health permits, he will be the point of attack defender the Lakers have been looking for.
Promising Prospects
The Lakers picked Adou Thiero in the second round of the NBA draft and signed Chris Mañon to a two-way contract after the conclusion of summer league.
At 6-foot-8, Thiero has a rare combination of size and athleticism that makes him a promising prospect, especially on the defensive end. However, there is concern for his offensive game.
Throughout his college career, his three-point shooting percentages regressed from year to year. He finished his career shooting 28% from three-point range on limited attempts. However, he still managed to shoot 51.4% from the field. If his skills catch up to his athleticism, he could be an elite two-way player.
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Mañon is the same defense-first kind of player. The 6-foot-5 guard stunned with his defensive play in summer league, but his shooting is an area of concern. He finished his senior season shooting 23.5% on limited three-point attempts, bringing his career percentage to 30.4%.
The rookies aren’t expected to make an impact early on, but their athleticism and defensive tenacity make them promising prospects for the future and valuable additions to the depth chart.
Championship Aspirations
The Lakers’ offseason was active. They retooled and are ready to improve upon a season that ended in a first-round exit. But simply improving doesn’t seem to be enough for James or Dončić.
Both stars, especially James, have made it clear that they’re looking to compete for a championship. But does this team have what it takes?
The additions of Smart, LaRavia and Ayton address the Lakers most glaring needs, but don’t seem to measure up to the moves other Western Conference contenders have made.
The Houston Rockets, who finished as the second seed last season, traded for Kevin Durant.
The Denver Nuggets traded for Cameron Johnson and Jonas Valanciunas and signed Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr.
And although the Oklahoma City Thunder, the defending champions, didn’t make a lot of noise this offseason, they had a very successful summer. They were able retain their young, talented core by signing Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren to contract extensions.
With that being said, it is hard to consider this Lakers team a contender in a loaded Western Conference.
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