According to Sports Illustrated, Anthony Davis has expressed his distaste for playing center position. He would much rather stick to power forward, but he understands that it may not always be possible depending on the team’s needs. It’s likely that Darvin Ham will continue to utilize Davis as a center in certain situations where a smaller lineup is necessary. Davis will need to handle these situations with maturity and professionalism.
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The issue of D’Angelo Russell’s future with the Lakers continues to cause a stir. Despite being given another chance, rumors of a possible trade still persist. The 27-year-old needs to step up and show his worth this season if he hopes to stay with the team. Fans haven’t forgotten his lackluster performance in the Western Conference Finals, so it’s important for him to prove his consistency and silence his detractors.
The Lakers have a lot of players to integrate into their team. Along with the four main players, there’s a list of other notable names that Ham is considering. This group includes Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, Cam Reddish, Jaxson Hayes, Taurean Prince, Max Christie, and Christian Wood. While Hachimura and Vanderbilt have had some time to get used to the Lakers’ system, the newcomers will also have to fit in seamlessly. It’s important for everyone on the team to mesh well together if they want to succeed.
The Lakers are facing the same question as previous years, who will be their third superstar? While some may think of D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves as potential candidates, consistency is crucial. Russell showed some effectiveness last season but failed to contribute to the team’s success in the Western Conference Finals. Meanwhile, Reaves has been a surprise and has gained popularity, earning him a spot on Team USA for the 2023 FIBA World Cup. To dominate the upcoming NBA season, LeBron James and Anthony Davis must stay healthy. James, even at almost 39 years old, remains one of the league’s best players, but his presence on the court is necessary. Davis, on the other hand, has yet to play a full 82 regular season games since joining the league in 2012. The Lakers must also prepare to play without James, proving that their talent acquisition is not in vain. If they can address these issues, the Lakers could be a dominant force in the 2023-24 NBA season.