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RoundTable Roundup: Checking in on the Los Angeles Lakers
July was an incredibly busy month for the Los Angeles Lakers, one filled with a ton of new faces and a plethora of departures. In all honesty, the Lakers have transformed into an entirely new team at this point.
One, that's without LeBron James and with a whole new cast of players.
Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
First and foremost, for the first time since 2018, the Los Angeles Lakers are no longer led by LeBron James. In a move that shocked almost everyone, LeBron James took his talents to a loaded Philadelphia 76ers team in a move that looked like the epitome of ring chasing. It could be considered a breakup that both sides saw coming.
Next on the list, Rui Hachimura found himself joining the LA Clippers in another very surprising move. The versatile forward signed a two-year, $28 million contract with the crosstown rivals. Hachimura was incredibly important to the Lakers as both a defender and a three-point shooter, and it'll hurt more than fans realize.
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Marcus Smart, the Lakers' best point-of-attack defender, left for the Houston Rockets. Losing him made the Lakers have to sign some new names that fans will get to learn.
Luke Kennard, Jaxson Hayes, Deandre Ayton, Maxi Kleber, Nick Smith Jr., and Drew Timme all departed the team as well.
The move that shaped the Lakers' offseason more than anything was adding Walker Kessler to the team. They paid a staggering price of two first-round picks and two first-round pick swaps. For as much of a good fit as Kessler is for the Lakers, it'll still be a gamble because he only played five games last season due to a shoulder injury.
Rob Gray-Imagn Images
While he isn't a new addition, it can't go without saying that the other biggest move of the offseason for the Lakers was re-signing Austin Reaves. Reaves re-signed to a four-year, $184.8 million contract - he is now the highest-paid non-Luka Doncic player on the Lakers.
Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Quentin Grimes also found his way to the Lakers on a four-year, $60 million contract. He's a player with great instincts around the ball, but it remains to be seen how he is on the defensive end.
To cap it off, the Lakers added Collin Sexton, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Jaden Hardy, Kevon Looney, Matisse Thybulle, Ziaire Williams, and Cameron Carr.
For as much turnover as the Lakers had, they're a genuinely coherent roster that deserves a chance to see what they're capable of. It was a well-organized offseason on paper, but there's also a decent chance that it might not be good enough.
In all honesty, it'll be hard to tell how the Lakers will be next season. The Western Conference is still very top-heavy, with the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs largely ahead of everyone else.
However, the Houston Rockets should be an improved team with Fred VanVleet returning, the Timberwolves will be a wildcard with LaMelo Ball coming in, and the Denver Nuggets will remain the same. Meanwhile, the Portland Trail Blazers, Dallas Mavericks, and Utah Jazz will be trying to climb up the ranks.
Last season, the Lakers were one of the best teams to finish the season due to how strong their chemistry was. With an entirely new roster, it'll be hard to have that same level of chemistry. That's most likely why it's so important for Luka Doncic to take the team to Slovenia this offseason.
Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
It's hard to see the Lakers finish better than the fourth seed again next season. It almost feels guaranteed to see both the Spurs and Thunder in the top two seeds, and no one should be surprised if the Nuggets or Rockets finish in the third seed.
One thing is for sure, though: The Los Angeles Lakers will be one of the most interesting teams to watch this season.
Continue reading...
July was an incredibly busy month for the Los Angeles Lakers, one filled with a ton of new faces and a plethora of departures. In all honesty, the Lakers have transformed into an entirely new team at this point.
One, that's without LeBron James and with a whole new cast of players.
You must be registered for see images attach
Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Who Left the Lakers in July?
First and foremost, for the first time since 2018, the Los Angeles Lakers are no longer led by LeBron James. In a move that shocked almost everyone, LeBron James took his talents to a loaded Philadelphia 76ers team in a move that looked like the epitome of ring chasing. It could be considered a breakup that both sides saw coming.
Next on the list, Rui Hachimura found himself joining the LA Clippers in another very surprising move. The versatile forward signed a two-year, $28 million contract with the crosstown rivals. Hachimura was incredibly important to the Lakers as both a defender and a three-point shooter, and it'll hurt more than fans realize.
You must be registered for see images attach
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Marcus Smart, the Lakers' best point-of-attack defender, left for the Houston Rockets. Losing him made the Lakers have to sign some new names that fans will get to learn.
Luke Kennard, Jaxson Hayes, Deandre Ayton, Maxi Kleber, Nick Smith Jr., and Drew Timme all departed the team as well.
Who Did the Lakers Add in July?
The move that shaped the Lakers' offseason more than anything was adding Walker Kessler to the team. They paid a staggering price of two first-round picks and two first-round pick swaps. For as much of a good fit as Kessler is for the Lakers, it'll still be a gamble because he only played five games last season due to a shoulder injury.
You must be registered for see images attach
Rob Gray-Imagn Images
While he isn't a new addition, it can't go without saying that the other biggest move of the offseason for the Lakers was re-signing Austin Reaves. Reaves re-signed to a four-year, $184.8 million contract - he is now the highest-paid non-Luka Doncic player on the Lakers.
You must be registered for see images attach
Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Quentin Grimes also found his way to the Lakers on a four-year, $60 million contract. He's a player with great instincts around the ball, but it remains to be seen how he is on the defensive end.
To cap it off, the Lakers added Collin Sexton, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Jaden Hardy, Kevon Looney, Matisse Thybulle, Ziaire Williams, and Cameron Carr.
For as much turnover as the Lakers had, they're a genuinely coherent roster that deserves a chance to see what they're capable of. It was a well-organized offseason on paper, but there's also a decent chance that it might not be good enough.
How Does LA Look Against the Western Conference?
In all honesty, it'll be hard to tell how the Lakers will be next season. The Western Conference is still very top-heavy, with the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs largely ahead of everyone else.
However, the Houston Rockets should be an improved team with Fred VanVleet returning, the Timberwolves will be a wildcard with LaMelo Ball coming in, and the Denver Nuggets will remain the same. Meanwhile, the Portland Trail Blazers, Dallas Mavericks, and Utah Jazz will be trying to climb up the ranks.
Last season, the Lakers were one of the best teams to finish the season due to how strong their chemistry was. With an entirely new roster, it'll be hard to have that same level of chemistry. That's most likely why it's so important for Luka Doncic to take the team to Slovenia this offseason.
You must be registered for see images attach
Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
It's hard to see the Lakers finish better than the fourth seed again next season. It almost feels guaranteed to see both the Spurs and Thunder in the top two seeds, and no one should be surprised if the Nuggets or Rockets finish in the third seed.
One thing is for sure, though: The Los Angeles Lakers will be one of the most interesting teams to watch this season.
Continue reading...
