Why the Lakers Might Have Trouble Winning the NBA Title This Season

Gabe Vincent, LeBron James and D’Angelo Russell (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

After a disappointing playoff exit last season, the Los Angeles Lakers haven’t signed any big names and are banking on stability heading into the 2024-25 NBA season. With the legendary LeBron James entering a record-breaking 22nd season in the NBA and the Lakers having new head coach JJ Redick, the franchise could be facing a difficult season.

The Lakers re-signed center Max Christie to a four-year, $32 million deal and 6-foot-10 center Collin Castleton to a two-way contract. The Lakers also have no deals in place with less than 50 days remaining in the 2024-25 regular season, sparking speculation the Lakers will contend for a title this coming season.

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The final stage of LeBron James’ career

Lakers veteran LeBron James is in the final stages of his career, while Anthony Davis has been injury-plagued except for last season. LeBron joined the Lakers in 2018 and helped the franchise become the NBA’s most successful team at the time, with 17 titles the following season.

LeBron James (Photo credit: Getty Images)

However, the Lakers star will be playing his 22nd season. Despite showing no signs of stopping over the past few seasons, LeBron may not be able to live up to the standards he has set in the league. Without King James, the Lakers may struggle to win an NBA championship due to a lack of depth and reliability on the roster.

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Lakers Injury Concerns

Injuries are a major issue teams face during their championship run. Heading into Anthony Davis’ 2023-24 season, in which he’ll play in 76 games, the 6’11” center has missed 114 games over three seasons. LeBron James has also been injured over the past few seasons, and the Lakers are hoping to keep LeBron and AD healthy for the entire season.

Anthony Davis (Photo: Justin Ford/Getty Images)

As for last season, Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent missed most of the games due to injuries. Since being traded mid-season in 2023, Vanderbilt has played in 55 games for the Lakers (29 last season). Gabe, on the other hand, joined the Lakers in July of last year and has appeared in just 11 games.

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Lakers bench depth and quality

Aside from LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Austin Reaves, no other Laker has been consistent in their performances over the past two seasons. The lack of depth has caused the Lakers’ veterans to be fatigued throughout the season and struggle in the playoffs.

Rui Hachimura, Christian Wood, LeBron James and Anthony Davis (Photo: Harry How/Getty Images)

The Lakers’ shooting efficiency, especially from beyond the arc, has been a major concern. The Purple and Gold must overcome these anomalies to compete with strong Western Conference teams like the Denver Nuggets, Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors.

Coaching adjustments and defensive irregularities

After two seasons as Lakers head coach, Darwin Ham was replaced in June by JJ Redick. While many believe the coaching change will strengthen the Lakers in the upcoming season, frequent coaching changes can create many challenges for the team.

JJ Redick (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

The Lakers have lost many games from a winning position over the past few years due to defensive issues. With injuries to players like Jarred Vanderbilt and Cam Reddish, LeBron James’ team has often suffered from defensive lapses.

The Lakers need to address these factors to become a championship contender in the 2024-25 NBA season. Having decent support in the shooting and defensive sectors can help LeBron James and Anthony Davis stay healthy throughout the season and dominate the league in the upcoming season.

Read also: Lakers legend Magic Johnson urges fans to be patient with head coach JJ Redick and gives him time to acclimate