The Los Angeles Lakers have another chance to rebuild the roster around LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and they seem to be doing a great job so far. The team needs to be contending for the title next season, and the brief seems to be to acquire role players that can impact the game at a high level.
After free agency opened, Rob Pelinka and the Lakers acted quickly. They signed Gabe Vincent on a three-year deal worth $33 million. Taurean Prince was another addition, a solid 3-and-D player. The biggest move was re-signing Rui Hachimura to a 3-year contract and they also added a high-upside player, Cam Reddish, on a 2-year deal.
If they can re-sign D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves, this is the projected roster for the Los Angeles Lakers next season:
Point Guards: D’Angelo Russell, Gabe Vincent, Jalen Hood-Schifino
Shooting Guards: Austin Reaves, Max Christie, Maxwell Lewis
Small Forwards: LeBron James, Taurean Prince, Cam Reddish
Power Forwards: Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt
Centers: Anthony Davis
With just these two moves, the Lakers could field a starting five of D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, and Anthony Davis. That is a solid five that any opposition would struggle against. Another move at the center position can’t be ruled out either, the Lakers have been linked with Brook Lopez.
Rob Pelinka has done a great job adding versatility and size to his team so far, but it is crucial to re-sign D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves. The Lakers will reportedly offer $40 million over 2 years to Russell, although it remains to be seen if he will accept.
Austin Reaves has been the breakout player for them last season and is a restricted free agent. The Lakers offered him the maximum they can, which is $52 million over four years. However, other teams could give him a $100 million contract over four years, but the Lakers will be willing to match that.
Los Angeles Lakers Are Employing The Correct Strategy For Next Season
In 2021, the Los Angeles Lakers decided to form a Big 3 by adding Russell Westbrook but it handicapped them in terms of roster construction. For the season and a half he played there, the team struggled, missing the play-in tournament and looking likely to do it again till they flipped him and other assets for contributing role players at the deadline.
The strategy for next season seems to be to build a well-rounded roster from the get-go. Even though he is 38, LeBron James is still LeBron James. He and Anthony Davis can win a championship together if they have contributing teammates. Rob Pelinka just needs to potentially add a big man and re-sign Russell and Reaves to likely take them right back into being one of the title favorites.
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