The 2022-23 NBA season was a tale of two halves for the Los Angeles Lakers. The first half was a tragedy, headlined by the performance of Russell Westbrook. It was a major risk acquiring him from the Washington Wizards during the 2021 offseason and one that never panned out.
After months of speculation about moving on from him, the Lakers were finally able to strike a deal ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline in February. Westbrook ended up with the Utah Jazz in a three-team deal that also included the Minnesota Timberwolves.
That translation highlighted a roster revamp for the Lakers that put them on their path to success in the second half of the season. Los Angeles turned into a bonafide contender, advancing to the Western Conference Finals.
They were swept there by the Denver Nuggets, but this is a team that should be contending once again during the 2023-24 season. After years of tinkering with lineup construction, general manager Rob Pelinka went back to the bread and butter for success on a LeBron James-led team; surrounding him with shooters.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: LeBron James, Anthony Davis & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves were both re-signed. Gabe Vincent, Cam Reddish and Taurean Prince were brought in as 3-and-D players. Jaxon Hayes solidified the frontcourt rotation alongside Anthony Davis as an above-the-rim player with an expanding perimeter game.
What can we expect to see from the Lakers during the 2023-24 campaign? In the opinion of Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report, a lot of winning. He has predicted the team will go 48-34 in the regular season, which would be an over on the 47.5 victories that have been set by oddsmakers.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: LeBron James, Anthony Davis & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
While the team may not have enough as currently constituted to overtake the Nuggets, they are certainly good enough to be a contender in the Western Conference. With some some tradeable pieces on the roster, this is a team set up to once again find plenty of success in what could be the last hoorah for James in Los Angeles.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
