Los Angeles Lakers’ standout Anthony Davis took a moment to reflect on the team’s tumultuous season and shared his insights on what it will take to bounce back stronger in the coming year.
The Lakers, unable to replicate their previous year’s success, faced an early exit from the 2024 NBA playoffs, leaving them with a multitude of unanswered questions. However, Davis, a key figure in the team, believes that the front office should prioritize retaining the current roster for the upcoming season.
Davis emphasized the importance of continuity, pointing out that injuries heavily impacted the team’s performance throughout the regular season. With players like Rui Hachimura, Gabe, Vando, and C-Wood missing significant game time, the Lakers were forced to settle for a Play-In spot and face the reigning champions, the Denver Nuggets, earlier than anticipated in the postseason. Despite criticisms suggesting a lack of talent surrounding Davis and LeBron James, Davis disagreed, expressing confidence that with time, the team can reach the pinnacle of success.
In Davis’ view, the Lakers discovered potential towards the end of the season with a certain lineup. While acknowledging that some players in the locker room have decisions to make regarding their futures, he stressed the importance of maintaining the core group to sustain championship competitiveness. Drawing from his experiences in New Orleans, where constant teammate turnover hindered progress, Davis learned the value of stability in building a championship-caliber team.
As the Lakers prepare for the 2024-25 NBA season, they have already made a significant decision by parting ways with head coach Darvin Ham following their disappointing playoff exit. The next step involves finding a new coach, but alongside this, there are other pressing matters to address. The biggest question mark looms over LeBron James’ future, as he holds a player option for the upcoming season and is considering his choices before the June 29 deadline.
With additional uncertainties surrounding players like D’Angelo Russell, whose contract expiry adds another layer of complexity, the Lakers’ roster could potentially undergo further changes during the offseason. Whether the front office heeds Davis’ advice and opts for continuity or pursues a drastic overhaul remains an intriguing aspect to watch unfold.