Los Angeles Lakers 2023-24 Season Preview and Betting Odds

October 19, 2023

The 2022 Los Angeles Lakers, with aspirations of winning a championship, had quite a disappointing season, finishing with just 33 wins and 49 losses, missing both the play-in berth and the playoffs. The team quickly realized the need for a change in leadership and parted ways with head coach Frank Vogel after the season. The season was ruined by significant health issues, with a franchise-high 41 different starting lineups due to injuries.

LeBron James and Anthony Davis missed a combined 68 games, while potential starter Kendrick Nunn and other key role players were also sidelined. Despite these challenges, the team struggling on both ends of the court, they finished 22nd in offensive efficiency and 21st in defensive efficiency, a complete contrast to their previous seasons under Vogel. The team failed to replicate the chemistry that LeBron and Davis had in their earlier seasons together, and their performance remained inconsistent.

Despite the overall disappointment, some bright spots emerged from young players like Austin Reaves, Malik Monk, Talen Horton-Tucker, Stanley Johnson, and Wenyen Gabriel. LeBron James had an impressive season, averaging 30.3 points per game, while Anthony Davis posted solid numbers despite injuries limiting his playing time. In summary, the Lakers’ 2022 season was marked by injuries, a lack of chemistry, and disappointing performances, leading to a coaching change and a critical offseason ahead.

The Los Angeles Lakers had a rough start to the 2022-23 offseason but managed to turn things around. They made a significant impact at the trade deadline, acquiring players like D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Malik Beasley, leading to a postseason run. However, their Cinderella story came to an end when they were defeated by the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals. Despite their challenges, the Lakers remain championship contenders due to their star power, and a proactive front office.

Offseason Moves

The 2023 offseason saw several key additions, including Gabe Vincent, Christian Wood, Taurean Prince, and Cam Reddish, enhancing the team’s potential. These acquisitions aim to strengthen the Lakers’ offensive capabilities and provide insurance against potential injuries to LeBron and Davis. Vincent, in particular, was pursued by several teams before joining the Lakers, while Wood’s signing was a very cost-effective move. The Lakers have significantly improved their roster, making them a force in the league. They have the potential to emerge as one of the NBA’s top rebounding teams, a crucial aspect of winning games.

Adding players like Gabe Vincent, who showcased his scoring ability with the Miami Heat, and D’Angelo Russell, known for his scoring and playmaking, provides the Lakers with a more dynamic and versatile offense. With the ability to create scoring opportunities, the Lakers are prepared to excel in high-scoring games and maintain consistency at the offense. The Lakers also added promising rookies Jalen Hood-Schifino and Maxwell Lewis to improve their depth.

These skilled players are expected to contribute on both ends of the floor, strengthening the team’s quest for the 2023-24 championship. The Lakers have strategically enhanced their roster and are all set to make a comeback yet again in the NBA.