The Los Angeles Lakers hosted their Media Day on Monday, kicking off a new, rejuvenated season after exiting the Western Conference Finals. Though last year’s performance exceeded expectations, this year’s team has larger goals: bring home banner #18.
1. Championship Mentality
The Lakers are no strangers to success, and this year’s squad—led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis, as well as Head Coach Darvin Ham—is more than ready for their next chance.
“There’s no mistake about what our goal is, but you can’t talk about and constantly focus on the destination without first embarking on the journey,” Ham said. “We can’t skip any steps. The work we put in every day is going to take us to where we need to get to. The short-term responsibilities, work, [and] continuity is going to create the long-term success we’re looking for.”
Returning Players’ Perspective
The Lakers prioritized continuity heading into the summer and got it, re-signing the majority of last season’s core to new contracts and extensions. The players recognize what’s at stake, and are hungry to take advantage from the jump.
“We don’t put pressure on ourselves,” Davis said. “We go out and compete at the highest level…We do what we’re supposed to do and get 1% better every day.”
“This is the first time since the 2020 run that we’re returning a team,” James said. “I’m excited about us returning our core and bringing in a lot of very, very, very good players…but it takes work.”
Davis noted that such continuity has brought the team a step ahead heading into training camp.
Austin Reaves, continuing his momentum after a sensational summer, is confident in LA’s chances.
“From 1 to 14, I believe we have the most talented roster in the NBA.” And I stand by it. It’ll be exciting to get started and see what we can achieve.”
The Newcomers Are Prepared
Aside from the returners, the players acquired during LA’s successful summer are well-versed in the task at hand.
“To be around that [championship] standard every day…and must be about that every day, that will enhance the level of how I carry myself,” Taurean Prince stated. “Not only the ball player I become, but the man I become as well.”
Gabe Vincent, coming off of Miami’s Finals run, says the “Heat Culture” prepared him well for LA.
“I played with guys who can take over a game, and that can be off-putting to some players,” he said. “But we have a number of talented guys here who can score the ball and do a number of things very well. I’m looking forward to complementing each and every one of them, and helping this team win.”
All of the Lakers’ signees echoed their constant communication with Ham and Pelinka as key factors in their decisions. They all had an idea of how they could help the team and what their respective roles could look like. Establishing that trust early is a laudable move by the Lakers brass.
“Coach Ham and Rob were really big on me coming in here and playing the type of basketball I’d like to play,” said Jaxson Hayes. “Some games I may start, others I may not.” But all I want to do is be the man who gives a lot of energy to the team.”
From the core players who drove them last season to the new guys coming along for the journey, this year’s club is upbeat about the path ahead.
2. LeBron and Anthony Davis: More than ever, we are locked in.
LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, the Lakers’ two pillars, have come into this season with a chip on their shoulders and plenty of motivation.
LeBron James
LeBron is entering his 21st season but preparing for it like it’s his first, according to Pelinka.
“There has been nothing but an increase in seeing that here. To me, it’s, ‘Let’s be about it, let’s not talk about it.’ He’s definitely been about it this offseason.” -Rob Pelinka (via The Athletic)
James noted that his focus and passion are keys to his success entering year 21.
“Understanding the ones that came before me, respecting the history of the game, and also understanding that if you want to be great at something, you’ve got to put in the work,” he said.
Lakers’ LeBron James: “I’m going to dedicate this season to Bronny because of the incident that happened this summer.” pic.twitter.com/iz77lT56Tn
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) October 2, 2023
The Athletic’s Jovan Buha added that, despite James’s optimism heading into camp, the Lakers will be monitoring his minutes throughout the season:
“The Lakers are planning to manage James’ minutes and offensive workload more than in years past, and Pelinka cited the team’s depth as a way to do that. Ham said the franchise is aiming to be more efficient with James’ ‘game-to-game minutes, the big picture, month-to-month, different sections in the calendar.’”
During his media availability, James also revealed that he is playing for more. He’s dedicated his twenty-first year to his son, USC guard Bronny James, who is recovering from a heart attack.
Anthony Davis Davis has signed a three-year, $186 million contract deal with the Lakers, which went smoothly.
Davis’ strength and explosiveness were highlighted as offseason priorities by Darvin Ham, who added, “He’s only 30 years old. So he still has a long road ahead of him in terms of how he can manage this organization and maybe put some more banners up here.”
