Lakers Preview Team Chapter: Repairing the lineup around Doncic and making a smooth transition to the James era

Last season review

The Lakers achieved a record of 50 wins and 32 losses last season and were eliminated 4-1 by the Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs. Compared with the final results, the historically heavy-duty deals that occurred in the season are more critical and important. The team gave out chips such as Thick Eyebrow, Christie, and the first round, and exchanged from the Mavericks back to Doncic, the core team building in the next ten years. This deal sets the tone for the team's future and makes the first round of the playoffs look less frustrating.

Offseason operation

Contract extension: Doncic renews contract early, James and Hayes execute player options

New players supplement: Ayton, Laravia, Smart

Draft: Adu Tiero (6th pick in the second round)

Player loss: Finney Smith, Goodwin, Ryan, Sheik Milton, Markieff Morris

Two-way contract: Nick Smith Jr., Kolok, Chris Manon

After having a new team-building core, the Lakers' offseason operations revolve around Doncic. Their first signing in the free market after opening the free market was Laravia, who scored 12 million in two years and was very accurate in three-pointers; then he signed Ayton, who was 27 years old; the last signing was used on former DOPY defender Smart. With limited operating space, the Lakers have maximized the urgently needed three-point shooting range, center vacancy and outside defense capabilities, which are extremely targeted. Especially Ayton and Smart, both players were finally admitted to the lake after Doncic's strong lobbying. With gains and losses, the Lakers also lost Finney Smith, who played the most stable in the 3D indicator last season, who joined the Rockets with a contract of 52.71 million for 4 years. The amount and age of this contract are currently the ones that the Lakers are unable to bid for.

After the signing work was completed, the Lakers reached a three-year, 161 million early contract renewal with Doncic as they wished. This contract will extend the cooperation between the two parties to 2028 (28-29 season player option), adding a security plug to the future of both parties.

Of course, James and Reeves have to mention it too. James executed 52.63 million player options in the offseason and entered his 23rd season of his career as a Lakers player. This will be James' eighth season with the Lakers and possibly the last. Reeves, without surprise, rejected the largest contract renewal of the Lakers, which is currently available, which makes his prospects for the team in the new season not clear. The Lakers like Reeves very much, but after owning Doncic, it may not be wise to provide Reeves with an annual salary of 3,500-4,000. If the team struggles in the new season or has a suitable trading goal, Reeves may become a key trading chip.

In addition, the Lakers also offered a contract extension to head coach Redick, who just finished his rookie season. This contract will continue the cooperation between the two parties until the end of the 2029-30 season. This operation is surprising: his contract with the Lakers is even longer than Doncic. However, this also indirectly proves that he has fully won the recognition of the team's management and Doncic in his short time.

New season lineup:

defenders: Doncic, Vincent, Reeves, Smart, Brownie, Nick Smith Jr. (two-way), Chris Mannon (two-way)

Forwards: James, Haymura, Vanderbilt, Laravia, Kneckett, Thiero, Cleber

Centers: Ayton, Hays, Krock (two-way)

New season preview

Overall, this season will be a turning point for the Lakers: Doncic and the team are about to experience the first full season, James' 23rd season in his career, and the season he ends after his first contract, Reeves refused to renew his contract, and former No. 1 pick Ayton was eager to save his career... The interweaving of certainty and uncertain factors makes the Lakers' new season full of highlights.

The Lakers trust head coach Redick 100%, and he may be the biggest X-factor for the team in the new season. Doncic, James and Reeves, the three ball holders, can guarantee the basic balance of the Lakers' offensive end, but the scheduling of the team's lineup and the use of new players are the biggest challenges for Redick: the use of Ayton and Smart, the choice of the last player in the starting lineup, the matching of the defensive end, etc. will all be problems that will cause him a headache at the beginning of the season. In the series against the Timberwolves, Redick almost lost control of the lineup, and once there was a situation where the five-man lineup played the second half and suffered a defeat in the final quarter. The Lakers have a complete offseason running-in in the new season. Whether Redick, who is more calm after experiencing the rookie season, can play his strengths and avoid his weaknesses and play this hand well will be the key to the Lakers.

Record& Ranking Forecast

Generally speaking, teams at the turning point will experience a period of pain, but this should not be the case for the Lakers. Doncic and James can guarantee the ball-holding core of the basic set. Reeves is also stable and efficient in the regular season. As long as they remain healthy, there is no need to worry about the Lakers' regular season record. Last season, the Lakers have won 50 wins, and it is likely that they can still win similar games in the new season. If Doncic scores his weight and plays at the peak of his career, and Ayton and other new players can be successfully integrated, they can even go to a higher level. But it must be admitted that the Lakers, who currently have obvious shortcomings, may still be struggling in the playoffs.

Lakers Player Chapter: Doncic hopes to return to the battle for James and Xiaoli to be unknown. Ayton's rescue battle

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