The Los Angeles Lakers may not have made as many offseason moves as their Western Conference rivals, but they remain a formidable team. With new head coach JJ Redick at the helm, expectations are high despite his inexperience. The biggest move might still come at the trade deadline in February.
Since their NBA championship in the 2019-20 season, the Lakers have struggled to replicate their success. Despite various coaching changes and roster adjustments around LeBron James and Anthony Davis, their closest effort was reaching the Western Conference Finals in the 2022-23 season. Last season, they retained the same core and made a few additions, only to exit in the first round.
On paper, the roster appeared solid, but poor coaching, lack of trade deadline aggression, and ultimately facing the Denver Nuggets, their nemesis, led to a disappointing season.
Hiring JJ Redick
Despite his lack of coaching experience, the hiring of JJ Redick could prove to be a smart move. After the Lakers’ early playoff exit and the subsequent firing of head coach Darvin Ham, the team turned to Redick. Known for his basketball intelligence and strong playcalling abilities, Redick could address the strategic shortcomings that plagued the Lakers under Ham.
Areas for Improvement Under Redick:
| Category | Stat | League Rank |
|——————————|——|————-|
| 3PA | 31.4 | 28th |
| Catch and Shoot 3PA | 22.1 | 25th |
| Off-Screen Possessions Per Game | 2.3 | 29th |
Redick’s expertise in shooting could significantly improve the Lakers’ three-point attempts, helping the team capitalize on their efficiency from deep. With Redick’s strategic mind, the Lakers might see improvements in these critical areas.
NBA Draft Success
The Lakers made a notable pick in Dalton Knecht, a former Tennessee star and one of the best shooters in the draft. Initially targeting a front-court player, the Lakers shifted focus when Knecht became available at the 17th pick. His shooting prowess addresses a key need for the Lakers.
Dalton Knecht – 2023–24 Stats:
| Category | Stats |
|———-|——–|
| MPG | 30.6 |
| PPG | 21.7 |
| RPG | 4.9 |
| APG | 1.8 |
| FG% | 45.8% |
| 3P% | 39.7% |
Knecht’s ability to score from all over the court makes him a perfect fit alongside the Lakers’ stars. Additionally, drafting Bronny James with the 55th overall pick ensures LeBron’s return to Los Angeles in free agency, although Bronny may take time to become a regular in the rotation.
Preparing for the Trade Deadline
The Lakers remained quiet in free agency while their rivals improved, leading many to question GM Rob Pelinka’s strategy. However, the Lakers have a history of making impactful moves at the trade deadline, as seen in 2023 when they acquired D’Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt, Malik Beasley, and Rui Hachimura.
2023 Three-Team Trade:
| **L.A. Lakers Receive:** | **Utah Jazz Receive:** | **Minnesota Timberwolves Receive:** |
|————————–|—————————|————————————-|
| D’Angelo Russell | Russell Westbrook | Mike Conley |
| Malik Beasley | Juan Toscano-Anderson | Nickeil Alexander-Walker |
| Jarred Vanderbilt | Damian Jones | |
| | 3 Second-Round Picks | |
| | First-Round Pick | |
With expiring contracts like Russell, Wood, and Hayes, the Lakers are well-positioned to make significant moves. Dalton Knecht could also be a valuable trade asset.
While relying on the trade deadline is risky, the Lakers have few choices this offseason. A major move might not be necessary, but having the right pieces around James and Davis ensures the Lakers remain contenders.
