LOS ANGELES LAKERS
Last season: 43-39, reached Western Conference finals
Coach: Darvin Ham (2nd season with Lakers, 43-39)
What to expect: After making several big changes to a struggling team at the last trade deadline and subsequently streaking into the NBA's final four, the Lakers decided they didn’t need their annual roster overhaul. GM Rob Pelinka largely tried to maintain continuity around James and Anthony Davis this time around. As a result, they appear to have their most cohesive roster since their championship season in 2020. Los Angeles re-signed Davis, Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt, keeping together most of the role players who clicked superbly around the two superstars from March onward. The new roster mix is deep, balanced and versatile. Reaves returns as the starting shooting guard with a new contract and more confidence from his impressive international play. Hachimura and Vanderbilt are likely to compete for the fifth starting spot at small forward. But as always since their arrival in Hollywood, the health of James and Davis will determine whether the Lakers are a contender for the franchise's 18th title.
Departures: Dennis Schröder, Malik Beasley, Lonnie Walker, Troy Brown Jr., Wenyen Gabriel
Additions: Gabe Vincent, Jaxson Hayes, Taurean Prince, Cam Reddish, Christian Wood, Jalen Hood-Schifino
Player to watch: Russell. The much-traveled point guard excelled after rejoining the Lakers, but was relegated to a minor role in the conference finals against Denver after ineffective play. He still re-signed with LA, and Ham confidently declared Russell his starting point guard before training camp began, even with the Lakers’ addition of Vincent. The 27-year-old Russell knows he has his best opportunity yet to reach his full NBA potential, and he spent the offseason working on his defensive shortcomings.
Season opener: At Denver on Oct. 24.
FanDuel Sportsbook NBA title odds: +1300
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