Davis also mentioned the increased work on his jump shot, a key skill he wanted to bring back into his offensive game. AD has already established himself as a threat in the paint, so he’s doing what he can to remind everyone he’s productive outside of it, too.
3. Sacrifice
A continuing theme expressed by every Laker is the need for “sacrifice.” So far, the team has gelled well enough to understand that principle and its importance.
Anthony Davis says that the Lakers’ commitment to continuity – bringing back the core of last season’s WCF team, minus Dennis Schroder – makes him feel like the team has a “head start” on this season
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) October 2, 2023
Rising sophomore Max Christie offered his perspective on the newfound camaraderie.
“In these team workouts and group workouts, there’s a lot of chemistry with everybody,” Christie said. “Everybody knows their role and everybody wants to play their role to excellence.”
The newer players have already bought into that ideal.
Prince, entering his eighth season, noted how it took a few years to adjust to his “3-and-D role” in the league after being “the guy” at Baylor.
“Now, being who I am and knowing who I am, and what it means to be a team guy, that brings me to….being an all-around tool,” he said. “And trying to make things happen at all times while I’m on the floor.”
“Whatever [my role] is, I’m going to do that,” Cam Reddish said. “I’ve learned that over the years. Growing up, [I’ve realized] I can’t just do what I want to do all the time. Then it’s being impactful…Being a pest defensively, and being aggressive and assertive [offensively]. If I do those things, I’ll be successful.”
Christian Wood added that while he’s uncertain of his current role, he remains ready as a winning player.
“Whatever it’s gonna be, I’m ready to help this team win as many games as possible,” he said. “My main thing is [to] get to the playoffs. I want to win games. I want to get to the end goal, which is a championship. Starting, coming off the bench, it doesn’t matter. Darvin told me I’m going to play a big role for this team, so I’m excited for that.”
4. Breakouts and Bounce Backs
Finally, among all of the Lakers players, there are some returners and new faces ready for big contributions next season.
LeBron confirmed that he's been working out with Rui Hachimura throughout the offseason: "I see a lot in him. I see his potential, not only for him individually but also for our ball club. I call him my Daniel son and I'm Mr. Miagi."
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) October 2, 2023
Breakout Candidates
Rui Hachimura, by all accounts, is poised for a stellar season, notably spending the whole summer with LeBron.
Hachimura is coming off of his second postseason, where he averaged 12.2 points on .557/.487/.882 splits. He put pen to paper on a three-year, $71 million deal, and is ready to thrive in any situation, an ability he flashed at various points throughout last year.
Reaves, entering his third season, will reportedly be tasked with more facilitating duties to balance LeBron’s offensive workload. Both Ham and Pelinka held high praises for the 25 year old, with Pelinka saying:
“He uniquely has that sort of Mamba gene, where it’s all about the work, it’s about playing competitive on every play, it’s about being a great teammate, not caring about the personal accolades but just the team winning.”
Bounce Back Players
D’Angelo Russell, who was recently named the team’s starting point guard, is ready to silence the doubters and get back to contributing at a high level.
“We didn’t finish the way we wanted to, so to get the opportunity to come back and start where we left off is a privilege, and something I’m appreciative of,” Russell said.
Rui on starting vs. coming off the bench: "Each game is different. Even last year, we changed a lot of starting lineups after I got traded. We just gotta adjust. For me, playing time is more important. I want to finish the game. Whatever the coaches decide, I'm here for."
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) October 2, 2023
Russell is equally appreciative of Ham’s proclamation that he would start heading into the year.
“Any words of encouragement from your head coach is always appreciated as a player,” he said. “To have that trust in me is something that I see [and am] appreciative [of]. Don’t want to let him down.”
And Wood, like Russell, hopes to put recent criticisms to rest. Though he had productive seasons in the past, they came with numerous issues defensively and other problems off the court.
“There [are] a lot of false narratives out there about me,” he stated. “I have a lot to prove, and this is probably one of my most motivated seasons since being undrafted.”
The Final Say on the Lakers
Despite increased competition in the NBA, the Lakers have a perfect opportunity to reassert their dominance. The sky is the limit for the 2023-24 Lakers, who are led by one of the game’s superstars and a top-tier power forward, as well as a superb supporting cast.