NBA analyst Chris Carlin spoke on First Take this season about what he believes the Los Angeles Lakers‘ trajectory this season. He noted that he doesn’t think the Lakers will even reach the play-in tournament this season, as they haven’t changed their roster much. Furthermore, LeBron James and Anthony Davis are unlikely to play as much as they did last year.
“I think we’re not over-blowing it because I think the Lakers at this point are a whole lot more likely to miss the play-in [tournament] than they are to make the playoffs. And here’s why. When I look at this group, I’m looking at a team that did not get any better than it was already this past year…”
“We have a rookie head coach who everybody believes is in LeBron’s pocket as it is. I think that’s a little bit problematic. Am I really expecting LeBron and Anthony Davis to play as many games as they did this past year? Think about that. LeBron played 71. Last five years on average before that? 55.”
“I know a couple of those years were shorter. AD, 76 games this year. Is that happening again? Last five years before that, an average of 50 [games]. Let me ask you another question. Has LeBron actually proven to be a great GM in his career? I don’t really think so.”
“And he is the GM of the team, or at least he pushes to be the GM of the team. So they may have a couple of draft picks to trade. You know, those big eyes emoji is coming right around the trade deadline, what are we doing? Lakers may miss the play-in.”
"The Lakers, at this point, are a whole lot more likely to miss the play-in than they are to make the playoffs."
Chris Carlin on the Lakers' future 👀
(via @FirstTake)pic.twitter.com/BrnOuaeqAb
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) July 5, 2024
Carlin makes some strong points about the Lakers’ weaknesses, especially when it comes to the Lakers’ lack of roster additions in the offseason. The Lakers missed out on several big-name free agents such as Klay Thompson and Buddy Hield. They are most likely to enter the season with a very similar roster to last year’s.
What Can The Lakers Do To Become Better?
There have been a lot of debates over who is under the most pressure heading into the next season for the Lakers.
Joy Taylor believes that JJ Redick will be under the most pressure, as he is the most expendable piece in the franchise should things go wrong, and pointed to the Lakers’ track record with firing coaches who were successful.
But there are others who believe that the pressure is on other people within the franchise. Ric Bucher spoke recently about why believes Bronny James is facing more pressure than any other player entering into the NBA in history.
There is a lot riding on the Lakers next season. They will have an uphill battle. But the Lakers still have a great roster, with two of the best players in the league in LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The superstar duo will need to step up big-time for the Lakers next year.
The Lakers need to add some solid performers to the team. Their previous strategy of adding big stars is not going to work. In fact, even the Lakers have accepted that the the three-star model, which they used when they brought in Russell Westbrook, doesn’t work anymore.
Perhaps a deal that adds Walker Kessler and brings back Brandon Ingram to the Lakers could help them achieve their goals next season. It will be a difficult move to pull off, but the Lakers need to start looking into bringing in some new blood into the team to try and give themselves a chance to win a championship.
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