As the Los Angeles Lakers prepare for the upcoming 2024-25 NBA season, the stakes are higher than ever. With LeBron James entering his 22nd season and a new head coach, JJ Redick, at the helm, the team faces both challenges and opportunities. Following a second-round playoff exit to the Denver Nuggets, LeBron’s future with the Lakers was in question. When asked if he had played his last game for the team, he left the door open, responding, “I won’t answer that question.” However, by July, the 39-year-old superstar made his intentions clear, signing a two-year, $104 million extension with the Lakers.
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This offseason has been anything but quiet for the Lakers. With Redick replacing Darvin Ham and the team drafting Bronny James, LeBron’s son, and Dalton Knecht, the franchise is clearly looking to shake things up. Despite these changes, much of the Lakers’ core roster remains intact as key players, including Anthony Davis, exercised their player options, setting the stage for another run with a familiar lineup.
As the team gears up for training camp, five key storylines stand out, with LeBron James and Anthony Davis at the center of it all.
Redick’s New Vision for LeBron
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One of the most intriguing aspects of this season is Redick’s plan to enhance LeBron’s three-point shooting. Redick, who was known for his sharpshooting ability during his playing career, expects LeBron to build on his impressive 41% three-point shooting from last season—the best mark of his 21-year career. Redick emphasized in his introductory press conference, “I joked with him, but I want him shooting over 40% again this year.”
In fact, LeBron’s improvement in three-point shooting was staggering, with a jump from 32.1% to 41%, marking an 8.9% increase—one of the largest year-over-year improvements in NBA history. Redick’s strategy for this season includes more off-ball movement for LeBron, giving him better looks from beyond the arc. LeBron excelled in catch-and-shoot situations last season, hitting 45.4% of his attempts, ranking him among the league’s top shooters.
Anthony Davis’ Defensive Dominance
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While LeBron looks to extend his offensive prowess, Anthony Davis is aiming to solidify his position as the best defender in the league. Despite finishing fourth in last season’s Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) voting, Davis remains determined to claim the title, saying, “I’m the best defender in the league. I can guard 1 through 5.”
Davis has every reason to believe he’s been overlooked. His defensive stats speak for themselves: last season, he was one of only two players, along with Victor Wembanyama, to average at least two blocks and one steal per game. His defensive presence was vital for the Lakers, as their opponents shot just 60% on layups and dunks with Davis on the floor. Without him, that number rose to 65%, a dramatic difference that underscores his importance to the team.
Davis also had a stellar summer, leading Team USA in blocks during the Olympics and playing a pivotal role in securing a gold medal for the United States. Despite his international success, Davis remains focused on bringing another championship to Los Angeles. He has also expressed a desire to play alongside another big man, as the Lakers are currently thin at center, with Christian Wood sidelined due to injury.
Bronny James’ Future with the Lakers
The addition of Bronny James to the Lakers has garnered significant attention. Drafted 55th overall, Bronny’s summer league performance was underwhelming, hitting just 7 of 31 shots over six games. However, the Lakers are confident in his potential, and he has spent the offseason training at the team’s facility. While Bronny is expected to spend time in the G League, the Lakers are excited about his future and see him as a long-term asset.
Roster Depth and Possible Trade Moves
One of the biggest questions for the Lakers is whether they will make a significant trade to bolster their roster. While they maintained salary flexibility this offseason, allowing them to potentially pursue a star player, no major moves have been made yet. Jonas Valanciunas of the Washington Wizards has been rumored as a possible trade target, with LeBron James even willing to take a pay cut to help facilitate the move earlier this summer.
Outlook for the Lakers
As the season approaches, the Lakers find themselves in a familiar position: poised for a deep playoff run, but with lingering questions about roster depth and potential trades. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis at the helm, and JJ Redick’s fresh approach, the team is looking to recapture championship glory. Will the Lakers be able to make the right moves before the trade deadline and bring another title to Los Angeles?
