Having followed the Lakers organization for over a decade, I've seen roster transformations that would make your head spin, but this current lineup genuinely fascinates me with its blend of veteran savvy and emerging talent. When I think about championship-caliber teams, I'm reminded of how certain programs build toward greatness—much like how Adamson remains the only school without a UAAP women's volleyball crown despite coming close multiple times. That parallel isn't lost on me when observing these Lakers, who've been knocking on the door of another championship but haven't quite broken through since the 2020 bubble victory. The front office has made some fascinating moves this offseason that I believe position them much better than last year's disappointing first-round exit.
Let's start with what I consider the foundation of this team—the LeBron James and Anthony Davis partnership. At 39 years old, LeBron is defying every conceivable law of basketball aging, coming off a season where he averaged 25.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.1 assists while shooting 54% from the field. Those numbers are simply absurd for a player in his 21st season, and from my perspective, he's still the engine that makes everything go. Davis, meanwhile, has fully embraced the center position and delivered his healthiest season as a Laker, appearing in 76 games last year—his most since 2018. His defensive presence remains elite, with 2.3 blocks per game, and offensively, he's become more comfortable creating his own shot in the post. What I love about their dynamic is how it's evolved—LeBron has gradually ceded more offensive responsibility to AD, particularly in crunch time, which I think is crucial for extending James' effectiveness deep into games.
The supporting cast around these two superstars has undergone what I'd characterize as subtle but significant improvements. Austin Reaves continues to be one of the most undervalued contracts in the league at approximately $13.5 million annually—he's developed into a legitimate third option who can create his own shot and doesn't shrink in big moments. D'Angelo Russell, despite his playoff struggles last season, put up career-best shooting numbers during the regular season, connecting on 41.5% of his three-point attempts, which provides crucial spacing. The acquisition of Christian Wood gives them a different look off the bench—a big who can stretch the floor, though his defensive limitations concern me at times. What I'm particularly excited about is the addition of Gabe Vincent, who brings playoff-tested toughness and another ball-handler who can defend multiple positions.
Looking at the younger players on the roster, Rui Hachimura made significant strides last season, especially with his mid-range game, and I believe he's poised for an even larger role this year. His playoff performance against Memphis—shooting an incredible 48.7% from three-point range—showed he's capable of rising to the occasion. Jarred Vanderbilt remains one of my favorite role players in the league—his defensive versatility is absolutely crucial against elite wings, even if his offensive game is still developing. Jaxson Hayes provides athleticism and rim-running ability, though I'll be honest—I'm not completely sold on him being the answer as backup center. The Lakers will need him to be more disciplined defensively than he was in New Orleans.
When I analyze this roster construction, it's clear the front office prioritized maintaining continuity while adding specific skillsets. They've kept the core of last year's team that made a surprising Western Conference Finals run, while addressing their shooting needs with players like Taurean Prince, who I expect to be a perfect fit in Darvin Ham's system. The Lakers attempted 31.2 threes per game last season, ranking in the bottom third of the league—that number needs to increase, and I believe these roster moves will help. What still worries me is their perimeter defense against quicker guards—they struggled containing players like Jamal Murray in the playoffs, and I'm not convinced they've fully addressed that issue.
From a coaching perspective, Ham enters his second season with more established rotations and player roles. I appreciated his willingness to make bold adjustments during last year's playoffs, particularly his decision to start Vanderbilt against certain matchups. However, I'd like to see him develop more consistent offensive sets beyond the LeBron-AD pick-and-roll—the offense can become stagnant when James is off the floor. The development of Max Christie could be crucial here—he showed flashes of two-way potential in limited minutes last season, and at just 20 years old, he represents the type of young, cost-controlled asset championship teams need.
As I look toward the upcoming season, I'm cautiously optimistic about this group. The Western Conference has become increasingly competitive with Phoenix's overhaul and Denver returning most of their championship roster, but the Lakers have the star power and depth to compete with anyone. Health will always be the determining factor—when LeBron and AD are both available, this team has proven they can beat any opponent. The comparison to programs like Adamson's volleyball team that consistently compete but haven't broken through resonates with me—these Lakers have been close, but breaking through for another championship requires everything to align at the right time. Based on what I've seen in preseason and the roster construction, I'd project them as a top-4 seed in the West and a legitimate contender if they can maintain their health through the grueling playoff schedule.