The Lakers are betting on the health and performance of Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent to strengthen their team, according to Jovan Buha of The Athletic.
“As things stand, the Lakers are preaching patience that the right trade will eventually materialize while betting that healthier versions of Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent, the addition of Knecht and the promotion of Christie into the rotation will shore up the group’s perimeter defense, athleticism and shooting.”
The team is exercising patience, believing that the right trade will eventually present itself while banking on the improved health of these key players. Additionally, the Lakers are counting on the contributions of rookie Jalen Hood-Schifino and Max Christie, who is expected to step up into the rotation, to enhance their perimeter defense, athleticism, and shooting capabilities.
Jarred Vanderbilt had a challenging season last year, missing 29 games due to injury. He missed the start of the season and then suffered another injury near the All-Star break, which kept him out for the remainder of the season.
Gabe Vincent also faced significant setbacks, getting injured just a few games into the season. Vincent missed a substantial portion of the season and only returned near the end. His performance was clearly impacted as he struggled to regain his form post-injury, featuring in just 11 games for the Lakers.
Despite the injury woes, the Lakers’ core duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis managed to stay relatively healthy, missing only occasional games. However, the injuries to their role players disrupted the team’s continuity and overall performance. The Lakers are hoping for better health this season, particularly from Vanderbilt and Vincent, as they believe a healthy roster can compete at a high level.
The team has made only minor changes to the roster, maintaining a largely unchanged squad amid calls for significant moves. Critics argue that the current team may not be strong enough to contend for a championship, but the Lakers’ management is taking a different approach. They are focusing on internal improvements and banking on the return of key players to full health to make a substantial impact.
By keeping faith in their current roster and waiting for the right trade opportunity, the Lakers aim to build on their existing chemistry and experience. The health and performance of Vanderbilt and Vincent will be crucial in determining the team’s success this season, as they look to overcome last year’s challenges and compete for a championship.
The Lakers Have One Thing Working For Them: Continuity
The Lakers might not have a title-contending squad at the moment or the assets to make significant moves, but they have one thing working in their favor: continuity.
The core of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Rui Hachimura has played nearly two seasons together. The upcoming 2024-25 season will be their third in a row as a unit.
LeBron, Davis, and Reaves will be playing their fourth season together, while LeBron and Davis will be embarking on their sixth season as teammates. This level of familiarity and cohesion is a significant asset in the NBA, where team chemistry often plays a crucial role in success.
Teams in the NBA that are considered contenders, such as the Boston Celtics and the Denver Nuggets, have maintained their cores together for years. This consistency allows for better on-court chemistry, understanding of each other’s playing styles, and overall team synergy.
The Celtics, with their core of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, and the Nuggets, led by Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, exemplify how continuity can lead to sustained success and constant contention.
The Lakers’ strategy of banking on continuity could pay dividends. While other teams might be making flashy trades and acquiring big names, the Lakers are focusing on building a cohesive unit that understands each other’s strengths and weaknesses. This approach can create a strong foundation, making it easier to integrate new players and strategies over time.
Moreover, continuity allows for better execution of game plans and smoother communication on the court. Players who have spent multiple seasons together develop an almost intuitive understanding of each other’s movements, leading to more efficient plays and better overall performance.
While the Lakers might not be seen as immediate title favorites, their commitment to maintaining their core could position them as dark horses in the race. By emphasizing continuity, they are building a team that can compete at a high level and potentially surprise many in the league.
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